GENERAL SANTOS CITY — In a significant step toward strengthening the recognition and protection of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of BARMM held a two-day exploratory dialogue on June 11–12, 2025, at the Avior Hotel.
The discussions were led by Hon. Nancy A. Catamco, NCIP Ethnographic Commissioner for Central Mindanao; Atty. Adolf Ryan S. Lantion, NCIP Region XII Director; and Hon. Melanio Ulama, MIPA-BARMM Minister. The event was facilitated by Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance.
The meeting focused on pressing concerns affecting non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the region, including the complex issues surrounding ancestral domains, the transition of ancestral domain-related documentation from NCIP to MIPA, and mechanisms for inclusive and culturally sensitive governance for IPs within BARMM.
A major highlight was the reaffirmation of both agencies’ commitment through the signing of a joint declaration that emphasized continued collaboration in the promotion of IP rights, welfare, and development. This includes formulating policies to ensure ICCs/IPs are not left behind in the evolving political and governance landscape of the Bangsamoro region.
Leaders from both agencies expressed hope that the strengthened partnership and clearer delineation of responsibilities between NCIP and MIPA will help prevent further marginalization of non-Moro IPs in BARMM. Concerns have been raised in recent years over reports of violence, land encroachment, and cultural discrimination faced by some non-Moro IP communities in the region.
Stakeholders are optimistic that this renewed collaboration can contribute to addressing such injustices and foster a more peaceful and inclusive future for all indigenous groups in BARMM.
The NCIP and MIPA agreed to continue dialogues and consultations to ensure that all voices of indigenous communities are heard and respected in both policy-making and implementation.