Saturday, December 21, 2024

Tag: IPMR

NCIP, LGU Manolo Fortich ink MOA on P226.9M FMR in Kalugmanan

Posted on by cmn

The drafting and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the concreting of the farm-to-market road in Sitio Balakbakan, Barangay Kalugmanan, took place on August 19, 2024, at the Barangay Kalugmanan covered court

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich signed the agreement.

The project involves concreting a 7.8-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road (FRM) under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), with a budget of 226,992,990 million pesos from the Department of Agriculture.

The road concreting will begin at Sitio Balakbakan and continue to Kalugmanan proper.

This project aims to assist farmers in Barangay Kalugmanan by facilitating the easier transportation of their farm produce to the Municipal Public Market in Barangay Tankulan.

Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño was present during the MOA drafting and signing. He expressed his enthusiasm for infrastructure programs, particularly road projects.

“Matod pa, himoon nato ni nga dako nga kalipay nga ang atong karsada gikan didto sa Café by the Ridge, musangko dinhi sa atong tulay, pasubida paingon sa ila ni Mr. Perrine, ug gani naa pay sobra nga budget, I think nga e-semento pa paingon diri. Nindot na kaayo mga programa nato mga roads section sa atong lungsod sa Manolo Fortich. Including ang atong Sankanan road, ang atong gi-plano nasad ang Lindaban paingon sa Dahilayan atong sementohon, so nangita tag budget para ana,” Mayor Quiño stated.

Farmer Sirapin Buyoc, 67 years old, from Zone 2, Kalugmanan, expressed his gratitude for the road project, which has made transporting their agricultural products easier.

“Ang ako lang, nga makadugang benepisyo niining muabot ang dalan nga kami di nami maglisod sa among mga produkto, sama sa mga mais, cassava, mga utanon, daghan mi mga utanon diha sa Ilaya. So sayon ra gyud kaayo ang pag-deliver sa produkto paingon sa atong market ug sa Cagayan,” said Buyoc.

Also in attendance were Municipal Administrator Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid, Sangguniang Bayan Member IPMR Coun. Alex Payangga, NCIP Regional Legal Officer Atty. Dexter Precioso, the Barangay Council of Kalugmanan, and Indigenous Peoples (IP) community members, including the Higaonon, Talaandig, and Bukidnon tribes.

Heads of offices and representatives from focal departments of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, such as the Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Assessor’s Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Municipal Planning and Development Office, also attended the MOA signing. (PR)

Bukidnon approves historic IP Code to protect rights, promote cultural growth

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code on its third and final reading on July 2

The provincial legislators carefully examined the provisions, weighing the potential impacts on the province’s seven tribes and considering various perspectives.

Their rigorous discussions and debates during the first and second readings ensured that the ordinance aligned with constitutional rights, resulting in a consensus emphasizing the importance of protecting and fostering the cultural development of Bukidnon IP communities.

Championed by Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) lawyer Arbie Llesis, the ordinance aims to protect and foster the cultural development of the seven tribes by establishing mechanisms to preserve their traditions.

“The newly approved ordinance focuses on empowering IPs in the province through several key elements: First, it grants rightful ownership and control of ancestral domains, recognizing their deep connection to the land. Second, it promotes social justice by ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for these communities. Third, it preserves cultural heritage by protecting languages, traditions, and customs essential to their identity. Lastly, it safeguards IP rights, ensuring they are respected and upheld across all aspects of society,” he said.

Officially known as Ordinance No. 052-2024, or An Ordinance Providing for the Comprehensive Indigenous Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon, it represents an advancement in aligning local governance with the mandates of the United Nations, the Philippine Constitution, and national laws concerning IPs.

Llesis clarified that the ordinance aims to create an inclusive environment by honoring IP traditions, empowering them to shape their future, recognizing their vital role, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.

“The IP Code addresses historical exclusion faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their land rights and culture preservation while promoting self-determination. It supports development programs and ensures Indigenous communities have access to government resources,” he added.

Former IPMR Richard Dinlayan Macas emphasized the importance of the IP Code, aligning it with the tribes’ aspirations.

“It embodies the dreams of our ancestors, who yearned for recognition of their rights. We are all thankful for its approval as we collectively work towards the province’s progress,” Macas said.

Datu Migketay Victorino Saway, chair of the provincial tribal council, underscored the code’s broader implications.

“The IP Code strengthens our commitment to peace and order, promoting IP recognition and cultural identity. As a community, standing together to support the IP Code uplifts not only Indigenous Peoples but the entire province of Bukidnon,” he said. (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Malaybalay gets new P15-M IP Tulugan center

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (February 26, 2024) – The Indigenous Peoples (IP) of the City of Malaybalay got its new P15-million worth Tulugan Center constructed inside the City Hall Complex in Brgy. Casisang

The freshly finished project’s turnover ceremony took place on February 22, 2024, according to information given on the local government’s official Facebook page.

 

The occasion began with a traditional “pangagda” rite, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores, representative of Bukidnon’s 2nd Legislative District.

 

Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Renato Sumbongan, and Tribal Chieftain Harry Sumbongan assisted Rep. Flores in the ceremony.

 

Also, in attendance were members of the 9th Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP), tribal chieftains, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District 2.

 

The office of Rep. Flores took the initiative to get the budget for the project from his development fund.

 

During the ceremony, the center’s responsibility was officially given to IPMR Sumbongan, who thanked Rep. Flores and Mayor Pabillaran for their contributions to the preservation of IP culture.

 

Sumbongan emphasized the center’s significance as the first of its sort in the province, acting as a tribal court and gathering place for the city’s IP leaders and guests from 46 barangays.

 

Rep. Flores reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting IP communities and their culture.

 

He emphasized the importance of utilizing the center for its intended purpose.

 

Mayor Pabillaran congratulated the city’s recognized tribes – the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Umayamnon – for their unity and thanked Rep. Flores for the project.

 

He also stressed the city’s position as an example for conserving and fostering intellectual property of culture, traditions, and welfare.

 

The IP Tulugan Center also provides amenities such as guestrooms, 70 seats, and CCTV surveillance.

 

The multipurpose structure is designed for tribal meetings and ceremonies.

 

Devrex Construction Services built the facility under the direction of DPWH District 2.

 

Its construction began on February 8, 2023, and ended on December 15, 2023.

 

On the same occasion, Rep. Flores was bestowed with the title of “Datu Makatuntay” in a traditional ceremony, recognizing his consistent support and help to the IP communities in times of need. (melbmadera)

Pipila ka kalohokan sa Kaamulan 2024 gipangandaman sa NCIP Bukidnon

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Isa ka ground breaking ceremony ang gipahigayon sa LGU Valencia City alang sa pagtukod og Multi-Purpose Building Phase 1 sa bag-ong City Agriculture Office nga adunay Training Center niadtong Enero 25, 2024

Sumala sa kasayoran sa LGU Valencia, ang proyekto nahimutang sa Purok 1, Brgy. Pinatilan.

Ang groundbreaking ceremony isa ka pagmatuod nga pagasugdan na ang maong proyekto.

Dakong kalamposan alang kang Mayor Azucena P. Huervas ingon man ni City Agriculturist Connie Dalangan nga masugdan ang pagpatukod sa maong bag-ong opisina aron mas mapalig-on ang paghatod og serbisyo alang sa mga mag-uuma.

Pasiuna usab ang pagtukod sa maong pasilidad nga nagkantidad og muabot sa P15 milyon ubos gikan sa 20 percent Local Development Fund.

Mahimutang ang proyekto sa 14 ektaryas nga luna nga puhon pagatukuran usab og Post Harvest Facilities sama sa rice mill ug sa Techno-Demo Farm, uban sa tingoha nga mahimo ang maong dapit nga agritourism destination sa dakbayan.

Gipaabot usab ni Vice Mayor Atty. Teodoro Roteo Pepito ang pagsuporta sa 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod, diin matod niya, dako usab og ikatabang ang bag-ong opisina, sanglit aduna na kiniy Training Center nga makahatag og dugang kahibalo ug kalamboan sa mga mag-uuma.

Dako usab ang pagsalig ni Mayor Huervas sa contractor sa proyekto nga mao ang Arbul Builders and Construction Supply, sa pagpanguna ni Engr. Allen Bula, nga tumanon niini ang pagtukod sa dekalidad nga pasilidad subay sa plano nga pagkumpleto niini sulod sa walo ka bulan.

Nahimong mabungahon ang pagpahigayon sa seremonya pinaagi usab sa pagsuporta ug presensya nila City Councilor Rogelio Hera, Jr., nga mao usab ang Committee Chair on Agriculture, Councilor Cecile Mabao-Caballero, Councilor Sasang Cadigal-Recla, IPMR Bae Irene Pandian, SK Federation President John Legeil Estoquia, mga Department Heads, IP Leaders, City Events Committee, ug mga personahe sa City Agriculture Office. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Bukidnon Bansalumad Congress held

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Leaders of Bukidnon’s seven tribes gathered alongside Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) for the Bansalumad Congress, which was held in the Hall of Peace in Tulugan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan on the 22nd and 23rd of December 2023

They primarily discussed the proposed Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code.

Atty. Arbie “Bagani” Saway Llesis, Bukidnon provincial IPMR, presented and discussed the significance of his largely prepared proposed ordinance with the participants.

He proposes the Bukidnon Bansalumad Code of 2024, also known as the Ordinance Adopting the Comprehensive Bansalumad Indigenous Peoples Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon.

Llesis explained that “the IP Code isn’t just any law. That represents our unity. Now we will sew our effort, bind our effort to become stronger, to be heard more, and to be more believable that we can implement our rights here in our territory”.

Generally, the purpose of the code is to provide the basis for conscious and planned development for the IPs in the province and provide them substantial opportunities for access to governmental resources for the same.

One of its goals and objectives is to recognize the IPs’ right to decide on their development priorities as these affect their lives, beliefs, institutions, and spiritual well-being, as well as the lands they occupy or use, and to exercise control over their own economic, social, and cultural development to the greatest extent possible.

The proposed ordinance calls for the construction of a Provincial Indigenous Peoples Complex on a three-hectare property.

The Provincial IP Complex will act as the focal point for centralized and coordinated support, response, livelihood, and development involving Bukidnon’s IP.

The participants unanimously agreed on the IP Code’s desired approval during the two-day session.

Apart from explaining the IP Code, the Bansalumad Congress also discussed other resolutions to be signed by the elders and leaders of the seven tribes, such as the resolution to request funding for the IP Complex from the provincial government, as well as the request to congressmen for more funds for the construction of other IP structures, crafting an ordinance that will lead to the formation of the League of IPMRs, and resolutions opposing the national plan to zero budget the NCIP and House Bill No. 9608 which is the transfer of the ancestral domain office of NCIP to DENR. (melbmadera)

DENR, folks celebrate 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delegates from Indigenous People Communities, and constituents of the 21 villages within the Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range have gathered to commemorate the 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

On October 18-19, 2023, all participants have gathered in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon. The theme was “Kagsabuwa para hu buhay ha Kinaiyahan daw Kultura para hu sumosunod ha kaliwatan” (Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations).

Forester Ner A. Doydoy, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Mt. Kalatungan, and his team led the yearly celebration.

Mr. Vergilino P. Alima, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Bukidnon, graced the event.


Cong. Jose Manuel F. Alba of the first legislative district of Bukidnon was among the distinguished guests in attendance.


Datu Johnny B. Guina, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of Mt. Kalatungan headed the IP participants.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura has dispatched his town Administrator as the celebration’s host.

The event marks the recognition of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) as a Protected Area.

The event is centered on an intensive Education and Information Campaign. Beyond this, the event serves as a unique chance to create a stronger sense of collaboration and teamwork among the diverse stakeholders of the park, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indigenous Community residing within its borders.

Furthermore, the celebration seeks to convey sincere gratitude and genuine admiration for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by all those involved in the preservation of MKaRNP.

Datu Joel Alahay, Barangay Tikalaan IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the Council of Elders led the ritual.

A tree-planting activity at the schoolyard of Tikalaan National High School was organized. The Dole KASILAK Foundation and MENRO of LGU Talakag have donated tree seedlings.

The LGU Talakag has sponsored the feeding program activity held at Tikalaan Central Elementary School, serving approximately 700 participating students.

Tikalaan National High School served as the venue for both Hatod Serbisyo and the Medical and Dental Mission. The Del Monte Medical Team and the Municipal Health Office of LGU Talakag, supported by the Health Workers of Barangay Tikalaan, sponsored the event.

In the Indigenous Sports Competition, IP groups displayed their skills. The annual event was highlighted by the Laga ta Kalatungan pageant competition, Pasundayag (a cultural dance presentation), and a Jingle Contest.

The following day, the 223 devoted MKaRNP Bantay Lasang Volunteers convened. This essential meeting provided a crucial platform for the volunteers to deliberate and address emerging challenges within their designated area of responsibility.

The event also garnered the participation of eminent members of the Protected Area Management Board of MKaRNP. The convergence of these notable figures not only highlighted the significance of the celebration but also emphasized the collective determination to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the locality.

The 18th Aldaw ta Kalatungan will be hosted by LGU Pangantucan, as per the agreement.

Standing at a remarkable 2,824 meters above sea level, Mt. Kalatungan dominates the central part of the province with its impressive height. Stretching across Valencia City and the neighboring towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, and Talakag, it’s a significant portion of the province. (melbmadera)

Pagpreserbar sa kultura makab-ot pinaagi sa panaghiusa – Mayor Abucayan

Posted on by cmn

Pagpreserbar sa kultura ang punto nga gipadangat ni Kitaotao Municipal Mayor Edwin Abucayan, pinaagi sa panaghiusa sa katawhan, atol sa 2023 Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration and 26th IPRA Commemoration niadtong Oktubre 31, 2023 sa Covered Court sa Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon

Sumala ni Mayor Abucayan nga ang kultura sa tribu angayang ikinabuhi ug ipreserbar gumikan kay pinaagi niini, dali ang pagsulbad sa mga problema nga moabot, ngalan nga kini ang kalag, prinsipyo ug baruganan sa katawhan sa lungsod, pinaagi sa panaghiusa.

Bisita sa kasaulogan sa tribu si Chairperson Jennifer Pia ‘Limpayen’ Sibug-Las sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), diin gipahinumduman niini ang 4 bundles of rights diha sa IPRA Law ug 11 building blocks sa ICCs/IPs. Sa iyang pakigpolong, gipalawman niini ang kabahin sa customary law, nga angayang respituhon ug pakisayran sa lumadnong katawhan ang balaod sa tribu. Nga ang komunidad kinahanglang magkahiusa diha sa pagrespito sa katigulangan.

Sa report ni Datu Cosme Lambayon, municipal IPMR gisiguro niini nga sa mga planong kalambuan sulod sa ancestral domain, moagi gayud sa Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Gipasabot usab niini nga ang ancestral domain – pribado apan gipanag-iyahan sa komunidad nga iya sa Federation of Matigsalug Manobo Tribal Council Inc., buot ipasabot iya sa tanang henerasyon, busa dili mamahimong mabaligya.

Anaa usab sa maong kalihukan sa tribu sila Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja, NCIP Commissioner from Northern and Western Ethnographic Region for Mindanao, ug ang mga kadagkoan gikan sa regional and provincial offices sa maong ahensya, kauban ang mga opisyales sa lungsod sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon. (LGU Bukidnon)

Lumadnong sistema ug pamaagi sa Kebpengemuran gipaningkamotang ibalik

Posted on by cmn

Gipaningkamutan nga ibalik sa tribal elders and leaders sa tribung Menubu ang lumadnong sistema ug pamaagi sa “kebpengemuran”, subay sa gisaulog nga 5th Ked Tabur Festival sa lungsod sa Pangantucan, Bukidnon, nga gisugdan niadtong Oktobre 3 ug natapos Oktobre 9, 2023

Gibutyag ni Datu Ampuan Jeodoro Sulda, Menubu chieftain nga tungod sa lahi na ang dagan sa utok sa ubang mga lider sa tribu, gakausab na ang panagway sa kultura busa gitinguha nga ma-renovate o ma-repair ang kadtong kulturanhong pamaagi diha sa tinuig nga panagtigum sa Ked Tabur. “𝐴𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑢𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑖-𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑖-𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑘𝑎𝑑𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑛ℎ𝑜𝑛 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑎𝑔𝑖 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑏𝑢. 𝑀𝑎𝑜 𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑝𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑛, 𝑔𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑡𝑜 “𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑏𝑢 𝐼𝑃 𝐾𝑒𝑏𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑛. ‘𝑘𝑒𝑏𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑛’ 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑖 ‘𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑔’. 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢, 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖 𝑠𝑎 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛. 𝐴𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑖-𝑢𝑘𝑎𝑦 𝑘𝑎𝑦 𝐾𝑒𝑑 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑛, 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑜𝑛 𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑔-𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑘𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑙𝑖 𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑖 𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛. 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑘 𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑎ℎ𝑢𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑢𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑤 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢 – 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎”, pagpasabot ni Datu Ampuan sa maong kasaulogan.

Gipasigarbo usab ni Datu Napalit Eric Salido, Municipal IPMR ang suporta nga gihatag sa LGU-Pangantucan, “𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘰𝘥 – 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘨 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘢

Konsehal Soria sa Malaybalay, giila sa tribu nga “Datu Makalandag”

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Ang Konsehal sa Malaybalay nga si Christopher ‘Tope’ Soria sa Mampaalong Clan sa tribung Bukidnon giila isip “Datu Makalandag”

Base sa taho sa Philippine Information Agency-Bukidnon, pormal nang gidawat sa Konsehal ang katungdanan isip ‘Datu Makalandag’.

Siya gi-bendisyonan sa mga Supreme Datu kon IPMR gikan sa Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Lanao Del Norte, ug Bukidnon.

Kini agi’g pag-suporta sa lumadnong kahilokan aron padayon nga ma-protektahan ang tradisyon ug kultura sa mga IPs.

Ang seremonya gipahigayon sa Casisang, Malaybalay City kaniadtong petsa 8-9 ning bulan sa Setyembre.

Sa maong mga higayon, si Dr. Jade Melendez Mercado Soria giila usab nga si “Bae Nay Makalandag”. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Bukidnon rep vows more inclusion of IP welfare in programs

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The newly-appointed Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Bukidnon has vowed more participation in the province’s legislative agenda and programs, particularly those concerning the IPs’ welfare

In a statement on Jan. 19, Arbie Saway Llesis, the new ex-officio IPMR board member in the province, vowed to abide by the mandates under Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples Right Act of 1997.

“As the voice of the Indigenous People, I hope and request my fellow board members to give special attention and care to our IPs in Bukidnon,” he said.

Llesis noted that at least 60% of Bukidnon’s population are IPs and that 60% of the province’s lands are considered ancestral domains.

Llesis was appointed as IPMR by Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2021 of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which formed the revised guidelines for mandatory representation of IPs on local legislative councils and policymaking bodies.

As IPMR, Llesis will head the provincial board’s committee on indigenous cultural communities.

He will also be a member of the committees on laws; barangay and local government; appropriations; agriculture and cooperatives; engineering and public works; and special investigation. (Nef Luczon/PNA)