Agusan Norte IP strengthen cultural heritage, economic empowerment
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Indigenous peoples (IP) in Agusan del Norte are strengthening efforts to preserve their cultural heritage, protect their ancestral domains, and improve their socioeconomic conditions through government initiatives that uphold their rights and expand livelihood opportunities.
More than 600 members of the Manobo, Higaonon, and Mamanwa communities gathered at Caraga State University (CSU) in Ampayon, Butuan City, during the commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) and 29th Indigenous Peoples Month celebration, reaffirming their shared commitment to cultural preservation, self-determination, and inclusive development.
Anchored on the theme, “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture, and Ancestral Domains,” the celebration was led by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Agusan del Norte, with activities highlighting indigenous traditions, community solidarity, and the importance of safeguarding the rights and ancestral lands of IP communities.
Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the importance of respecting, protecting, and recognizing IP as integral members of their communities. She emphasized the need to preserve their cultural identity and heritage while safeguarding their rights and ancestral domains.
Beyond cultural preservation, the provincial government and its partners are pursuing initiatives to help IP communities improve their livelihoods and economic conditions.
During the commemoration, Agusan del Norte Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera reaffirmed his support to the socioeconomic advancement of the IP through AGUSAN UP!, a development campaign undertaken in partnership with the provincial government.
Represented by Orencio Corvera Jr., services coordinator of the Congressional District Office, the lawmaker highlighted the campaign’s Plant! Plant! Plant! and Process! Process! Process! initiatives which aim to develop agricultural production and value-adding activities on lands within areas covered by Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADTs).
The initiatives seek to help IP communities maximize the productive potential of their ancestral lands, strengthen their participation in economic activities, and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities. Priority areas include the coffee industry, with cacao and other potential local industries also being considered for development.
Corvera also cited efforts to mobilize support from government agencies and private partners to help sustain joint economic activities with the IP in the coming years.
These provincial initiatives complement the national government’s commitment to inclusive growth and poverty reduction under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly efforts to ensure that marginalized and underserved sectors benefit from development programs. They also reinforce the implementation of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, which recognizes and protects the rights of indigenous cultural communities and the IP, including their rights to ancestral domains, cultural integrity, self-governance, and social justice.
The celebration featured the Binangko ritual, a delegate parade, cultural protocols, cultural presentations, capacity-development sessions, and traditional IP games. These activities gave participants opportunities to showcase their heritage, share traditional knowledge, and pass on cultural practices to younger generations.
With the participation of government agencies, academic institutions, and community representatives, the celebration strengthened awareness of indigenous rights and renewed calls for sustained collaboration to ensure that cultural preservation goes hand in hand with economic empowerment.
Through stronger partnerships and culturally responsive development initiatives, Agusan del Norte aims to help the IP protect their identity, benefit from opportunities within their ancestral domains, and participate meaningfully in the province’s development. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from NCIP Agusan del Norte)
