Agusan Sur honors four indigenous tribes, reaffirms commitment to their rights, culture
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The four prominent indigenous peoples (IP) groups in Agusan del Sur—the Manobo, Talaandig, Banwaon, and Higaonon—joined the celebration of the 29th Indigenous Peoples Month and the commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, led by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Agusan del Sur at the Datu Lipus Makapandong covered court, here.
The celebration highlighted the continuing recognition and protection of the culture, traditions, identity, and rights of Indigenous communities in the province, as well as their significant contributions to local governance and development.
Among the activities was the participation of Indigenous representatives in the flag-raising ceremony at the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), which began with a traditional ritual reflecting their cultural practices, beliefs, and spiritual heritage.
The celebration was also complemented by a government service caravan that brought essential public services closer to Indigenous communities. Various government agencies provided assistance and information on health, agriculture, education, and other programs designed to address the needs of the four Indigenous groups.
“Every year, we hold this kind of celebration to respect and recognize our tribal groups and show that they have a significant contribution to the government,” said Raynildo Baintin, NCIP Agusan del Sur provincial officer.
The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), under the leadership of Vice Governor Patricia Anne B. Plaza, also expressed their support for the Indigenous communities and initiatives that promote their welfare, cultural preservation, and protection of their rights.
“Being Bae Maayhan is beyond mere recognition. It is a commitment to listen, to respect, and to help protect the culture, identity, and rights of our Indigenous Peoples, especially here in our province of Agusan del Sur,” Plaza said.
“Our Indigenous communities are an essential part of Agusan del Sur’s identity. Our culture, traditions, knowledge, and connection remind us that development should never come at the expense of our cultural heritage,” she added.
Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Pablo Plaza also emphasized the importance of government programs in improving the livelihood and opportunities of Indigenous communities in the province.
He cited the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) program, which provides agricultural interventions, including calamansi seedlings, to help Indigenous beneficiaries establish sustainable sources of income.
“As I represent the provincial IPMR, I see how provincial programs help our communities. For example, through the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) program, calamansi receives an annual allocation of ₱3 million, providing beneficiaries with seedlings. If they take good care of these, I am confident that the assistance will help them overcome their difficulties. These interventions from the provincial government, along with other programs such as scholarships, have been a great help,” Plaza said.
The annual observance also underscores the significance of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, which recognizes and protects the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, including their ancestral domains, cultural integrity, self-governance, and social justice and human rights.
Through the celebration and the delivery of government services, participating agencies aim to expand Indigenous communities’ access to public programs, strengthen their participation in development initiatives, and promote the protection of their rights and cultural heritage.
The event reaffirmed the importance of working together with Indigenous communities to ensure that development efforts are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to their needs. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
