National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - Region XII

04/11/2026

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XII, through Officer-in-Charge, Richard M. Trecero, led the awarding of the Certificate Precondition (CP) for the Commercial Sand and Gravel (CSAG) Project located in Barangay Basag, Tboli, South Cotabato.

The activity was undertaken together with Donesa Gawan and Oliver Gawan, marking another step in ensuring that development initiatives within ancestral domains uphold the rights, interests, and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

NCIP Region XII remains committed to safeguarding the rights of ICCs/IPs while ensuring that development projects are undertaken in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and guidelines.

02/11/2026

A meaningful courtesy visit by Acting Regional Director Joey L. Bogay to Her Excellency Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, together with fellow public sector scholars, Captain Armhil Angeles, Philippine Navy (Retired), of the Presidential Office on Maritime Council (POMC), and Captain Benedict Bartolome of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen ties, foster camaraderie, and reaffirm our shared commitment to public service, leadership, and continuous learning.

A proud moment of representing the Philippines and the Indigenous Peoples while pursuing knowledge, growth, and meaningful public service.

“𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣: 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣"

30/10/2026

28/10/2026

27/10/2026

Strengthening Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Economic Empowerment.

NCIP Region XII recognizes the participation of the two I-LEAD project sites in Tico, Magpet, North Cotabato, and Maitum, Sarangani Province, in the two-day interactive training on Leadership and Networking for Ancestral Domain Governance and Economic Empowerment, with skills development on product promotion and selling, conducted and facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on October 23–24, 2026, in Davao City.

This initiative highlights the importance of empowering Indigenous Peoples through strengthened leadership, effective ancestral domain governance, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. By enhancing their skills in product promotion and selling, our communities can create greater opportunities for their locally made products, strengthen Indigenous enterprises, and build more sustainable livelihoods.

As NCIP Region XII, we continue to support initiatives that empower ICCs/IPs to lead, preserve their cultural identity, and pursue inclusive and sustainable development.

Empowered Indigenous communities. Stronger leadership. Sustainable livelihoods.

27/10/2026

NCIP XII Joins the Opening of MIPTEX 2026 in Davao City

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XII joins the opening of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX) 2026, happening on October 26–30, 2026, at Poblacion Market Central, Davao City.

This five-day expo brings together Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII to showcase their products, celebrate their cultural heritage, and promote sustainable livelihood and enterprise development.

The event is organized through the collaboration of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), ALSONS Development and Investment Corporation, the New Zealand Embassy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation.

NCIP XII proudly highlights the participation of ICCs/IPs from the I-Lead sites in Maitum, Sarangani Province, and Tico, Magpet, North Cotabato, showcasing their locally crafted products, traditional skills, and creativity. Their participation reflects the richness of Indigenous cultural heritage and the potential of community-based enterprises to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

More than a trade expo, MIPTEX serves as a platform for cultural appreciation, economic empowerment, and inclusive development, helping Indigenous entrepreneurs reach wider markets while sharing the stories and traditions behind their products.

Visit MIPTEX 2026 and support our Indigenous entrepreneurs. Together, let us celebrate our heritage, promote Indigenous products, and strengthen livelihood opportunities for our communities.

25/10/2026

Strengthening Protection for Indigenous Peoples Against Human Trafficking

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), in partnership with AWO International, Inc., successfully held the Three-Day Workshop on Developing Protection Standards for Indigenous Persons Who Are Trafficked on October 21–23, 2026, at Habi Hotel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The workshop brought together stakeholders and partner agencies to strengthen collaborative efforts in preventing human trafficking and ensuring that Indigenous Peoples who are victims of trafficking receive timely, appropriate, and culturally sensitive protection and assistance.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of:

✅ Recognizing presumptive victim status to facilitate immediate protection and assistance for Indigenous persons who may have been trafficked.

✅ Ensuring mandatory NCIP involvement in protection and referral mechanisms to safeguard the rights, cultural identity, and welfare of Indigenous victims.

✅ Upholding the best interests of the child in all interventions involving Indigenous child victims, prioritizing their safety, recovery, rehabilitation, and access to justice.

Through this initiative, NCIP and AWO International, Inc. reaffirm their shared commitment to a more inclusive, responsive, and culturally sensitive protection system—one that respects the rights and dignity of Indigenous Peoples and ensures that no one is left behind in the fight against human trafficking.

24/10/2026

22/10/2026