National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - Region XII

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | NCIP Region XII spearheaded by 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲 𝐋. 𝐁𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐏𝐀, together with NCIP Provincial Officer Mr. Richard M. Trecero, Engr. Janniely D. Lumosad, and Hon. Sagin P. Monday, City IPS Head, paid a significant visit to the office of 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐄𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐏. 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐥, 𝐌𝐃𝐌𝐆, 𝐃𝐏𝐀, City Mayor of Koronadal and Hon. Delia P. Lawi-an, City IPMR.

The engagement centered on critical discussions addressing the welfare, rights, and sustainable development of Indigenous Peoples communities.

Through collective commitment and collaboration, we continue to advance the vision of building a stronger, more resilient, and empowered Indigenous society.

In the Service of Indigenous People.

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟳–𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝗜𝗣 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Indigenous leaders, elders, community representatives, and partner organizations convene in General Santos City on May 27–28, 2026 for a Learning Session on the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) and the co-designing of RA 11596 key messages.

In partnership with Save the Children Philippines, the activity highlights culturally responsive child protection, strengthens collaboration among stakeholders, and promotes community-led action in safeguarding Indigenous children while preserving culture, traditions, and ancestral identity.

The learning session also emphasizes the role of IP leaders in child protection referral pathways and community-led responses to issues such as child marriage, exploitation, abuse, and other emerging concerns affecting Indigenous children and families.

Through dialogue and shared commitment, the initiative reinforces safer, empowered, and culturally rooted Indigenous communities for future generations.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔 (𝑵𝑪𝑰𝑷) 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑿𝑰𝑰, led by 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲 𝐋. 𝐁𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐏𝐀, and the NCIP Cotabato Provincial Office successfully conducted the collaborative meeting and workshop on the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), in partnership with the IP Affairs Office of the Provincial Government of Cotabato.

Aligned with the visionary direction of the NCIP Chairperson 𝐇𝐨𝐧. Nancy A. Catamco, and backed by the vital funding support and good governance of 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza, this joint initiative was successfully realized for the 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐛𝐨-𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐬/𝐈𝐏𝐬.

The collaborating agencies and organizing bodies spearheaded the multi-day activity, gathering various partner agencies and stakeholders who presented their respective Indigenous Peoples-related programs, services, and initiatives. These presentations highlighted concrete avenues where Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) can access strategic support through the parallel implementation of their ADSDPP and Ancestral Domain Investment Plan for Health (ADIPH).

Workshops were also conducted to map out localized policies and resource management strategies within the Bagobo-Tagabawa Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). Additionally, an open forum allowed participants to directly raise community concerns and co-develop solutions to strengthen collaborative governance for the Bagobo-Tagabawa community.

The four-day activity was held on May 18–21, 2026, at Elai Resort, Hotel, and Recreational Center, Brgy. Paco, Kidapawan City.

This joint endeavor underscores the shared commitment of NCIP, under the leadership of Chairperson Catamco, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato to promoting culturally responsive development planning, ensuring the protection of rights, and co-creating sustainable advancement for ICCs/IPs.

Today, May 27, 2026, the NCIP Region 12 facilitated a Memorandum of Agreement Monitoring Committee (MMC) meeting in response to concerns raised regarding the implementation of the project of KILAMBAY Plantation Corporation (KPC) within CADT 140 of Lebpas, President Roxas, and CADC 008 & 052 of Barangay Kisupaan, President Roxas.

The MMC meeting was led by Acting Regional Director Joey L. Bogay together with OIC-Provincial Officer Joyce Monique J. Mondragon. The activity focused on reviewing the benefits, commitments, and responsibilities of each party stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to properly address and resolve the concerns that have arisen.

Also present during the activity was the CEO of KPC, Mr. Jerry John Taray, showing unity and commitment toward transparent dialogue, mutual understanding, and the protection of the rights and welfare of the Indigenous Cultural Communities.

This initiative reflects the continued commitment of NCIP Region 12 in ensuring that agreements are properly implemented, concerns are heard, and the welfare of Indigenous Peoples is safeguarded through peaceful consultation and cooperation.

“𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣: 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣”

𝐈𝐏 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 successfully concluded its two-day activity in 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive, accessible, and culturally grounded public service delivery for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

Initiated by NCIP Region XII under the leadership and guidance of 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐧. Nancy Alaan Catamco and 𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐏 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲 𝐋. 𝐁𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐲, the activity became a meaningful avenue for inter-agency collaboration and community engagement, bringing essential government programs and services directly to IP communities.

Participating agencies including the 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐗𝐈𝐈 (𝐃𝐎𝐇 𝐗𝐈𝐈), 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐏𝐒𝐀), 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 (𝐑𝐇𝐔), 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐫 (𝐌𝐂𝐑) 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐏𝐀𝐎), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 – 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 rendered vital services such as healthcare assistance, legal consultations, counseling, support for delayed birth registration, correction of entries in Certificates of Live Birth, and other responsive interventions tailored to the needs of the community.

Through collective efforts and strong partnerships, the activity helped strengthen access to healthcare, legal identity, social protection, and other fundamental government services, affirming the government’s commitment to empowering and uplifting Indigenous Peoples.

NCIP Region XII likewise expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Arakan through 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐃. 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐫, the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Barangay Ganatan, the Barangay IPMR of Ganatan, the Municipal IPMR, and the 𝟕𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝟕𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐁) for their unwavering support and invaluable cooperation in ensuring the success of the activity.

NCIP XII also expresses its sincere gratitude to 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza and the 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 (𝐏𝐋𝐆𝐔) 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 for their continued support to the initiatives and programs of the office.
Truly, this is #𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗼, Para sa mga Katutubo!

Indeed, meaningful public service begins with presence, partnership, and genuine commitment to the welfare and dignity of Indigenous Peoples.

"𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣: 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣"

Last May 20, 2026, The IKSP Team from NCIP-Tboli CSC facilitated the Conference & Disclosure, Consensus Building & Decision-Making, and MOA Formulation for the IKSP application of Kennemer Ecoworks Philippines Corporation for its research entitled “CultureLand Project: Forest Protection, Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Livelihood Project,” to be conducted within the ancestral domain of the Tboli and Blaan ICCs/IPs in Tboli, South Cotabato, covered by CADT No. R12-TBO-1207-059.

The IKSP Team conducted an IEC on IPRA and the 2012 IKSP Guidelines, while the applicants presented their research proposal. The Tboli and Blaan ICCs/IPs, through their Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), gave their consent to the said research proposal and suggested provisions to be stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The parties—the Tboli and Blaan ICCs/IPs, Kennemer Ecoworks Philippines Corporation, and NCIP—finalized the MOA, subject to review by the Provincial and Regional Offices.

On May 26, 2026, The FPIC Team from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples–South Cotabato, spearheaded by Provincial Officer Richard Trecero, facilitated the conduct of the First Meeting for the CP Application of JRM Sand and Gravel Quarrying for its Commercial Sand and Gravel (CSAG) Quarry Project located at Sitio Batotitik, Barangay Basag, Tboli, South Cotabato. IPS members from Barangay Basag attended the meeting, led by Datu Domingo Duma, Barangay IPS Head, together with the representatives of the proponent.

The activity was successfully conducted and focused on the following: the conduct of the IEC on IPRA and the FPIC Guidelines; JRM’s presentation of its proponent and project profile; validation of the IPS; validation of the decision-making process; among others. The activity was properly communicated and disseminated to the concerned stakeholders through the posting of notices and the serving of invitations.

Honoring the Feast of Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples stands in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in this sacred observance.

This occasion reflects the values of faith, humility, and compassion, reminding us of the importance of unity, shared humanity, and caring for one another.

May this celebration inspire peace, strengthen solidarity, and promote harmony among all communities.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XII, headed by Acting Regional Director, conducted a fruitful discussion with the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Leaders from the Municipality of Arakan, Cotabato Province, spearheaded by, IPS Head of the municipality.

The meeting focused on strengthening partnership and coordination with NCIP Region XII for the implementation of various programs, activities, and initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the area.

Ignes Law Office paid a courtesy visit to the NCIP XII Regional Director Joey L. Bogay, MPA, to seek assistance regarding the Road Right-of-Way (RROW) application and claims of the Tboli-Ubo Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Surallah and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The meeting centered on ensuring the proper processing, validation, and recognition of the RROW claims in accordance with existing laws, policies, and the protection of the rights and welfare of ICCs/IPs.