VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MALAPATAN, SARANGANI — The Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines Inc. (TRICAP), together with government, corporate and hospitality partners, brought humanitarian assistance to 250 calamity-affected families in Malapatan, Sarangani on August 19 through Project Kapwa.

Led by TRICAP National President Bae Limpayen Jennifer Pia Limpayen Sibug-Las, the humanitarian team conducted relief operations at the evacuation site in San Roque, Poblacion, where 250 families received relief goods following recent calamities that affected communities in the municipality.

The mission was undertaken in partnership with Apo View Hotel, Eurotel, Hotel Sogo of the Global Comfort Group, the NCIP Region XII Medical Team, Ramosco and GOODERA.

The participation of the NCIP Region XII Medical Team under the leadership of Regional Director Datu Joey Bogay and Sarangani Provincial Officer, Luciano Lumancas added a critical health component to the humanitarian response, bringing medical assistance closer to affected families at the evacuation site.

Prior to the relief operation, the Project Kapwa team paid a courtesy visit to Malapatan Mayor Salway “Jun” Sumbo Jr. at his office to coordinate with the local government and discuss the situation of affected communities.

The team was also assisted by Indigenous Peoples leaders and local partners, including Datu  Jaime Lantingan and Malapatan Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Fulong Titus Mandalo.

For TRICAP, the initiative represents more than the distribution of relief goods. It reflects the organization’s continuing commitment to Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable communities and its belief in the Filipino value of kapwa—the recognition that communities must stand together during times of crisis.

“Project Kapwa is about standing with communities when they need us most. Humanitarian assistance becomes more meaningful when government, civil society, the private sector and communities work together with compassion and dignity,” Sibug-Las said.

The initiative also demonstrates the value of cross-sector partnerships in disaster response. TRICAP said the collaboration among Indigenous Peoples organizations, government agencies, private institutions, hospitality establishments, corporate volunteers and humanitarian partners enabled the team to bring assistance directly to families in an evacuation setting.

Sibug-Las expressed appreciation to all Project Kapwa partners, particularly Apo View Hotel, Eurotel, Hotel Sogo of the Global Comfort Group, NCIP Region XII Medical Team, Ramosco and GOODERA, for supporting the humanitarian mission.

TRICAP also thanked the Municipality of Malapatan and its Indigenous Peoples representatives for facilitating the team’s engagement with affected families.

Project Kapwa forms part of TRICAP’s broader advocacy of “Strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Voices from Roots to Rights,” extending the organization’s work beyond advocacy and representation toward community-based humanitarian action.

The organization said it will continue to work with partners and local communities in responding to the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable sectors, particularly during emergencies and disasters.