Friday, March 21, 2025

Tag: Indigenous People

Pamuhat sa 27th Charter Day celebration sa Malaybalay gipahigayon

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Kaniadtong Marso 3, 2025, gipahigayon ang Pamuhat, usa ka ritual nga kabahin sa kasaulogan sa 27th Charter Day celebration sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Gipahigayon ang maong kalihokan sa New City Hall Grounds sa Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City.


Mitambong sa ritual ang mga baylan ug mga lider sa indigenous peoples sa dakbayan.


Anaa usab sa maong kalihokan si Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Datu Renato Sumbongan, ug uban pang mga opisyal.


Ang programa alang sa 27th Charter Day celebration sa Malaybalay ipahigayon sa Marso 22, 2025, sa San Isidro College.


(melbmadera)

Agri-10 4K continues to aid IP orgs in NorMin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, a special initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), continues to assist Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous People (IP) farmers and fishers by helping them develop their ancestral lands through sustainable farming. The program also aims to boost their livelihood while respecting their cultural traditions, beliefs, values, and laws

April Grace M. Racines, 4K program focal person of the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), shared in a recent episode of “Usapang Agrikultura” on Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM that at least 50 Indigenous People’s Organizations (IPOs) in Northern Mindanao have benefited from the program since its inception in 2020.


She explained that the program provides support across the agricultural value chain, including seeds, fertilizers, draft animals, machinery, equipment, and training. These are tailored to each community’s needs and resource gaps, as identified through a Community Needs Assessment (CNA).


Racines added that eligible beneficiaries of the program are IPOs recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) or those who have secured—or are in the process of securing—a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title, Land Title, or Domain Claim (CADT/CALT/CADC).


“Eligible participants must be willing to engage in training or capacity-building activities and adopt new technologies while also respecting and recognizing what we call Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP),” the coordinator explained.


For his part, Alvin P. Pantaon, a program beneficiary and member of a 51-person association from Sitio Mintapod, Hagpa, Impasugong, Bukidnon, praised the Department of Agriculture’s efforts in uplifting their community.


Through the 4K program, members were trained in agricultural technologies, including rice, corn, and tilapia culture. They also received abaca stripping machines and livestock animals.


“We need to realize that we cannot just rely on what nature provides us for food, especially now that our numbers have grown and nature can no longer sustain our food supply. So, we, the IP, need to adapt, continue, and be ready to cooperate,” Pantaon emphasized, urging others to pursue agriculture.


Racines also highlighted that the 4K program has collaborated with DA-10’s banner programs and special projects, along with its attached bureaus and agencies, NCIP, local government units, and the Philippine Army, to achieve its milestones.


Looking ahead, she shared that the 4K program plans to identify additional ICCs and IPOs to focus on for 2026–2028, with the goal of helping these groups transition into enterprising organizations that can secure stable markets and create sustainable livelihoods in the long run.


“We are already working on crafting cluster development plans for select IPOs,” the 4K program coordinator concluded.


(JLO)

DOST revives traditional IP weaving in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 26, 2025, 9:11 p.m.) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 10 has partnered with the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon province, to revive the traditional weaving practices of indigenous peoples (IPs)

In a statement Wednesday, DOST-10 Chief Science Research Specialist Virgilio Fuertes said the initiative is part of the program “Uplifting Grassroots Livelihood Opportunities through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).”


“We in the government share a vision of a future where their craft thrives, their community prospers, and their heritage continues to inspire generations to come,” Fuertes said.


The STI program builds on the 2024 “Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development” initiative, which supports unconventional innovations used by marginalized communities.


The Damugu Weavers Association (DWA), a group of Higaonon IP weavers in Talakag town, is one of the program’s key partners. Led by Bae Cornita Sagayan and Bae Nenita Hugnaan, the association has conducted hands-on training to reinforce traditional patterns and methods while introducing new techniques.


DWA President Irene Mae Sinhayan expressed optimism about reviving the craft for future generations.


“I prefer calling it a ‘sleeping culture,’ and my goal, along with this group, is to wake it up and make it vibrant again,” she said in the vernacular. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

PhilHealth to expand services to Bukidnon IPs

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025, 9:42 pm) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is working to expand its coverage to indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province

PhilHealth Bukidnon local health insurance chief Romulo Lapuz Jr. said on Tuesday that one of the agency’s goals is to provide free health insurance to the seven tribes in the province.
“We hope to sign a memorandum of agreement with our indigenous peoples by the end of the year,” he said.
Lapuz said registering indigenous peoples with PhilHealth will save time and enable the agency to assist them.
PhilHealth Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Vice President Delio Aseron II said that other health packages were launched to celebrate National Health Insurance Month.
“PhilHealth Region 10 will continue to advance the National Health Insurance Program and Universal Health Care for all 5.2 million Filipinos in the region,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Bukidnon teacher Junmerth Jorta among the top 50 finalists of 2025 Global Teacher Prize

Posted on by cmn

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 09, 2025, 08:08 AM PHT) — Junmerth Jorta, a public school teacher in Bukidnon, has earned a spot among the Top 50 finalists for the 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize

Jorta, who also received the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Award in 2022, was celebrated for his dedication that began in a remote indigenous community in Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, viewing his role as a calling rather than just a job.
“I want to continue doing my best for the countless IP (indigenous people) children, helping them prepare at an early age to have the highest possible chances of becoming successful in the near future,” said Junmerth.
More than half of Indigenous Peoples see themselves as ‘poor,’ according to the World Bank.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Junmerth shared the challenges he faced when he began teaching in 2015.
Faced with a lack of electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and access to television or radio-based instruction, he was determined to bring change and serve the community.
He collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and private organizations, convinced it was his duty to connect with the right stakeholders to provide essential resources and support for the learners.
Balugo Pagkaon Sakto Program

This program emerged from the harsh reality that numerous students of Junmerth come to school feeling hungry. He launched this daily hunger-free lunch initiative to address malnutrition, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes.
Supported by partnerships with NGOs such as the Hapag-Asa Foundation, the municipal mayor’s office, and the Department of Agriculture, the program has been operating successfully for seven years.
An NGO obtains surplus food from restaurants and hotels to feed the poor.
This effort has not only curbed absenteeism and dropouts but has also encouraged students to engage actively in class.
“A well-nourished child is more attentive and ready to learn, proving that you cannot truly teach a hungry child,” said Jorta.

Basa Balugo Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Special Class Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Okay sa Balugo Program

Jorta also organized a program to strengthen the school’s resources through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
“Together, we secured funding for additional classrooms, chairs, a stage, and restrooms,” he said.
Private donors contributed school supplies, health kits, and even internet connectivity, ensuring access to online learning resources. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they implemented radio-based teaching to ensure continuity of education.
Beyond education, Jorta also advocated for improvements in infrastructure, which included a farm-to-market road project, securing initial funding to address transportation issues within the community.
“Though only part of the road is completed, I remain hopeful for additional support under the new administration,” he said.
Over nearly eight years, Jorta has witnessed the struggles of the community. Through resilience and collaboration with the community, he has strived to uplift the lives of students and families in Sitio Balugo, demonstrating that education is a powerful catalyst for change.
These innovations, achieved through collaborative efforts, reflect his commitment to addressing issues via community-driven solutions, fostering an inclusive and thriving learning environment.
“To all educators worldwide, especially those teaching in remote and underserved communities, our work is more than just a profession; it is a lifeline of hope and opportunity,” Junmerth added.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual award of US$1 million presented by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to a teacher who has made a significant impact in the field. (Ronnie Crispo Jr./ABS-CBN News Intern)

Interfaith prayer rally alang sa Demokrasya ug Kontra Korapsyon gipahigayon

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Kaniadtong hapon sa Enero 26, 2025, gipahigayon ang province-wide Interfaith Prayer Rally nga gi-organisar sa Barug Maisug Bukidnon – Kontra Korapsyon, Duterte for Democracy (BMBKKDD)

Ang kalihokan nagsugod sa usa ka motorcade gikan sa PCC Covered Court ngadto sa Maramag Integrated Bus Terminal, diin ang mga partisipante naghiusa sa usa ka kusganong pagpahayag batok sa korapsyon.

Ang mga lider sa Iglesia ni Cristo, Roman Catholic Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Islam, Fundamental Baptist Church, ug United Pentecostal Church nanguna sa pag-ampo alang sa hustisya ug kalinaw.

Si Romy P. Tiongco, kanhi Parish Priest ug kanhi Mayor sa Damulog, ang nagpasundayag sa highlight sa kalihokan, nga nagpaila kang kanhi Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez isip dinapit nga mamumulong.

Ang Bukidnon IP artist nga si Datu Waway Saway naghatag sa iyang pasundayag.

Ang kalihokan natigayon sa paningkamot ni Gordon Torres, nga organizer sa BMBKKDD.

Si Mr. Herman Santillan mipadayag sa mga hagit sa mga mag-uuma, si Vee Olivarez nagdala og paglaom alang sa kabatan-onan, si Dr. Fe A. Torres nag-awhag alang sa empowerment sa kababayen-an, ug si Atty. Ruby Melecio Villejo nagpasiugda sa papel sa legal nga komunidad.

Si Atty. Arbie S. Llesis, kasamtangang Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) sa provincial Sanggunian, naghatag og garbo ug determinasyon alang sa mga Lumad, samtang si Alpio G. Dacut Jr. mipadayag sa tingog sa akademya uban ang tawag sa kaalam ug kalambuan.

Ang adlaw nagtapos uban ang usa ka pinasahi nga panumpa sa pagpakigbisog batok sa korapsyon ug pagpanalipod sa demokrasya, nga nagbilin og dili malimtan nga marka sa kasingkasing sa mga nanambong. (melbmadera)

Agri-10 4K Boosts Production, Livestock Support for IPs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) is enhancing its support for indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province through various agricultural programs and services

On January 9, under its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, the agency turned over PhP480,000 worth of carabaos to IP groups in Impasugong town.

The beneficiaries include the Ananaso Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association (APFA) of Sitio Ananaso, Brgy. Dumalaguing, and the Kapunongan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon (KAMAU) of Sitio Ulayanon, Brgy. Kalabugao.

Each group received six carabaos (five female, one male), which the IP farmer-beneficiaries withdrew from DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex. (pr)

DOH-CHDNM to Introduce Shorter TB Treatment Regimen

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 10, 2025) – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) is set to reduce tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration from the traditional six months to four months.

DOH-CHDNM will launch a capacity-building program for health workers in 2025, focusing on a shorter TB regimen for patients aged three months to 16 years.

During a press conference on Universal Health Care Day, Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the infectious diseases cluster at DOH-CHDNM, announced the implementation of a six-month short regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Brito added that oral tuberculosis treatment will be the only option. “We expect that with advancements in medication, patient adherence to treatment will improve, reducing instances of patients stopping or failing to follow up on treatment,” she said.

DOH data indicate that tuberculosis deaths in Region 10 reached 285 in 2020, 250 in 2021, 295 in 2022, and 390 in 2023. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, there were 375 TB deaths in the region.

Brito noted that the rising TB mortality rate is partly due to increasing TB cases. Poor health-seeking behavior also contributes to the higher mortality rate, as patients often seek medical help too late when their condition has worsened. Additionally, poor adherence to medication exacerbates the issue.

“Some patients experience adverse reactions to the medication, leading them to stop treatment altogether, while others move residences, interrupting their treatment,” Brito explained. She emphasized that TB treatment, unlike typical antibiotic regimens, lasts from six months to two years.

Brito expressed optimism that the new treatment changes would enhance TB patients’ adherence to medication. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

12 paresan misalmot sa Tribal mass wedding

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Dose ka paresan sa Indigenous Peoples (IPs) ang nisalmot sa tribal mass wedding nga gipahigayon niadtong Agosto sa Covered Court sa Barangay Sumpong sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa local government unit sa Malaybalay, ang kalihokan isa ka highlight sa “Araw ng Barangay Sumpong.”

Gitumong kini aron mapormal ang panaghiusa sa mga magtiayon nga nag-ipon na isip bana ug asawa.

Ang seremonyas gihimo subay sa naandang mga balaod, ritwal, ug tradisyon sa mga magtiayon, sumala sa gilatid sa Republic Act 8371 kon Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

Si Datu Danny Sarito ang nangulo sa kasal, uban sa tabang ni Bae Inatlawan – Adelina Tarino ug Datu Chepin Jose Gumindan.

Gitinguha usab sa kalihokan nga masiguro nga ang mga magtiayon maka-access sa mga importanteng programa sa gobyerno, sama sa 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) ug PhilHealth.

Si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, uban sa mga sakop sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, mga opisyal sa barangay, ug nagkalain-laing lider sa tribo, nitambong sa seremonyas aron pagpakita sa ilang suporta.

Anaa ang City Civil Registrar’s Office aron motabang sa pagpirma sa mga sertipiko sa kaminyoon, pagsiguro sa legal nga pag-ila sa ilang kaminyoon. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Hedcor turns over ₱5.1M royalty shares to Bukidnon IP communities

Posted on by cmn

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (December 29, 2024) — Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, has turned over ₱5,140,167.01 in royalty shares to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Bukidnon for 2022-2023. These funds directly benefit the host communities of Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants, advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development

Five Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations received their royalties, signifying progress for their communities. The Santiago Tribal Community (SANTRICO), Inc. and Impakibel, Apo Man Asilan Tribal Association were each awarded ₱1,401,529.47. Meanwhile, the Lumikapaw Ka Guihean Tribal Council of Elders and Guilang-Guilang Apo Datu Nanikunan Association, Inc. each received ₱935,578.60. The Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc. was granted ₱465,950.87. These funds embody a commitment to empowering and uplifting Indigenous communities, going beyond mere financial support.
The funds will be used for initiatives identified by the IP communities themselves, including livelihood assistance, skills training to strengthen economic resilience, scholarships for Indigenous youth, and elder care programs.
The projects will also help empower women entrepreneurs, preserve traditional practices, and advance environmental efforts such as reforestation.
Bae Priscilla Cariaga, President of Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc., expressed gratitude for the turnover.
“Ang pagtinabangay uban sa Hedcor nagpalambo sa among komunidad. Ang mga pondo makatabang sa pagpreserba sa among kultura, pagtubag sa mga kinahanglanon, ug paghimo og mga oportunidad para sa umaabot nga henerasyon,” she said.
(Working together with Hedcor has developed our community. The funds help preserve our culture, address our needs, and create opportunities for future generations.)
Implemented closely with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 10, the program ensures that projects align with cultural preservation and ancestral domain protection.
“Through joint efforts, we achieve meaningful progress for Indigenous Peoples, safeguarding their heritage while promoting development,” said lawyer Dexter B. Precioso, NCIP regional legal officer.
Hedcor Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Vicencio said the giving out of royalty shares underscores Hedcor’s zeal to collaborate with IP organizations to enhance community well-being.
“This turnover is more than just meeting our obligations—it reflects our commitment to a meaningful partnership. We are honored to support the IP organizations’ efforts to advance livelihood, education, and cultural heritage.
By working side by side, we help ensure a lasting, positive impact that strengthens their communities and enriches their future,” Vicencio said.
She reiterated that by returning these royalty shares to the communities, Hedcor continues to advance renewable energy while strengthening communities, protecting cultural identities, and fostering long-term growth and opportunity. (Hedcor-AboitizPower/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Demo farm showcases drought-tolerant hybrid rice variety in Buk’non upland area

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A demonstration farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, featuring the hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H, has showcased resilience amid the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting its potential to thrive within an upland ecosystem

This was underscored during a culmination program of the techno demo on August 22 in the said city.

This was led by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon province and Malaybalay City agriculture offices, and SeedWorks Philippines, Inc.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10’s Rice program focal person, emphasized the importance of introducing the hybrid rice technology in upland conditions and engaging members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially in their ancestral areas with limited rice cultivation.

Launched last February 8, the planted rice variety was initially expected to be harvested by the third week of May, but faced a 58-day delay in maturity due to a significant lack of rainfall from March to May, albeit yielding 2.2 tons per hectare based on crop cut results after receiving rainfall in June.

For his part, Emmanuel F. Piñol, former DA Secretary and an early supporter of the initiative, lauded the demo farm’s success as a significant milestone for Philippine agriculture.

“The ability of this rice variety to survive drought and continue growing, despite a delayed maturity period, underscores its potential to revolutionize rice production in upland areas,” Piñol remarked.

“This breakthrough could allow us to cultivate rice in areas previously reliant on irrigation,” he added, while further noting that it is pivotal in easing the reliance on rice imports and addressing the need to feed the growing population by expanding and improving available tribal areas of the country for rice production.

The demo farm, covering 3,000 square meters, is a precursor to developing the 300 hectares within the BUKTAMACO ancestral domains, which overall seeks to implement sustainable farming practices tailored to upland environments, at the same time bolstering food security in the region. (BJCE)