ILIGAN VISION 2050
PILLAR #13 – PROVIDING ACCURATE OPPORTUNITIES TO EVERY ILIGANON
Iligan City, located in the northern part of Mindanao, has always been a city with tremendous potential. Known for its rich natural resources, thriving industries, and bustling community, the city has been a beacon of opportunity for many. However, there remains a segment of the population that has been left behind in the process of growth and development: the marginalized groups. These groups include women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the LGBTQIA+ community, the impoverished, the youth, and indigenous peoples. These sectors, despite their potential, have long been overlooked and underrepresented, causing significant barriers to their social, economic, and political participation.
THE EXISTING CHALLENGE
It is not that these sectors lack the ability to succeed or contribute to the community; the problem lies in the lack of opportunity provided to them. Government services, funding, and support structures often fail to reach these communities. Policies and programs designed to foster growth and development are not adequately inclusive, leaving many individuals without the resources they need to thrive. In many cases, these individuals are left behind, not because of their incapacity or worthlessness, but because of systemic exclusion. The harsh reality is that for these marginalized groups, opportunities remain scarce and elusive.
Women, for example, continue to face significant challenges in accessing employment, education, and healthcare services, often because of ingrained gender biases. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) often face discrimination, and despite laws intended to protect their rights, they are still largely excluded from mainstream society. The LGBTQIA+ community faces the same societal prejudices, making it difficult for them to secure stable jobs, healthcare, and a life of dignity.
The youth, too, are often excluded, not just because of age, but because of a lack of resources or opportunities tailored to their needs and aspirations. Indigenous peoples, on the other hand, continue to battle the erosion of their culture, identity, and ancestral lands. For them, modern policies rarely consider their needs or their historical ties to the land, leaving them with few avenues to develop their communities.
The lack of inclusivity in policy-making has, over time, normalized the exclusion of these groups. It is common for them to be the first to lose their jobs in times of crisis or recession, to be the last in line for aid, or to be forgotten in government plans. The system has failed to provide equitable opportunities, and this failure has perpetuated the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and exclusion.
WHY INCLUSION IS IMPORTANT
Inclusion is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic and social necessity. When a society or community excludes a significant portion of its population, it loses out on a wealth of talent, creativity, and potential. By ensuring that every Iliganon has access to opportunities, we can harness the collective power of all the city’s residents, leading to stronger economic growth, social stability, and a more just society.
The marginalization of certain groups results in underutilized human capital. Women, for instance, represent more than half of the population, yet their contributions to the workforce and society are often undervalued. PWDs, too, have abilities and talents that, when properly supported, can contribute significantly to the city’s development. The LGBTQIA+ community, with its unique perspectives and experiences, has much to offer if given the right platforms. Indigenous peoples hold valuable knowledge about sustainable practices and local ecosystems, knowledge that is crucial in today’s age of environmental uncertainty.
When these groups are given the opportunity to thrive, it benefits the entire community. Inclusivity leads to more diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, more innovative solutions to complex problems, and stronger social cohesion. For Iligan to truly progress, it must focus on bridging the gap of inequality and provide all its citizens with access to opportunities.
CHANGING THE STATUS QUO
To shift the current state of inequality, it is crucial for the government to actively implement inclusive policies that address the unique needs of these marginalized sectors. This requires not just financial investment but also a concerted effort to change attitudes and challenge societal norms. The government must recognize that no sector of society should be left behind in the development process, and every Iliganon deserves the chance to succeed.
1. Access to Education and Skills Development
Education is the key to unlocking opportunities for marginalized groups. Yet, for many women, PWDs, youth, and Indigenous peoples, access to education remains a challenge. Schools and learning institutions often fail to provide accessible infrastructure, curriculums, or support systems that cater to the specific needs of these groups.
It is essential for the government to invest in creating inclusive educational policies that ensure every Iliganon can access quality education. This includes providing scholarships for underprivileged sectors, offering vocational training programs for youth and adults, and ensuring that PWDs have access to adaptive learning environments. There should also be an emphasis on cultural sensitivity in educational curricula, especially when dealing with Indigenous students, to respect and incorporate their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge into modern learning.
By providing equitable access to education and skills development, the government can empower marginalized groups to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the city’s development.
2. Improving Employment Opportunities
The lack of employment opportunities for marginalized sectors is one of the most pressing issues facing Iligan. Discrimination in hiring practices, unequal pay, and the lack of workplace accommodations for PWDs all contribute to the challenges these groups face in securing stable jobs. To address this, the government must prioritize inclusive hiring policies and encourage businesses to adopt more equitable practices.
For instance, there should be incentives for companies that hire women, PWDs, or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Policies should be created to ensure that these groups are represented at all levels of employment, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. In addition, efforts should be made to provide workplace accommodations, such as accessible facilities for PWDs, and create an environment where diversity is celebrated rather than marginalized.
Furthermore, youth employment programs should be developed to provide job training, internships, and apprenticeships, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs should focus on developing skills that are in demand in the local economy, such as in the fields of technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
3. Access to Health Services
Health is another area where many marginalized groups in Iligan face significant barriers. For women, access to reproductive health services and maternal care is often limited. PWDs may not have access to the necessary healthcare infrastructure, while the LGBTQIA+ community may face discrimination in healthcare settings, preventing them from receiving adequate care.
To address these disparities, the government must ensure that healthcare services are accessible and inclusive for all Iliganons. This includes providing specialized services for women, such as maternal care and family planning, as well as ensuring that PWDs have access to health facilities that are equipped to meet their needs. Furthermore, the healthcare system should be trained to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals, providing non-discriminatory care that respects their identities.
Expanding public health education and outreach programs for marginalized sectors is also crucial. These programs should aim to raise awareness about preventive healthcare, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health, ensuring that every Iliganon has the knowledge and resources to lead a healthy life.
4. Strengthening Social Protection Programs
Social protection programs, such as social security, unemployment benefits, and food assistance, must be made more accessible and responsive to the needs of marginalized groups. These programs should not only provide financial assistance but also offer support services, such as career counseling, mental health services, and legal aid, to help individuals regain their independence and dignity.
Furthermore, it is essential that these programs are designed in such a way that they reach the most vulnerable members of society. This includes reducing bureaucracy, increasing transparency, and ensuring that funds are distributed equitably to those who need them most.
5. Fostering Political Representation and Civic Engagement
One of the most significant barriers to inclusion is the lack of political representation for marginalized groups. These sectors often have little to no voice in policymaking, leading to policies that do not reflect their needs or concerns. To address this, it is essential to ensure that marginalized groups have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
The government should create mechanisms that encourage the political participation of women, PWDs, the LGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous peoples, and the youth. This could include support for women’s leadership programs, initiatives that promote youth engagement in politics, and the establishment of advisory councils for PWDs and Indigenous groups.
Encouraging civic engagement and ensuring that all Iliganons can participate in the political process will lead to more inclusive and representative governance.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the vision for Iligan in 2050 must be one where no Iliganon is left behind. To achieve this, the government must prioritize inclusivity and equity, ensuring that every sector of society has access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive. By providing equitable access to education, employment, healthcare, social protection, and political representation, Iligan can unlock the full potential of its citizens, creating a city that is not only economically prosperous but also socially just and harmonious. Every Iliganon deserves a fair chance, and it is time for the government to look into all sectors, especially those who have long been ignored. Only then can true progress be achieved.