Barriers to Government Social Service Access for the Sama Dilaut in Southern Philippines

As the Sama Dilaut are considered underserved and the most marginalized ethnic group in the Southern Philippines, this study investigates their perspectives and experiences of barriers that deprive them of access to government services. Using a qualitative case study design, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key informants comprising 20 Sama Dilaut traditional leaders and elders (Botang Matto’a). Triangulation across interviews, focus group discussions, and documents was applied to enhance the validity of the findings. Results revealed five interrelated themes: lack of documentation, discrimination, intergenerational poverty, mobility and diaspora and limited access to education. These themes reinforce one another, creating persistent barriers to Sama Dilaut’s access to government services. The study highlights the need for a contextualized culture-based service delivery mechanism that incorporates cultural values into policy development for Sama Dilaut welfare. It concludes that structural, historical, and institutional barriers continue to hinder Sama Dilaut development. The findings contribute to the literature on Indigenous Peoples’ governance, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16: the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive institutions.

Sama Dilaut, culture-based service delivery mechanism, government service, SDGs, Southern Philippines

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