BROOKE’S POINT, Palawan — The DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) features an Indigenous People (IP) leader from Palawan in celebration of the National Women’s Month 2022.

Nokraya Phuto, a former 4Ps beneficiary, is a member of Palaw’an Tribe in Sitio. Babanga, Brgy. Malis, Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

Through the efforts and determination of Nokraya, more members of Palaw’an Tribe now avail health services, especially pre and post-natal care.

“Dati hindi po ganoon kadami ang aktibidad na nagagawa ng mga kababaihan. Ngayon mas aktibo na po sila sa pagpapa-aral ng kanilang mga anak. Nangunguna na po ang mga kababaihan”, said Nokraya when asked how she sees progress among her fellow tribe members.

According to Juanita Ducao, Rural Health Worker of Malis, Brooke’s Point, the Palaw’an are aloof of going to the health center but with the encouragement of Nokraya, more IP members now avail health services.

Moreover, Barangay Chairman Singhe Onsing said that before the IP women in their community are not that aware of the health services available for them and most of them chooses to give birth at home.

“Dati po halos wala kami maintindihan noong wala pa ang Pantawid Pamilya. Pero ngayon, mas lalong naiintindihan na po namin dahil sa mga turo sa Family Development Session (FDS) sa amin ng aming Municipal Link”, added by Nokraya.

The 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) endeavors to highlight the gains achieved for women and girls, assess actions towards gender equality and look forward to steps that must be taken to ensure progress in empowering women. With the country still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and data show that the health crisis stalled movements towards gender equality, worsening inequalities, further exposing gender gaps, and exacerbating vulnerabilities in social and political, and economic aspects. (https://pcw.gov.ph/2022-national-womens-month-celebration/)