Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Local Governance Initiatives for the Inclusion of the Sama Dilaut in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Abstract

Ensuring that marginalized Sama Dilaut communities benefit from local government initiatives is critical to their identity, cultural preservation and political empowerment. This study investigates how local government units promote inclusive and participatory governance to improve the welfare of the Sama Dilaut in Tawi-Tawi amid persistent insecurity and sociopolitical marginalization. Using a qualitative research design, data were gathered through key informant interviews with 25 purposively selected local elective and appointive officials and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results indicate that the institutionalization of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), documentation, and access to government housing programs have directly benefited Sama Dilaut communities, reflecting Local Government Units’ proactive role in fostering collaborative governance. The study highlights the importance of co-created governance approaches that prioritize Sama Dilaut voices and needs.
Findings reveal that Sama Dilaut have limited or uneven participation in governance, implying that legal and cultural barriers, selective placement of beneficiaries, and the unilateral design of housing projects continue to exclude the Sama Dilaut from inclusion and planning processes, thereby undermining their identity, recognition, accessibility and participation.
Addressing power imbalance and bridging the gap between LGUs and Sama Dilaut communities, local policymakers and government institutions should adopt culturally sensitive, community-based strategies that prioritize meaningful engagement, cultural relevance, and inclusive decision-making. Such approaches can promote recognition, participation and accessibility, ensuring more responsive equitable governance.