UPI, Maguindanao del Norte — European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in peacebuilding and inclusive development during his visit to the construction site of the School of Living Traditions (SLT) in Barangay Nuro on June 23.
“Indigenous Peoples, for the European Union, are a fundamental component of society,” said Santoro, who led the inspection of the ongoing EU-funded facility and met with members of the Teduray community to hear their concerns and aspirations.
The SLT, funded under the EU’s Support to the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, is envisioned as a community-led space where elders and cultural bearers can transmit traditional knowledge, practices, and values to the next generation.
“With a project like this—one that I’m particularly happy to witness today—we hope to contribute to further strengthening the resilience of relationships among people and, ultimately, to peace itself,” Santoro said.
A Cultural Landmark in the Making
The two-storey facility, with a floor area of 368.79 square meters and a project cost of approximately ₱11.8 million, will feature an Octagonal Training Hall on the ground floor, centered around a 600mm representation of the Fetuge—a sacred Teduray symbol denoting life, strength, and connection to the earth. Cultural artifacts and indigenous emblems will adorn the walls, while the second floor will house a lounge, prayer room, utility area, and other functional spaces.
“This is exactly what we’re trying to achieve with our support—not just political inclusion, but cultural preservation, education, and the empowerment of women,” Santoro added.
The project is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in coordination with the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) and the municipal government of Upi.
Listening to the Teduray
During the community dialogue, Teduray representatives—including women, youth, and elders—raised key issues such as education access for IP youth, income-generating opportunities for women, and sustainable livelihood support for families.
“[We want] to ensure that what we’re doing here truly responds to the needs of the people,” said Santoro.
MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama expressed deep appreciation for the project, which he said the community views as a cultural beacon. “Thank you for your concern not only for the IPs but also for the tri-people here in Upi—the IPs, Moro, and Christian communities,” he said.
He added that the visit was a significant moment for the Teduray. “This day is sacred for us because of you. You came from a far country just to visit us,” Ulama told the ambassador.
For years, the EU-SUBATRA Programme and UNOPS have partnered with the Bangsamoro Government to help build institutional capacity and facilitate a smooth political transition in the region. The SLT project is part of this broader effort, with culture and inclusivity at its core.