The Samdhana Institute - Philippines

17/03/2026

27/02/2026

26/02/2026

The Global Study on Indigenous Peoples’ Contributions to Climate Change is a landmark effort that captures, for the first time, the scale and depth of Indigenous Peoples’ actions, innovations, and knowledge in responding to the global climate crisis. We are honored to have accompanied this process, one that has been grounded in Indigenous Peoples leadership from inception to completion.

This study is not merely a research output; it is a collective reflection of Indigenous Peoples collective wisdom, resilience, and the unbroken relationship they practice with the natural world and the associated struggle to access climate finance. Across continents and ecosystems, Indigenous Peoples are protecting forests, rangelands, wetlands, and oceans that sustain life on Earth.

Through traditional ecological knowledge, community governance systems, and adaptive practices honed over centuries, Indigenous Peoples continue to contribute significantly to climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. Their diverse knowledge systems, while ancient, remains profoundly relevant to today’s most urgent environmental challenges.

The Study calls for a decisive paradigm shift toward Indigenous-led and co-governed financing mechanisms that uphold Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), support tenure security, and adopt culturally grounded accountability systems. Through equitable and direct access to climate finance, Indigenous Peoples can continue not only to protect the planet’s ecosystems but also to lead the transition toward a just, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.

This Global Data Study on Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Contributions, which was launched in the UNFCCC COP 30 in Brazil, was successfully completed with the invaluable support of the Climate High-Level Champions for COP 28 and The Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund; in partnership with the ELATIA Consortium (Indigenous Peoples' Global Partnership on Climate Change, Forests and Sustainable Development). This was coordinated by the Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners (ILEPA) and Tebtebba Foundation with global and IP regional consultants/authors, and the IP Advisory Committee.

Access the complete study: https://bit.ly/3N5Fdwx

Excerpts from the Foreword of the Advisory Committee:
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Myrna Cunningham
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

13/02/2026

11/02/2026

Nakigduyog kami sa mga kaigsuonang Menuvu Kirintiken–Ilentungen sa pagsaulog sa ilang Ika-10 nga anibersaryp sa pag-ila sa ilang kolektibo ug pribadong pagpanag-iya sa yutang kabilin ilalom sa Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) No. R10-DON-0216-206 niadtong Pebrero 10, 2026.

Ang pagsaulog gihimo sa komunidad sa Dagebdeb, Purok 9, Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Usa ka dekada na ang nilabay sukad sa ilang pagkab-ot sa CADT, ug pipila na pod ka pagsulay ug mga kadaugan ang ilang natagamtaman diha sa pakigbisog nga maila ang ilang mga katungod.

Isip simbolo sa ilang kaakuhan sa malahutayon nga lihuk ug pagkinabuhi sa tribu, nananum sa mga kahoy ang mga lider ug myembro sa komunidad, kauban ang mga bisita ug alokoy nga gipangunahan sa Samdhana ug Run4Me advocates.

Usa na usab ka kalihukan nga para sa umaabot pa nga henerasyon.

Subli, and among pasidungog sa Manobo Kirintiken–Ilentungen sulod sa CADT 206.

Padayon!!

10/02/2026

Our thoughts are with the communities and families affected by Typhoon Basyang. We stand in solidarity with you during this challenging time.

What we’re experiencing is not just about bad weather. It reflects the climate crisis, environmental destruction, and corruption that continue to put communities at risk. This is a wake-up call we can’t ignore.

Photo grabbed from: Inquirer.net

https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/02/iliganons-remember-sendong-as-basyang-batters-mindanao/

28/01/2026

"Did you know? Every RUN4ME supports forest restoration and community conservation. Save the date. Run for something bigger

🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://run4me2026halfmarathon.veent.net/
📍 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: South Concourse, LimKetKai Mall
📆 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

"

28/01/2026

Matagumpay naming naisagawa ang magkasunod na mga gawain sa Sitio Mareleten, Barangay Turda, Coron, Palawan noong Enero 26–27, 2026.

Sa loob ng dalawang araw, aktibong lumahok ang mga miyembro ng komunidad sa mga sesyon tungkol sa sama-samang paggawa ng project proposal para sa water system at LRA registration, Year 2 planning para sa SCORES Project, pag-oorganisa ng mga katutubong kababaihan, at isang talakayan ng komunidad hinggil sa panukalang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sa pagitan ng Komunidad ng Katutubong Tagbanwa ng Barangay Turda at ang Samdhana Institute para sa pagpapatupad ng SCORES–SGP7 Project.

Ang mga makabuluhang gawain na ito ay nakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng partisipasyon ng komunidad, maayos na pagpaplano, at sama-samang pagkilos tungo sa isang mas napapanatili at inklusibong kaunlaran.





Photo credits: Marlo Nacua/ Samdhana

28/01/2026

The CCCI Bootcamp last November 26-28, 2025 was organized by the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), with participants coming from different NGOs, cooperatives, academe, social enterprises, the private sector, and the government. Samdhana staff and the Treasurer of the Serukadang Menuvu Tribe Organization (SMTO) attended. The discussion highlighted CCCIs as a response to the digital divide in remote areas, emphasizing that connectivity should meaningfully improve community wellbeing rather than merely provide access. CCCIs should be grounded in the community’s own aspirations and readiness, using participatory processes that involve assessing needs, building local technical capacity, and establishing governance and maintenance systems. An enabling policy environment, particularly through the Konektadong Pinoy Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, has opened opportunities for smaller data transmission industry participants by easing licensing requirements and creating regulatory “green lanes” for disadvantaged communities.

27/01/2026

Planting Seeds, Planning Futures: HIMATA KAD and Samdhana kick off year with tree-growing, strategic planning

With a symbolic renewal of roots and rights, Samdhana Institute visited the Higaonon Manobo Talaandig Kitanglad Kalatungan Ancestral Domain (HIMATA KAD) community in Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, for a review and planning activity, and tree-growing last January 24.

Joined by the representatives from eight out of nine HIMATA KAD communities/gaup, the activity included a lecture on Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and a sharing of HIMATA KAD's accomplishments over the past three years. The presentation highlighted significant successes including the Agroecology Project, which promotes sustainable farming practices while helping ensure food security, the mobilization of youth and women's organizations, and the community's participation in regional and international forums.

The discussions served as a space for HIMATA KAD members to reflect on their progress while identifying areas that require further support. Beyond reporting accomplishments, the dialogue encouraged active participation, allowing community members to present their concerns and priorities that are important to their long-term growth and empower their decision-making processes.

Consequently, HIMATA KAD members and Samdhana will gather for a three-day strategic planning session at a later date to craft the community’s five-year development agenda and to chart their long-term direction.

20/01/2026

Welcome 2026!

We start the year with our boots fully on the ground, and gearing up for the months ahead.

Our first inspiration comes from the message of Datu Benjie from Sezukadang community in CADT 206 (Southern Bukidnon). The Menuvu-Kirenteken youngsters planted trees last January 9, continuing to increase their forest areas along the ridge that leads to Lelepoy river and their water source.

Second, we align along the priorities of CADT 206 of the Menuvu-Kirenteken-Ilantungen tribe as they put in place their directions for the next five years from 2026 to 2030. The first meeting for their 5-year plan was conducted last January 17.

Thirdly, we are happy to receive the Certificate of Accreditation from the Province of Bukidnon, recognizing Samdhana Institute as a civil society organization.

Cheers to a hopeful start!