NCIP strengthens ties with Mamanwa tribe of Surigao Norte
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Surigao del Norte conducted a dialogue with the indigenous peoples (IP) of the Mamanwa tribe to strengthen ancestral ties, held in Barangay Bad-as, Placer on January 7.
The dialogue acknowledged the role of the NCIP in upholding the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and cultural preservation, motivating the younger generation of Mamanwa IP to take pride in their heritage, language, traditional governance, and economic empowerment.
The participants further discussed sustainable livelihoods and how to manage resources within their ancestral lands to benefit the tribe directly, rather than relying on external entities. Also, they tackled the creation of a roadmap where legal land titles (CADTs) are seen not just as pieces of documents, but as living blueprints for cultural survival.
NCIP Surigao del Norte Officer Andrew Salas said, “This dialogue demonstrates the Commission’s continued commitment to close coordination and strengthened partnership with the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs)”.
He explained that the activity served as an important platform grounded with cultural sensitivity where key concerns, updates, and plans related to the Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 048 were discussed, including a venue for open government and citizen participation in upholding the rights and the welfare of the IP communities in Surigao del Norte.
“NCIP Surigao del Norte looks forward to our new leadership and guidance as the Commission continues to advance the protection of ancestral domains, promote inclusive governance, and strengthen community empowerment across the province,” Salas added.
Datu Rhanie expressed gratitude for the conduct of this dialogue. “This gathering is not just a meeting; it is a binding of our trust. We appreciate the NCIP’s commitment to walking the rugged paths to reach us, showing that our ancestral domain is respected and our voices carry weight in the halls of government.”
“This dialogue has replaced our doubts with clarity. We now see the NCIP not just as an office, but as a partner in protecting our heritage,” he said.
This community engagement with the Mamanwa tribe established NCIP’s pivotal role in advancing the protection of ancestral domains, promoting inclusive governance, and strengthening community empowerment across the province of Surigao del Norte. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from NCIP Surigao del Norte)
