Once a rebel stronghold, the central Negros community of Sitio Madaha, where some residents are indigenous people (IP), continues to thrive with multi-sectoral support in their journey towards self-sufficient future.

Situated about 15 kilometers from the city proper of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, the mountainous sitio, which is part of the vast Barangay Buenavista, benefits from the monitoring, mentoring, and collaborative empowerment interventions that began in 2022.

These initiatives are led by the Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), and Association of Negros Producers (ANP), whose Project Tikang team visited the community on Feb. 8.

“Tikang” is a Hiligaynon term that means to take a step or to walk over.

ANP external affairs head Sybel Nobleza said on Tuesday they have made progress but the work in Sitio Madaha is far from over as they actively seek partners who share the vision and will help advocate in delivering the critical needs and bring lasting solutions to the concerns of the remote community.

“We won’t rest until Sitio Madaha is fully equipped to tackle their biggest challenges like road improvements and access to electricity,” she added.

The ANP has assisted in the intensive capacity building for the Madaha Hand Weavers Association that allowed the sitio’s tikog (reed grass) weavers to earn sustainable income and gain a wider market for handcrafted products displayed at the Obra Negrense Showroom and showcased in national events such as the Department of Trade and Industry’s Likha and the ANP’s Negros Trade Fair.

Students are equipped with vital skills and trained in leadership through the Youth Empowerment Program spearheaded by HBONI.

The youth volunteers also distributed raincoats and lunch boxes and led inspiring storytelling sessions and group games for children.

Partners LN Agustin Farms Inc. and Shekinah Foundation provided training on agricultural productivity and health preparedness, respectively.

Bantay Bukid volunteers and barangay health workers of Sitio Madaha and the neighboring Sitio Bulasot underwent a comprehensive first aid responder training.

In a statement, 94IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban said Sitio Madaha stands as “a powerful testament to the transformative impact of development, driven and sustained by the strength and empowerment of its own people”.

“Sitio Madaha is a breathtaking hidden gem within Barangay Buenavista, where the purity of nature meets the vibrant, enduring traditions of the IP,” he added. (PNA)