Davao de Oro, Philippines — In a significant move to protect the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Eastern Mindanao, key government agencies have entered into formal partnerships with Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) across Davao de Oro. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regions 11 and 13, the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC) Project Management Unit, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI joined hands with several Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) holders to promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods. A series of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signings took place from October 21 to 25, 2024, to mark this milestone.
Courtesy of DENR CARAGA.
The MOA ceremonies set a collaborative framework for preserving biodiversity within CADT areas and underscored the importance of sustainable land management that honors Indigenous customs. Five Indigenous communities holding ancestral domain titles across Davao de Oro were part of these agreements, including the Mandaya-Mansaka ICCs/IPs of CADT 091 in Bahi-Langawisan, Maragusan; CADT 019 holders in New Bataan and Compostela; the Manobo, Mandaya, and Mangguangan tribes under CADT 007; and the Unified Indigenous Political Structure of Mansaka ICCs/IPs with CADT 076.
Each ceremony highlighted the EMBC Project’s goals, emphasizing the role of community engagement in biodiversity conservation. Government and Indigenous leaders underscored the integration of ancestral knowledge with sustainable practices to build resilient ecosystems and sustain livelihoods within ancestral domains.
“This partnership represents a collective commitment to managing Davao de Oro’s natural resources responsibly,” said a DENR representative. “By integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation efforts, we can protect our environment and cultural heritage for future generations.”
The MOAs reflect a commitment to an approach that aligns ecological preservation with Indigenous traditions. In addition to biodiversity conservation, the agreements are aimed at fostering economic resilience by promoting sustainable livelihoods within ancestral lands.
This partnership is a major step in ensuring the ecological and cultural resilience of Davao de Oro, promising a sustainable future that respects both the environment and the unique traditions of its Indigenous communities. Through these MOAs, Eastern Mindanao’s landscapes can be safeguarded as a testament to the enduring legacy of its Indigenous peoples.
