We are a Sectoral Party List formation representing the marginalized and underrepresented Indigenous Peoples / Cultural Communities in Mindanao.
It was on October 27 - 29, 2008 during the 3rd Mindanao IP Convention, the IP leaders who attended recognized the need to have a representation in Congress, have passed a resolution to file a petition for registration and accreditation with the COMELEC as Party List and to participate in the party list system of representation in connection with the May 10, 2010 automated national and local electi
on. Thus, Abante Tribung Makabansa (ATM) was accredited by COMELEC as a sectoral party-list with regional constituency by assemblies of Tribal Elders, Leaders and Representatives belonging to the 18 ethno-linguistic tribes and 38 sub-tribes comprising the sector of Indigenous Cultural Communities spread over the geographical territory of a majority of the provinces comprising the five (5) regions in Mindanao and one (1) province within ARMM. ATM is governed by a Political Directorate composed of the nominees, EXECOM, and its set of officers while drawing wisdoms from its organizational strength of 41 Tribal Assemblies, 21 Satellite Organizations and 11 partner IP Organizations. Guided by the purposes, policies and principles of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and R.A 8371 (popularly known as Indigenous Peoples Rights Act or IPRA Law), ATM affirms that Indigenous Peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such. ATM welcomes the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social and cultural enhancement and in order to bring to an end all forms of discrimination and oppression wherever they occur. Convinced that direct participation by indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations, needs and in harmony with other communities and residents. ATM has been officially accredited as a Sectoral Party-List that:
- clearly shows legislative readiness and dedication to pursue the interests of the IP sector;
- has a well planned objective that will cover every concern affecting the Indigenous Cultural Communities;
- has a 6 years track record of advocacy which bolsters the fact that ATM has indeed imbibed a genuine concern with the interests of the IP sector.
