Badjao are known as “Sea Gypsies” or Sea Nomads”. They are an ethnic group found along the shores of Mindanao, Borneo, Celebes and Indonesia. A majority of the Badjaos practice Islam. They are recognized for their artistically-woven, colorful sails. The Badjaos lived in stilt-houses along the coastlines. Originally they live off the sea by trading and fishing.
Today, the Badjaos have scattered all throughout the country. In Davao City, Badjaos, have been spotted asking for alms along the city’s busy streets. Some of them have engaged in buying and selling of pre-loved and imitation shoes. Some of the Badjao have start to form communities along the shores. On of these communities is the Badjao Community Association of Matina Aplaya Inc.
The association started with the guidance of Pastor Felicisimo “Jun” Morales. Pastor Jun, together with his wife, lived with the Badjao in Isla Verde for more than 8 years.
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The association was established with the purpose of becoming a model among the populace of the badjao community. The association started with roughly 35 families. Now they more than 500 members of the community.
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Location: Matina Aplaya, Davao City
Community Head: Lolita Adjari
Contact Person: Melody Adjari
Details: 0905726413
Social Media Page: click the logo to open link
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As a community they promote different livelihood programs among their members; they also implement literacy programs for adults and pre-school children; health and family planning are also fundamental in their program in coordination with the local government; the community also conducts and facilitates training for the development and preservation of their cultural heritage; lastly, they engage in the environmental rehabilitation and preservation along the coastline.
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Programs and Services
Residents
Residential-Based
The Badjao of Matina Aplaya has more than 700 individuals from 174 families. An estimate of 99 students are enrolled in Matina Aplaya Elementary Schooling.
Sectoral Data
Education Facilities Near the Institution
Iskul Panganaran Saga Badjao (Alternative Learning School within the community)
Matina Aplaya Elementary School (outside of the community)
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Health Facilities Near the Institution
Barangay Matina Aplaya Health Clinic. Ang sagaran sakit sa amoang miyembro kay kalingtura, kalibanga ug kinahanglan purgahon.
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Livelihood-Source of the Institution
Fishing, ambulant vending
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Socio-Cultural Information
Badjau
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State of the Environment
Sometimes the wastes in the community are not properly disposed of.
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Existing Organizations
BAMAI (Badjau of Matina Aplaya Incorporation) President: Goldam Turani
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Records of Past Interventions
Ateneo provided waste segregation materials to maintain the cleanliness of our community.
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Challenges and Needs
What common problems/pressing issues found in the community/institution?
Basic needs especially food. Because of the lockdown amoang mga miyembro nawala ang negosyo ug capital. gi baligya ilahang negosyo ug gipalit nalang pagkaon.
Medicine such as paracetamol, pampurga, pang bandage para sa samad ug first aid kit.
Ang amoang mga istudyante kinhanglan pud unta gadgets sama sa laptop kay magsugiod na ang klase.
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How can the partnership (between ADDU JHS and the community) assist in the implementation of possible intervention?
It depends on you what or how you would like to assist. Pero ang mas maayo jud kay magpa utang para capital sa negosyo kay nalugi o gibaligya na ang mga ukay-ukay na gamit sa mga miyembro diri.
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How can the community/institution assist the ADDU JHS students?
We can communicate through online chat.
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Name and designation of the person who answered this form?
Melody Adjari, ALS teacher