Save the Children holds child rights, leadership camp for Dumagat youth

By Nimfa L. Estrellado A Dumagat youth performs during a cultural presentation at the two-day “Camp Salitsari” activity under the STRIDES P...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

A Dumagat youth performs during a cultural presentation at the two-day “Camp Salitsari” activity under the STRIDES Project of Save the Children in General Nakar, Quezon. (General Nakar LGU)

GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon - Indigenous children from Barangay San Marcelino in General Nakar joined a youth development and child protection program for Dumagat communities. Limited access to social services in isolated upland areas continues to push local governments and aid groups to expand outreach activities across Quezon Province.

STRIDES Project Coordinator Marlyn Anicete led the two-day “Camp Salitsari” activity under the STRIDES Project of Save the Children at Malachi Hotel and Restaurant in Barangay Comon. The camp trained participating indigenous youth on child rights, leadership, and cultural identity.



Sessions tackled child protection, indigenous rights, leadership, and community participation among Dumagat youth. Storytelling sessions, team activities, and cultural presentations drew children into discussions about traditions practiced in their communities.

Food packs, school supplies, and small gifts reached participants during the two-day event. Group games and public speaking activities pushed children to speak before fellow participants and work together during workshops.

Anicete said the activity gave indigenous children safer spaces where they could build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and better understand their rights within their communities. She added that the camp also sought to preserve Dumagat traditions and strengthen cooperation among indigenous youth.

“Our goal is to make indigenous children feel that their voices matter and that their culture should be protected and respected. Programs like this also help them build confidence so they can participate more actively in their communities,” Anicete said.

Anicete also said many indigenous children in remote communities rarely gain access to activities focused on leadership development and child protection. Outreach programs remain important in helping Dumagat youth connect with community services.

“These kinds of programs have a significant impact on indigenous children, especially in communities with limited access to basic services. It is important for them to continue receiving opportunities to learn, participate, and strengthen their confidence,” Anicete said.

Programs involving indigenous youth have increasingly become part of broader child welfare efforts in remote communities across Quezon Province. Local governments and partner organizations continue expanding outreach activities in areas where access to education, health care, and social support remains limited.

In his remarks, Mayor Alfredo J. Pujeda said the municipal government would continue supporting programs that protect the welfare and future of indigenous children in the town. He said partnerships with organizations and volunteers remain necessary in reaching geographically isolated communities in General Nakar.

“Patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga programang nagbibigay proteksyon at oportunidad sa mga kabataang katutubo sa ating bayan. Mahalaga na maramdaman nila na hindi sila napapabayaan at kasama sila sa pag-unlad ng ating komunidad,” Pujeda said.

Pujeda also said indigenous communities remain among the sectors requiring sustained government support and outreach services in the municipality. He added that programs centered on youth welfare and education help strengthen Dumagat communities in remote areas.

“Naniniwala tayo na mahalagang mabigyan ng tamang gabay at suporta ang mga kabataang katutubo upang mas mapalakas ang kanilang kinabukasan. Patuloy na makikipagtulungan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa iba’t ibang sektor para maprotektahan ang kanilang karapatan at kapakanan,” Pujeda added.

SK Chairman Denver Buendicho led the participation of indigenous youth from Barangay San Marcelino during the activity. Local Youth Development Officer and Municipal Information Officer Cris S. Astoveza attended the event as representative of Pujeda.

Municipal Administrator Christine Perez supervised the distribution of assistance to participating children and youth. Support personnel and volunteers also handled logistical preparations and camp activities throughout the two-day program.

Final presentations and cultural performances capped the two-day activity at the camp venue in Barangay Comon. Local officials and partner organizations said similar outreach programs for indigenous youth would continue in remote communities across General Nakar.