LAWIG

08/08/2026

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly designated 9 August as the 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅’𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔, recognizing the importance of protecting the rights, cultures, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

More than a commemoration, this day honors the strength, resilience, cultures, languages, and knowledge systems that Indigenous Peoples have sustained across generations. It also reminds us that Indigenous Peoples have the right to speak for themselves, protect their lands and waters, preserve and develop their cultures and knowledge, and determine their own paths forward.

As we celebrate their invaluable contributions to our shared world, may we also recognize the work that remains. Indigenous voices must not only be heard, but respected and meaningfully included in decisions that affect their communities, territories, and futures.

May we continue to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples as they uphold their identities, exercise their rights, and carry their knowledge and traditions forward for generations to come.

23/06/2026

🌊 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

LAWIG celebrates World Oceans Month 2026 with this year's theme, "𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒: 𝐵𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑊𝑒 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝐴 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑂𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑛."

This month, we honor Maritime Indigenous Peoples whose lives have long been intertwined with the sea. From the Sama Bajau communities of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia to Indigenous coastal communities around the world, their knowledge reminds us that the ocean is not merely a resource to exploit, but a home, a teacher, and a shared inheritance.

In a time of ecological uncertainty, their wisdom calls us to reimagine our relationship with the ocean through reciprocity, responsibility, and care. Healthy oceans and thriving communities are inseparable.

As we celebrate World Oceans Month, LAWIG stands in solidarity with all communities whose cultures, identities, and futures remain deeply connected to the sea.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.

12/06/2026

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝟭𝟮𝟴 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

On this 128th Philippine Independence Day, LAWIG joins the nation in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought for our freedom. As we celebrate our shared heritage, may we continue to uphold the values of unity, dignity, and service while embracing the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our nation. Let us work together toward a more inclusive, just, and hopeful future for all Filipinos.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan! 🦅🇵🇭

08/06/2026

🎓 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 | 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢, 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Today, we celebrate more than a diploma. We celebrate a journey of courage, perseverance, and hope.

Lakbay-Aral Workforce for Indigenous Groups (LAWIG) proudly congratulates 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢, one of our dedicated Badjao youth volunteers, for earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Cebu Main Campus.

For many, a college degree is an achievement. For Aris, it is the fulfillment of years of determination against challenges that many never see.

In 2015, Aris was among the young learners of Project Ahon Badjao Cebu (ABC), a literacy initiative that sought to open doors of opportunity for Badjao children and youth through education. Supported by the Cebu City Government through the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) under the leadership of Hon. Ester G. Co**ha, the NCIP Cebu Provincial Office through former Development Management Officer Ms. Hazel Torrefiel, and the University of the Philippines Cebu through Richelle Diane P. Claros, the project was built on a simple belief: that every child deserves a chance to dream and to learn.

Since 2015, when he first joined activities at Alaska Elementary School, Aris has been part of a journey that extended far beyond classrooms and learning modules. Year after year, he continued to show up—not only as a learner, but eventually as a volunteer, a role model, and a young leader willing to give back to his community.

To witness Aris walk across the graduation stage is to witness the power of opportunity, persistence, and self-belief. It is a reminder that dreams nurtured years ago can bloom into realities. It is proof that education can transform lives, families, and communities.

Behind this achievement are countless early mornings, long nights, sacrifices, uncertainties, and moments when giving up may have seemed easier. Yet Aris kept moving forward. Step by step. Year by year. Dream by dream.

Today, we celebrate not only the graduate he has become, but also the young boy who dared to believe that his future could be different.

Your LAWIG family is immensely proud of you, Aris!

May your story inspire other Badjao youth to continue learning, dreaming, and believing in what is possible! May your achievement serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come!

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕.

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

𝑷𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒏, 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒔. 💙











University of Cebu, Inc.

14/05/2026

𝗔𝗧𝗠: 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗜𝗚 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗚 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

LAWIG joins the University of Cambridge Indigenous Studies Discussion Group (ISDG) Symposium 2026 titled “Voices of the Land and Sea: Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Futures,” a one-day event exploring Indigenous knowledge systems in climate research inspired by COP30 discussions.

The first session focused on Climate Justice and Policy, followed by discussions on Storytelling and Water Worlds, bringing together Indigenous advocates, researchers, legal experts, and community leaders from different parts of the world to discuss Indigenous perspectives in climate futures, environmental sustainability, resilience, and decolonial approaches to climate research.

The symposium opened with a powerful land acknowledgment from Wayne D. Garnons-Williams, founding President of the IITIO _ International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organisation and Senior Lawyer of Garwill Law Professional Corporation, who emphasized that Indigenous Peoples remain the original occupiers, traditional stewards, and inherent protectors of the lands and waters across the world.

“I would like to acknowledge that the Indigenous Peoples are the original occupiers, traditional stewards, and inherent protectors of the lands and waters where each of us attends this meeting today,” he stated.

He further stressed that decolonization must be actively pursued through reconciliation, listening to Indigenous voices, and supporting Indigenous resilience, resistance, and self-determination. Garnons-Williams also reminded non-Indigenous participants of their “sacred duty” to learn the histories and territories they occupy and to foster meaningful relationships that advance reconciliation among all nations.

“To our Indigenous participants, supporters and leaders, we thank you deeply for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us and we look forward to working with you today and in the future,” he added.

LAWIG continues to participate in international conversations uplifting Indigenous voices, climate justice, maritime sustainability, resilience, and community-centered futures.

08/05/2026

𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟰𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

Cebu, the Philippines — Senior officials from across Southeast Asia convened in Cebu on 06 May 2026 as the Philippines hosted the preparatory ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit.

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Leo M. Herrera-Lim, ASEAN Philippines SOM Leader and Undersecretary for Policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines.

During the meeting, Undersecretary Herrera-Lim underscored ASEAN’s shared responsibility in navigating today’s rapidly evolving regional and global challenges. He emphasized the urgency of sustaining a forward-looking and proactive ASEAN that remains adaptive, resilient, and responsive to emerging political, economic, environmental, and security concerns.

The preparatory SOM marked the third meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials under the Philippines’ Chairship and focused on advancing key deliverables under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Pillar.

Among the major agenda points discussed were maritime cooperation, priority actions for regional resilience, and measures addressing the implications of the ongoing situation in the Middle East on ASEAN and the broader region.

The meeting forms part of a series of high-level engagements leading to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where regional leaders and stakeholders are expected to discuss cooperation, security, economic development, and people-centered regional initiatives.

Also present in selected ASEAN-related engagements in Cebu was Richelle Diane P. Claros, founder of the Lakbay-Aral Workforce for Indigenous Groups (LAWIG), together with representatives from the public and private sectors participating in discussions on regional cooperation, inclusive engagement, and the future of Southeast Asia.
𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠: 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 (𝐷𝐹𝐴) 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠, 𝑀𝑠. 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎 𝑈𝑏𝑎𝑐, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑆𝐸𝐴𝑁 2026 𝑃𝐻 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑚.

06/05/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: 𝐇.𝐄. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Her Excellency (H.E.) Delia Domingo Albert, recognized as the first woman career diplomat to serve as Foreign Minister in both ASEAN and the wider Asian region, delivered the lecture “Understanding ASEAN: How It Evolved, How It Works, and Why It Matters” during the 29th Southeast Asia (SEA) Lecture Hall series held today, May 6, 2026, in Cebu.

Her discussion offered a comprehensive reflection on ASEAN’s historical foundations, institutional mechanisms, and continuing relevance in shaping regional cooperation across Southeast Asia. The lecture also highlighted the importance of diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and people-centered regional dialogue in addressing shared challenges and futures within the region.

Hosted by the University of San Carlos through its Department of Political Science, in partnership with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), the event gathered students, academics, advocates, and members of the public at the Albert van Gansewinkel Hall, USC Downtown Campus. LAWIG also joined the lecture alongside other participants and organizations interested in regional issues and Southeast Asian cooperation.

This event arrives at a pivotal moment as Cebu hosts the 48th ASEAN Summit in Lapu-Lapu City from May 6–8, 2026.

06/05/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗣𝗥𝗗𝗣 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

LAWIG encourages Indigenous scholars, students, researchers, advocates, and community knowledge bearers to participate in the 2026 Indigenous Peoples Research and Development Program (IPRDP) Conference of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

With the theme, “Empowering Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) for Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” the conference welcomes research and theses that contribute to culturally grounded, rights-based, and community-centered knowledge and development.

Submission deadline:
30 May 2026

For more information, submission guidelines, and conference themes, please click the photo below.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 📣

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is accepting submissions of research papers for the upcoming 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗜𝗣𝗥𝗗𝗣) 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. 📖🔍

With the theme "Empowering Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) for Inclusive and Sustainable Development," the conference is looking for undergraduate-level or above research or theses under the following themes:
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) Documentation (10 Elements)
- Peace Studies
- Development Studies
- Socioeconomics
- Governance, Rights, and Self-Determination
- Education and Knowledge Transmission
- Environment, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
- Health, Healing, and Wellbeing
- Social Inclusion and Human Rights
- Cultural Revitalization and Heritage Preservation

For interested researchers, please submit your research abstracts through https://bit.ly/4sy4IWY and via email address at [email protected] not later than 𝟯𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. 📅

The IPRDP is the NCIP's national initiative that promotes evidence-based policymaking, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) preservation, and rights-based development for Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). It supports research that strengthens ancestral domain governance, cultural integrity, and sustainable development, and empowers IP communities through knowledge generation, documentation, and culturally grounded policymaking.

ℹ️ For more information: https://ncip.gov.ph/.../call-for-papers-2026-indigenous.../

05/05/2026

LAWIG 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂

LAWIG proudly supports and joins ASEAN for the Peoples Week 2026, happening on May 5–8, 2026 in Cebu, the Philippines, organized by Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia.

As the inaugural civil society–driven platform held alongside the 48th ASEAN Summit, this initiative creates critical space for inclusive public engagement and meaningful multi-stakeholder dialogue. It builds on ASEAN’s formal processes, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the momentum of the ASEAN for the Peoples Conference (AFPC) 2025.

By convening diverse actors across sectors, the platform advances collaboration that translates regional commitments into concrete, community-centered outcomes. LAWIG remains committed to amplifying voices, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to people-centered solutions across Southeast Asia.

25/04/2026

🎓 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 | 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢, 𝐁𝐒𝐀𝐓 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞

Lakbay-Aral Workforce for Indigenous Groups (LAWIG) proudly congratulates Ronny Daomani, one of our dedicated Badjao youth volunteers, for successfully completing his Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at the College of Technological Sciences-Cebu.

Ronny’s journey reflects years of perseverance, commitment, and growth. He began as one of the young participants of Project Ahon Badjao Cebu (ABC), a literacy project that opened pathways for learning and access to education among Badjao youth. The initiative had been supported by the Cebu City Government through the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) under the leadership of Hon. Ester G. Co**ha, the NCIP Cebu Provincial Office through former Development Management Officer Ms. Hazel Torrefiel, and the University of the Philippines Cebu through Richelle Diane P. Claros. Since 2015, beginning with his early involvement at Alaska Elementary School, Ronny has remained a consistent presence, supporting initiatives from Project ABC to LAWIG. His journey reflects personal commitment, a strong sense of responsibility, and the path he forged through his own efforts.

𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑹𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒚! 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚.

𝑷𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒏!