BUTUAN CITY—In a bid to empower Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and enhance their organizational capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) recently conducted a comprehensive Organizational Capacity Development training. Held from June 30 – July 4, 2025, the five-day training aimed at equipping leaders and members of the Bunawan Manobo Ancestral Domain Management Council Inc. (BMADMCI) Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) of CADT 136 Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
In his message, Municipal Tribal Chieftain Hawudon Rolito Penaloga Sr. emphasized the importance of capacity development in advancing self-governance and cultural integrity within their ancestral domain. “Kini nga pagbansay makatabang kanamo nga mas masabtan ang among papel isip mga lider, ug mas mapaayo pa namo ang among serbisyo sa komunidad (This training helps us better understand our roles as leaders and further improve our service to the community),” he said.
The training sessions covered essential governance principles such as Basic Parliamentary Procedures by Dev’t Facilitator Dr. Andres Sarsaba, Basic Characteristics of an Organization by Planning & Social Prep. Officer Engr. Jesal Pugahan. Additionally, technical aspects including Financial Management by Procurement Officer Jollibee Cabaltera, Institutional Support Action Plan (ISAP) and Monitoring Protocols by Procurement Officer Engr. Armdin Valmoria, and Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) were thoroughly addressed by Social Safeguards Officer Engr. Joville Jay Ontanillas. These efforts aimed to ensure alignment with project safeguards and accountability frameworks, enabling IPOs to effectively manage and sustain community-driven agricultural enterprises.
By strengthening their leadership and technical capacities, MIADP continues to uphold its commitment to inclusive development, empowering Bunawan Manobo IPs to lead, participate in, and benefit from sustainable agricultural ventures.
MIADP | Indigenous Peoples’ Harnessing Opportunities for a Progressive Economy #IPsHOPE
