21/10/2026
NCIP AGUSAN DEL NORTE SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTS THE 29TH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH AND IPRA COMMEMORATION
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Agusan del Norte successfully conducted the province-wide celebration of the 29th Indigenous Peoples Month and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration on October 16–17, 2026, at Caraga State University (CSU), Ampayon, Butuan City.
Anchored on the theme, “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture, and Ancestral Domains,” the two-day celebration gathered more than 600 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) representing the three Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/IPs of Agusan del Norte: the Manobo, Higaonon, and Mamanwa.
The celebration highlighted the rich cultural heritage, collective identity, and rights of Indigenous Peoples through various activities, including traditional rituals, a parade, cultural presentations, capacity development trainings, and indigenous games. These activities provided opportunities for cultural expression, knowledge sharing, skills development, and stronger relationships among Indigenous communities and their partners.
The celebration also reaffirmed the importance of protecting and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, preserving cultural traditions, strengthening self-governance, and safeguarding ancestral domains in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371).
Distinguished Guests Grace the Celebration
The celebration was honored by the presence and active participation of distinguished officials and representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and partner organizations. Their participation demonstrated their commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples, protecting their rights, preserving their cultural heritage, and safeguarding their ancestral domains.
NCIP Agusan del Norte extends its sincere appreciation to the following distinguished guests:
Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte;
Atty. Leslie Mae F. Plaza, Ethnographic Commissioner, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);
Mr. John Rey Catalan, OPAPRU Representative;
Mr. Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr., NCIP Regional Director;
Dr. Rissa L. Mercado, Vice President for Student Affairs, Caraga State University;
Ms. Elizabeth M. Ysulan, Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Coordinator, Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga;
Ms. Annette F. Anduhuyan, Representative, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte;
Mr. Jesric Bandillo, Representative, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga;
Ms. Venus Charity S. Cabrera, Representative, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga;
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chad S. Kiat-Ong, Representative, Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga;
Ms. Milagros Salibad, Representative, First Gen; and
Mr. Orencio Corvera, Representative of the Second Congressional District of Agusan del Norte.
Their presence added significance to the celebration and highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, the education sector, law enforcement, the private sector, and Indigenous communities. Their participation reinforced the need for sustained partnerships in promoting cultural integrity, strengthening Indigenous leadership, advancing community development, and ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have an active role in decisions affecting their lives and ancestral domains.
Acknowledgment of Partner Agencies and Organizations
The successful conduct of the celebration was made possible through the invaluable support and cooperation of partner agencies, local government units, institutions, organizations, and individuals.
NCIP Agusan del Norte extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following:
Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, under the leadership of Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, for its physical and financial support;
Caraga State University, for hosting the celebration and providing technical assistance, accommodation, student participation, and manpower support, which contributed significantly to the successful and lively conduct of the activities;
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), for its financial support;
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for providing peace and security throughout the celebration;
City Government of Butuan, for providing tents, packed meals, and financial assistance to the Butuan City IP delegates;
Provincial and Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) of Agusan del Norte, for their efforts in ensuring the participation and representation of Indigenous Peoples from their respective communities;
City and Municipal Local Government Units across Agusan del Norte, for their support and cooperation in mobilizing participants and facilitating the participation of their respective ICCs/IPs;
City Health Department, together with the Balangay Disaster Resilience Operators, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and Caraga Alliance of Tourism Stakeholders, for providing medical services and other assistance during the event;
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Caraga, for providing free certification services to registered voters;
Private individuals and volunteers, who generously shared their time, effort, and services to help ensure the success of the celebration; and
The Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples of Agusan del Norte, whose active participation, cultural contributions, and commitment to preserving their heritage made the celebration meaningful and memorable.
The contributions of these partners demonstrated the value of collective action in advancing the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples. Their support helped facilitate the activities and provided opportunities for Indigenous communities to showcase their cultural identity, strengthen their capacities, and engage with institutions committed to their development.
Strengthening Unity, Culture, and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Beyond the activities and festivities, the celebration served as a platform for strengthening unity, promoting cultural appreciation, raising awareness of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and reaffirming the shared responsibility of government agencies, local communities, and partner institutions in protecting Indigenous cultures and ancestral domains.
The participation of more than 600 Indigenous Peoples, together with the support of distinguished guests and partner organizations, demonstrated that empowering Indigenous Peoples is a collective undertaking that requires sustained partnership, mutual respect, and commitment.
NCIP Agusan del Norte recognizes the contributions of all participating communities and partner institutions in making the celebration a success. As the agency looks forward to next year’s celebration, it remains committed to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, preserving their cultural identity, strengthening their communities, promoting self-governance, and ensuring the protection of their ancestral domains.
Together, let us continue to empower Indigenous Peoples, strengthen their rights, preserve their culture, and protect their ancestral domains.
📸 Photo Credit: Caraga State University - Public Information and Communication Office (PICO)
