KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines — Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to equality and inclusion for all constituents—Indigenous Peoples, Bangsamoro, and Christians alike—during the celebration of the 28th Indigenous Peoples Month and the commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) held on November 3, 2025, at The Basket, Provincial Capitol Compound in Amas, Kidapawan City.
“The provincial government looks at everyone equally,” Governor Taliño-Mendoza assured, addressing the hundreds of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who gathered for the provincewide celebration. She emphasized that her leadership continues to prioritize the welfare of the IP community while promoting unity, understanding, and peace among Cotabato’s diverse cultural groups.
The governor encouraged Indigenous leaders and members to use the event as an opportunity to reflect on their collective achievements and to strengthen their plans for the coming year. “This gathering should inspire us to assess our progress and enhance our strategies for sustaining development within the community,” she added.
The day-long celebration featured a variety of cultural and educational activities, including an Information Education Campaign on IPRA titled “Knowing Our Rights as IPs,” a traditional culinary showcase, cultural dance performances, and Indigenous games that highlighted the province’s rich heritage.
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Commissioner for Central Mindanao Nancy A. Catamco joined the event and lauded the continuous recognition of IP rights through the IPRA. “For 28 years, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act has recognized the rights of IPs. Let us continue to value this—our identity and our community,” Catamco said.
Also present were 3rd District Representative Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, Board Members Reyman L. Saldivar and Ivy Martia Lei Dalumpines-Ballitoc, Provincial IP Mandatory Representative Arsenio M. Ampalid, and NCIP Region XII Technical Management and Services Division Chief Joey T. Bogay, alongside municipal IPMRs and other provincial officials.
Following the ceremony, Commissioner Catamco and Chief Bogay paid a courtesy visit to Governor Taliño-Mendoza to personally thank her for the provincial government’s ongoing support to Indigenous communities. They were joined by Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, who also expressed appreciation for the governor’s inclusive governance and advocacy for Indigenous empowerment.
Governor Taliño-Mendoza’s administration has consistently underscored that genuine progress in Cotabato can only be achieved through mutual respect and cooperation among its culturally diverse people—a message that resonated deeply throughout the commemoration of this year’s Indigenous Peoples Month.