In the celebration of 2024 Indigenous Peoples Month, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the lead Ministry in the observance of this significant activity in the life of every Indigenous Cultural Community, MIPA prepared programs and activities. One of those activities is the IP Month Celebration at Blaan Indigenous Community of Barangay Bunawan and Barangay Makat Datu Paglas, Maguindanao Del Sur. These two Barangays of Datu Paglas are home of Blaan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

This year’s theme, aligned with the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) with a theme: “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” or “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge,”.

Over one hundred (100) individuals gathered and actively participated the activity, composed of Blaan Tribal Elders, Barangay Officials, and MIPA Satff. This program is in collaboration with office of Municipal Mayor of Datu Paglas Hon. Datu Abubakar Paglas and Office of the Vice Mayor Hon. Jun Jun Paglas. The Program was full of cultural learnings and awareness that could help the community of Barangay Bunawan and Barangay Makat in preserving, promoting the rich cultural heritage of Blaan.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs is also thankful for the assistance extended by the Bangsamoro READi headed by Atty. Datu Hamad M. Abas, Head Secretariate of BDRRMC. A total of 100 packs of goods and 100 packs of 10 kilos Rice were delivered. This community is one of those areas who were severely affected on weather conditions in previous months that causes large damages on their livelihood and even their agricultural products.

Present on the activity were Suadi C. Pagayao, Deputy Minister of MIPA, Rosanne Imperial, Chief on Programs and Operation Division, Caroline Love T. Magbanua, Benito Algan Jr.,Harjen B. Gullon and other MIPA Staff.

During the program in Barangay Bunawan, Hon. Jonathan A. Tucao, Barangay Chairman of Bunawan give his welcome remarks, present also were Barangay Council, Hon. Omar Igkayugen, Hon. Mohammad Madidis, Brgy. Lupon- Meng Maliga and Mocalid Tocao, Barangay Secretary- Ibrahim Udtig Tribal Council. In Barangay Makat present were Hon. Abubakar-Barangay Chairman of Makat was represented by his Barangay Kagawad Delma Tari and the Barangay IPMR of Makat, Tribal Elders, youth leaders and women gave time on that very special event for the Blaan.

Indeed, Valuing and Honoring Indigenous Peoples was observed on the whole month of celebration of IP Month. This activity complies the Ministry’s mandate to protect, preserve and promote the well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of BARMM.