MSSD Minister Atty. Jajurie Discusses Layag Bajau Program on ANC’s Business Roadshow

COTABATO CITY (June 2, 2024) — In a recent interview on ANC’s Business Roadshow, Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, the Minister of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), unveiled the ambitious Layag Bajau Program. This landmark initiative aims to provide comprehensive and integrated social services to the Bajau or Sama-Dilaot families within BARMM.

“We have just launched the program of Layag Bajau, which is our landmark program, this program provides holistic assistance to what we call Badjao or Sama Dilaot families,” Minister Jajurie announced.

“It would include provision of seed capital and also case management for the household, based on the Bangsamoro Organic Law,”
she added.

The program is a response to the unique challenges faced by the Bajau, a traditionally nomadic community often living in houseboats and facing difficulties in accessing government services due to their lifestyle. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the Bajau population at 67,902 in the 2020 census, but the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MIPA) suggests the number could be higher, highlighting their significant marginalization.

Minister Jajurie emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that respects the Bajau’s cultural heritage.

“It’s not just about their socio-economic conditions. Housing programs have placed them on land, but many prefer their traditional lifestyle on water. We must address their extreme poverty, discrimination, health vulnerabilities, and lack of legal documentation, which limits their access to government services,” she said.

The Layag Bajau program aims to address these issues through case management, where social workers assess and coordinate necessary interventions. The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) has initiatives for indigenous education, and the Health Ministry offers programs for the most marginalized.

While international engagement is limited due to BARMM’s sub-regional status, the ultimate goal of the Layag Bajau Program is to empower the Sama-Sama-Dilaut community.

“We are working to ensure that beyond the livelihood interventions, they can access education, health services, and other things to help a better level of well-being and can assert their rights just like any other constituent of the Bangsamoro Government,” Minister Jajurie said.

The Layag Bajau program represents a significant step towards inclusivity and equity within the Bangsamoro region, aligning with the broader goals of the BOL to uplift all citizens. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)