The event saw vibrant and active participation from the university’s vice chancellors, deans, directors, and various IP sectors from municipalities including South Upi, Upi, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), youth, teachers, cultural bearers, community representatives, and tribal leaders convened to share the narratives, struggles, and aspirations of different Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) such as the Teduray, Dulangan Manobo, Lambangian, and other concerned tribes from the Maguindanao provinces.

The event was spearheaded by the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) and the Center for Cultural Affairs (CCA), with the facilitation of the University Peace Club (UPeaC) and the Ketindeg Indigenous Peoples Students’ Organization (KIPSO).

Ms. Jusayfa Luminog, representing Member of Parliament Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, delivered a heartfelt message of support, emphasizing the dedication of their office to the sustainable empowerment of Indigenous Peoples communities in the region. She highlighted that their commitment goes beyond mere words, reflecting a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities. His representative highlighted that the office’s efforts are focused on creating long-term, impactful programs that not only address immediate needs but also foster self-reliance, cultural preservation, and economic development. The goal is to ensure that IP communities can thrive while maintaining their rich cultural heritage, ultimately contributing to the broader peace and development goals in the region.

Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona mentioned that the main goal of the activity was to engage directly with the Indigenous Peoples to understand their unique challenges and concerns. By doing so, the University aims to gather valuable insights that will allow them to tailor their services and programs more effectively to meet the specific needs of ICCs. This approach is intended to enhance the University’s ability to serve vulnerable populations in the provinces, ensuring that their initiatives are both relevant and impactful.

Key speakers during the panel discussions included Mr. Edward Abelardo, Political Officer VI of the Office of MP Froilyn Mendoza; Mr. Dencio Kadingilan, Chairman of the United Manobo Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Organization (UMNMIPO); Dr. Helen Mae A. Betito, Director of the Records Management Office of Cotabato State University; and Mr. Andic Maningula, Ex-Officio IP-Youth Commissioner BYC-BARMM. Some of the highlighted statements during the discussion were the importance of the academe in empowering the non-moro IP communities, different revolutionary movements in Mindanao which includes political beliefs, and the challenges encountered by the non-moro IP communities in terms of education, socio-economic discriminations, and different forms of cultural and historical injustices. The deepening sessions led participants into more engaging discourse, exploring the aspirations and suggestions from the deans and participants.

The discussions were followed by the SWOT analysis facilitated by Mr. Alvin Lois Pembarat, the IPDM Assistant Director, to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which also included the identification of possible key stakeholders. This will help a great help in strategizing programs, activities, interventions, or services that the University, the Office of MP Atty. Ambolodto and other stakeholders could assist with and offer to the non-moro IP communities.

Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu, the IPDM Director, concluded the event by expressing deep gratitude to all personnel whose efforts contributed to its success. He emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning of a sustained commitment by MSU-Maguindanao to engage with ICCs. Prof. Lu highlighted that the university shares a common vision with the ICCs—fostering their rights, cultural heritage, and overall development. He assured continued support for these communities through MSU-Maguindanao’s mandate, underscoring the vital role of partnerships with various government agencies, especially the Office of MP Ambolodto from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA-BARMM), in empowering the ICCs and advancing their interests.

Author: Prof. Norhana Maguid and Mr. Alvin Lois Pembarat