16 May | The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson and NCIP Region XIII conducted Ancestral Domain (AD) Leaders engagement meeting with the Manobo Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) from Barangays Anticala and Pinaning, Butuan City at the Agusan Del Norte Provincial Training Center, Capitol Grounds in Butuan City.

 

The NCIP Chairperson led the activity along with NCIP XIII Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr.; also present were NCIP Regional and Provincial staff. Also, in attendance were 11 clans of Manobo Tribe (Dapiniagan clan, Dayhum clan, Dogiyong clan, Piaga clan May-Ong clan, Andon clan, Mac clan, Dadjawa clan, Bantuan clan, Mandag clan, Onhow Clan). The rest joined the meeting through Zoom.

 

The discussion focused on resolving issues on Indigenous People Structure (IPS) leadership, specifically in the selection of the IPS Chairman.

 

NCIP Chairperson advised the Manobo ICCs/IPs to settle differences using their respective customary laws – focusing on thrust building with in the community through dialogue; create clear policies in establishing IPS and Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO); and for relevant government agencies to properly engage members of the CADT 135 community and its IP leaders prior to the conduct of any activity.