23/07/2026
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The Council of Elders (COE) officially launched its 1st Backyard Gardening Program for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) on July 21, 2026, at Gloryville Farm, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, with Panika Ha Pusaka โ IP Women Organization serving as the pilot beneficiary and pioneer batch of beneficiaries of the program.
The initiative promotes environmental stewardship while empowering Indigenous women to strengthen food security and sustainable livelihoods through backyard gardening.
The program commenced with traditional rituals led by Baylan Sumagayan, Bae Sayungan, and Baylan Kaki, honoring the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the Indigenous communities. During the ceremony, the members of Panika Ha Pusaka โ IP Women Organization, as the program's pioneer beneficiaries, offered eight chickens as a symbolic gesture to strengthen their organization and commemorate their oath-taking ceremony.
The oath-taking was conducted at the Inapugan, reflecting the organization's deep respect for Indigenous culture, traditions, and ancestral practices. The ceremony also symbolized the members' commitment to unity, leadership, and the successful implementation of the backyard gardening initiative in their respective communities.
To support the program, representatives from the participating barangays and members of Panika Ha Pusaka received okra and kangkong seeds from the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) through its Chairperson, Ms. Nilda Salas. In addition, the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO) distributed more than 500 vegetable seedlings to help establish and sustain backyard gardens among Indigenous women across the participating ICCs/IPs.
The successful implementation of the activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the following partner agencies and stakeholders: the Council of Elders (COE), City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) โ IP Section, City Museum, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO), Lumbia National High School, City Information Office, the Barangay Captain of Tumpagon, the Barangay IPMRs of Tumpagon and Cugman, and Panika Ha Pusaka โ IP Women Organization.
The launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening partnerships that promote food security, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of Indigenous women and communities in Cagayan de Oro City.
Text & Photos: Colen / CSWDD โฅ