10/08/2026
To all our Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, I extend my warmest greetings and deepest appreciation as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026.
This year’s celebration is an opportunity to recognize the enduring strength, wisdom, and resilience of our Indigenous communities. Our diverse tribes and Indigenous Peoples are not only custodians of ancestral lands and traditional knowledge but are also vital partners in building a peaceful, inclusive, and progressive Bangsamoro.
As we honor the theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,” let us recognize the invaluable role of our Indigenous midwives, traditional healers, elders, women, and knowledge keepers who have safeguarded life, culture, and community well-being across generations. Their knowledge is a living heritage that deserves respect, recognition, protection, and meaningful support.
The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, remains committed to strengthening the rights, welfare, identity, culture, and participation of Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro. We will continue to work toward the protection of ancestral domains, preservation of Indigenous cultures and traditions, empowerment of Indigenous youth and women, and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in governance and development.
To all Indigenous Peoples of BARMM: your identity is your strength, your culture is your heritage, and your voice is an essential part of the Bangsamoro story.
May this celebration remind us that development must be rooted in dignity, inclusivity, cultural respect, and justice. Together, let us continue to respect, recognize, protect, and empower our Indigenous Peoples and build a Bangsamoro where every Indigenous community can live with dignity, peace, and hope.
Mabuhay ang mga Katutubo ng Bangsamoro!
Mabuhay ang ating mga Katutubong Manghihilot at Midwife!
Happy National Indigenous Peoples’ Month 2026!
