“Kung matapos ang research na ito, aksyunan agad natin ang magiging resulta nito” (If this research is finished, let's put the results [or recommendations] into action immediately), Ponolihan Veloso L. Suhat II, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Arakan, Cotabato, Philippines, remarked as he emphasized immediate actions during the consultative meeting for the case study on the operationalization of the customary governance or Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) held last August 15, 2023.
The case study is a collaborative initiative between Tebtebba and the three IPS, namely: “ (1) Nova-aa’n Pottung to Tanong Buwis to Tinonanon Ka-ay’t Tinanan, (2) Erumanen ne Menuvu Kamal, and (3) Késéfanangguwit Timuay”. The meeting, participated in by the leaders and representative members of the three IPS as well as by three Tebtebba staff, was conducted to formalize the community’s free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) for the conduct of the study.
Leaders of Nova-aa’n Pottung to Tanong Buwis to Tinonanon Ka-ay’t Tinanan, Erumanen ne Menuvu Kamal, and Késéfanangguwit Timuay sign the Memorandum of Understanding and the resolution for IPS Case Study
Lipatuan Marlon Suhat, the tribal supreme leader of the Tinonanon Monubu, addressed the participants, “Ano ang benepisyo ng IPS case study na ito, matapos natin matukoy ang oportunidad, (at) weakness ng ating IPS? Gusto kong makita natin iyon” (What is the benefit of this IPS case study after we identify the opportunities and weaknesses of our IPS? I want all of us to see that).
Professor Rodelio Ambangan, an Erumanen ne Menuvu and the research coordinator for the project, supported Suhat by saying, “Starting point ito ng pagpapalakas ng IPS and possible collaboration” ([This is a] starting point for the strengthening our IPS and [in encouraging] possible collaborations).
Both Suhat and Ambangan emphasized that the results from the case studies will contribute to data-based policy recommendations, project proposals and the strengthening of collaborations with the local government unit (LGU) and other agencies.
Leaders of Nova-aa’n Pottung to Tanong Buwis to Tinonanon Ka-ay’t Tinanan, Erumanen ne Menuvu Kamal, and Késéfanangguwit Timuay together with Tebtebba Foundation team
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a resolution for non-objection, approval and consent for the case study on the operationalization of the IPS of the Tinonanon Monubu and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the three IPS and Tebtebba. It was sealed with a ritual performed by Datu Alonso Suhat, a member of the highest governing body of the Tinonanon tribe and committee of the religious leaders of indigenous peoples, to invoke the guidance of their ancestors towards the success of this undertaking.
This project was undertaken with the support from Swedbio. ###