Subanen Vision Gains Ground: ADAIF of CADT No. R09-LAK-0609-109 (Ancestral Domain of Lakewood) Earns Provincial Council Approval

Zamboanga del Sur — The hopes and dreams of the Subanen Indigenous Cultural Community in Lakewood, Bayog, and Kumalarang moved one step closer to realization as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur formally approved their Ancestral Domain Agricultural Implementation Framework (ADAIF) in a milestone presentation led by their Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) on July 17, 2025.

Held at the session hall of the Provincial Council of Zamboanga del Sur in Pagadian City, the presentation marked a historic engagement between Indigenous leadership and local governance, setting the stage for inclusive agricultural development under the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP).

At the heart of the presentation was Timuay Ruben Tumbale, the representative of the Subanen IPS of CADT No. R09-LAK-0609-109, who passionately outlined their ADAIF—an action blueprint rooted in tradition, shaped by local realities, and aligned with the vision of sustainable agricultural growth within the ancestral domain. The framework included concrete proposals for agricultural subprojects designed to elevate the livelihood of Subanen farmers and enhance food security within their communities.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝘿𝘼𝙄𝙁 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚,” Timuay Tumbale told the Council, emphasizing the urgency of uplifting the Indigenous community’s farming capacity while protecting their ancestral heritage. He underscored that collaboration with stakeholders like the Provincial Government is critical for success, as many of the proposed interventions rely on multi-level support.

During the open forum, members of the Provincial Council raised inquiries about the current socio-economic conditions within the ancestral domain. Their questions aimed to deepen their understanding of the agricultural challenges faced by the Subanen people and how the proposed interventions would bridge existing gaps.

Following a thoughtful exchange, the Council expressed appreciation for the clarity and community-based direction of the ADAIF. Council members commended the IPS for their active participation in development planning and acknowledged the need for continued government support in Indigenous-led initiatives.

In a unanimous decision, the Provincial Council approved the ADAIF, paving the way for its integration into the Annual Investment Plan of the province—an essential step for mobilizing resources and launching agricultural subprojects under DA-MIADP in the Ancestral Domain.

The event was witnessed by personnel from the DA-MIADP Regional Project Coordination Office IX, who have been working closely with Indigenous communities across Zamboanga Peninsula to ensure that development is inclusive, respectful of Indigenous rights, and responsive to local aspirations.  With this endorsement, the Subanen IPS of Lakewood moves closer to achieving long-term food security, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation—proof that when Indigenous voices are heard and supported, entire communities rise.

#DA9 #ParaSaMasaganangBagongPilipinas #MIADP #RehiyonNueve #IPsHOPE #Mindanao | Indigenous Peoples’ Harnessing Opportunities for a Progressive Economy

Stay connected with DA-MIADP RPCO IX!
For the latest updates on our programs and activities, don’t forget to like, follow, and share our official Facebook page:
🔗 facebook.com/da.miadp9