NCIP Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns

NCIP, Katuwang sa Ika-290th Medical Mission ng Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines sa Victoria, Oriental Mindoro

VICTORIA, ORIENTAL MINDORO — Buong puwersang sinuportahan ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Secretary/Chairperson Nancy A. Catamco, ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng ika-290th Medical Mission ng Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines sa Bayan ng Victoria noong Mayo 23–24, 2026.

Sa pangunguna nina Dr. Josefino Qua, Head ng Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), at Ms. Rosa So, Head ng Tzu Chi Medical Function Team, kabilang ang 45 TIMA doctors at iba pang volunteers, naihatid ang libreng serbisyong medikal sa mahigit 2,000 benepisyaryo mula sa mga bayan ng Victoria, Socorro, at Naujan, kabilang ang mga Mangyan ICCs/IPs.

Pinangunahan naman ng NCIP Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns (OSESSC) ang matibay na ugnayan sa Tzu Chi Foundation at ang pangkalahatang koordinasyon, kasama ang buong suporta ng NCIP Regional Office MIMAROPA sa pangunguna ni Regional Director Joemer M. Samong at ng Office on Education, Culture and Health (OECH), na kinatawan ni Dr. Jacob Ross Rosales, Chief of the Health and Development Division. Katuwang din sa koordinasyon sina Joseph Ian P. Manlulu at Maribel G. Dato ng OSESSC, na nagsilbing focal persons upang matiyak ang aktibong pakikiisa ng ahensya sa programang pangkalusugan na ginanap sa Victoria Plaza Hotel.

Kabilang sa mga serbisyong ipinagkaloob ay medical consultations, dental services, minor surgical procedures, pediatric at OB-Gyne services, at libreng gamot na tunay na nagbigay-ginhawa sa mga komunidad, lalo na sa mga katutubong Mangyan.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, NCIP, LGU Victoria sa pamumuno ni Mayor Richard V. Inciong, Municipal Health Office (MHO), at iba’t ibang partner organizations at volunteers, naging matagumpay ang misyong ito na naglalayong ilapit ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga komunidad na may limitadong akses dito.

Lubos naman ang naging pasasalamat ng mga benepisyaryo, partikular ang mga katutubong Mangyan, sa pagkakataong makatanggap ng libreng gamutan at konsultasyon na malaking tulong sa kanilang kalusugan at kabuhayan.

Taos-pusong pasasalamat ang ipinaaabot ng NCIP sa Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, sa lahat ng mga doktor, volunteers, Victoria LGU, Municipal Health Office, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), at lahat ng indibidwal na naging bahagi ng matagumpay na misyong ito. Ang kanilang malasakit, pagkakaisa, at dedikasyon ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon upang patuloy na maihatid ang serbisyong may puso at malasakit sa mga komunidad na higit na nangangailangan.

Patuloy na magsisilbing tulay ang NCIP sa paghahatid ng serbisyong may malasakit para sa kapakanan ng ating mga katutubo.

Gan En (Thank you), Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and Master Cheng Yen
Gan En, Tzu Chi Volunteers

[Ang Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines ay isa sa mga partner organizations ng NCIP at matagal nang katuwang ng ahensya sa pagbibigay ng medical services, scholarships, relief operations para sa mga biktima ng kalamidad, at pagsusulong ng environmental protection initiatives.]

NCIP Holds Dialogue with Māori Delegates on Indigenous Leadership and Climate Resilience

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), together with Māori delegates Lotima Vaioleti and Tame Cole Koroheke Satele, who are participating in the Manila Hui (Meeting) of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and partners from the New Zealand Embassy Manila Philippines, held a meaningful dialogue on 15 May 2026, through a blended meeting platform.

The discussion focused on Indigenous leadership, climate resilience, and Indigenous-to-Indigenous learning. The on-site dialogue was facilitated by Chief Glenda Alcantara Pua of NCIP and Ms. Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez of the New Zealand Embassy in Manila. Mr. Raf Dionisio of MAD EARTH also joined the meeting in person, while representatives from NCIP’s Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO), Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns (OSESSC), and Office on Policy, Planning and Research (OPPR) participated via Zoom.

The exchange provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and share the Māori experiences on how indigenous communities are leading efforts to build resilience and promote sustainable development rooted in their traditional knowledge systems, cultural values, and enduring stewardship of their ancestral domains.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. George Falgui, Mayor, Municipality of Kiamba, Sarangani.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"On behalf of the Municipality of Kiamba, I want to express my deepest gratitude to NCIP, UNDP, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for identifying our local government unit as key partner. Being one of the "chosen" for this project is a privilege we do not take lightly, and we are truly honored that Kiamba was selected to help shape this collaboration framework.

As we move forward, I pledge our full cooperation and unwavering support to Region 12 Inter-Agency Technical Working Group. We are committed to ensuring that the implementation of this project in Kiamba in transparent, responsive, and deeply impactful."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. Franklin Bautista, Governor, Province of Davao Occidental.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"Today is not just a launch, this is the beginning of something that truly matters for our people. This I-LEAD Project is a commitment to inclusivity and community-driven development, and most importantly, it is a commitment to our Indigenous Peoples, especially women and girls, who are often at the heart of our communities, yet remain among the most undeserved.

As we formally commence this project, we are also launching our genuine hope. A hope that indigenous women will have stronger voices, greater opportunities, and a more active role in leadership within their communities.

We commit to strengthening coordination, supporting local implementation efforts, and ensuring that programs like this reach the communities that need them the most.

Padayon tang magtinabangay alang sa atong mga kaigsuonang IP."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, Governor, Province of Sarangani.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"The vision of the I-LEAD Project comes at a crucial and transformative time, and it deeply resonates with the heart of Sarangani's own aspirations: a province where Indigenous Peoples are empowered, culturally grounded, and active partners in building resilient, inclusive, and progressive communities.

By strengthening the rights, capacities, and leadership of indigenous women here in Mindanao, we are not only creating pathways for greater participation in governance and decision-making in our nation; hence we are also nurturing empowered leaders who will preserve our ancestral domains and champion sustainable development for future generations.

As a Governor, I firmly believe that the strength of our communities lies in the voices, wisdom, and resilience our indigenous women and girls. Thus, restoring spaces where indigenous sisters and daughter can lead with dignity, confidence and pride in their identity and heritage has always been at the core of our vision."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. Sebastian Z. Duterte, Mayor, Davao City.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"Indigenous Peoples play a huge role in protecting and safeguarding their ancestral domains, serving as steadfast stewards of the land and ensuring that this remain beneficial for future generations. But even today, Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, still continue to face challenges especially in terms of education, healthcare, livelihood, and land tenure.

And so it is important that we continue to come up with comprehensive action plans and programs to support indigenous women and girls in the country.

The official launch of the I-LEAD project is therefore crucial as it serves as a platform to empower IP women and girls through providing them with opportunities, resources, and support systems that will enable them with confidence, preserve their heritage and actively participate in building a more progressive, resilient and inclusive communities."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza, Governor, Province of Cotabato.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"I would like to congratulate NCIP and its partners on the launch of the I-LEAD Project. This initiative matters because it gives attention to indigenous women and girls who have long carried important responsibilities in their communities but are not always given enough opportunities to lead or take part in decision-making.

Today, we are seeing more Indigenous women from Cotabato step into leadership and public service. Former Governor and now NCIP Chairperson Nancy A. Catamco is one example of how indigenous women can lead not only in their communities but also in government and national institutions. Her example continues to inspire many young indigenous girls to participate and lead.

That is why programs like I-LEAD are important. They create opportunities for indigenous women and young girls to build confidence, develop skills and become active partners in development and governance."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Hon. Leo Tereso Magno, Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"For MinDA, the I-LEAD Project is closely aligned with our strengthening the Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao (STIP MINDANAO) Program.

It provides a platform to integrate indigenous priorities into the broader regional development framework, ensuring that our collective vision for Mindanao is both inclusive and sustainable.

As an active member of the Regional IATWG, rest assured that MinDA commits to providing strategic and operational support to this initiative.

By integrating the needs of the indigenous cultural communities in MinDA's priorities, we can also complement I-LEAD Project in providing essential resources and support to promote sustainable development and improve quality of life of the indigenous peoples and promote the general welfare of their respective communities.

Together, let us move forward with unity, purpose, and respect for the rich heritage of our Indigenous Peoples. With I-LEAD, we take decisive step toward building a better Mindanao."

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Excerpt from the message of support and commitment to the I-LEAD Project by Ms. Anita Edgecombe, Senior Policy Officer, Humanitarian and Global Development, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
🔸 I-LEAD Project Launch | 07 May 2026
📌 General Santos City, South Cotabato

"Indigenous Women and Girls must have meaningful opportunities to participate in leadership decision-making processes. Supporting inclusive governance means that ensuring the diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives are recognized, valued, and heard. We know the importance of locally led approaches that honor the knowledge, leadership, and aspirations of indigenous peoples and communities. We acknowledge the critical role of indigenous women, elders, youth leaders, and community advocates in strengthening social cohesion and supporting peace building efforts.

In the spirit of partnership and peace, may we continue to move forward together like people paddling a canoe in the same direction toward a shared horizon of dignity, inclusion, and lasting peace."