Pagpati'ut - Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

In all Barangays, the percentage of unschooled respondents is quite high.
The interviews and FGDs revealed that there are Madrasah schools in
some Barangays (e.g. Masjid Pujungan , Silangkan, and Punay). However,
in the Philippine liberal-capitalist economy, the Madrasah/ Madaris schools
can only complement the mainstream formal schools, and has no added
advantage if one intends to secure a job in the mainstream capitalist
market within the country.
R E S E A R C H L O C A L E
5. Social mobilization. Membership to organizations (CSOs, NGOs,
‘peaceful’ (Silangkan and Punay) claimed high interest in joining civil
society organizations; the other Barangays also claim interest but are
more restrained, obviously coming from a not-so-positive experience
should not be a one-shot deal, there has to be sustainability, the people
must be united).
All respondents, however, claim that the clan/ family can best protect and
articulate their needs and hence, there is no urgent and compelling reason
to create organizations.
6. Source of income. Majority of respondents rely on farming as their
small businesses such as putting up sari-sari stores or peddling goods,
usually food (rice cakes, banana cue, etc.). Livelihood through regular
employment (salaries) is uncommon mainly due to the absence of
business establishments in the areas studied. Notably, a strong majority of
the respondents feel that they have no access to capital to jumpstart their
own business, except for respondents from Punay Poblacion. (It’s reported
that the municipal mayor provides start-up capital for those who wish to
put up their business, provided that the municipal government closely
monitors these.)
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