In a time where rapid modernization often overshadows cultural heritage, the City Government of Koronadal takes a decisive step in celebrating and uplifting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) by institutionalizing the 2025 Annual Search for the Most Outstanding Indigenous Peoples Model Family.
Recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through an ordinance authored by Councilors Ellen Grace Subere-Albios and Antonio S. Abing, this initiative is more than just a competition—it is a statement of recognition, respect, and empowerment for the IP communities that have long been the guardians of tradition, wisdom, and environmental stewardship.
Preserving the Pillars of Culture
The ordinance aims to recognize IP families who exemplify strong family values, actively preserve and promote their cultural identity, and meaningfully participate in community life. At its core, the program values the integral role of Indigenous Peoples in shaping a more inclusive and culturally grounded society.
In a city like Koronadal, home to rich IP cultures such as the Blaan and Tboli, this initiative serves to highlight their enduring contributions to local governance, education, agriculture, and the arts—fields that are often overlooked when discussing development.
Empowerment Through Recognition
Nominated families will undergo a thorough screening process by the City IP Model Family Evaluation Committee, which will assess candidates based on established criteria, ensuring that the most deserving families are recognized.
The awards include:
- Most Outstanding Model Family – ₱50,000 and a plaque
- First Runner-Up – ₱40,000 and a plaque
- Second Runner-Up – ₱30,000 and a plaque
- Nominee Families – ₱10,000 and a plaque each
- Special Awardee (via Facebook views and reactions) – ₱5,000
These rewards are not merely financial—they symbolize the city’s appreciation for the strength and resilience of IP families whose values and customs have survived generations of change and challenge.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity
In modern times, where the pressures of assimilation and globalization threaten indigenous lifeways, recognizing model IP families becomes a powerful act. It encourages younger generations to take pride in their roots and showcases how traditional knowledge and modern life can go hand in hand.
This ordinance also reminds policymakers and citizens alike of the importance of inclusive governance—one that amplifies Indigenous voices rather than marginalizing them.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The 2025 Search is more than a ceremonial event—it’s a call for all sectors of society to participate in the preservation of Indigenous heritage. It affirms that IP families are not relics of the past, but active shapers of the future, capable of leading by example in resilience, sustainability, and community unity.
As we move forward, initiatives like this must continue to be supported and replicated across the country. The cultural wealth of the Philippines lies not just in museums or textbooks, but in the living traditions and stories of its Indigenous Peoples.
Koronadal has set the stage. It’s now up to the rest of us to listen, learn, and honor.