26/03/2026
Leslie Taranza, a Manobo Dulangan leader from Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat Province, has emerged as a strong voice for her community, shaped by heritage, service, and resilience. From her early involvement with the Kulaman Manobo-Dulangan Organization (KMDO) in 2019 to becoming its president in 2024, she built trust through genuine community engagement.
Inspired by her grandfatherโs legacy of leadership, she now plays a key role in advancing MIADP enterprise subprojects, supporting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening community-based enterprises.
#๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐๐ | Indigenous Peoples Harnessing Opportunities for a Progressive Economy
-MIADP12
Leslie Taranza: Shaped by Legacy
In the quiet uplands of Barangay Kulaman in Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, where the land stretches into ancestral memory, and the rhythm of life is guided by tradition, a woman rises as both voice and vessel of her peopleโs aspirations.
Leslie Taranzaโknown as Bai Leslieโis not just a leader; she is a reflection of her communityโs strength, resilience, and enduring hope.
As a proud member of the Manobo Dulangan tribe, Leslie carries the weight of heritage with grace. Her leadership journey did not begin with a title, but with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility.
Since 2019, she has been actively involved with the Kulaman Manobo-Dulangan Organization (KMDO), learning the intricacies of community work, listening to the concerns of her fellow Indigenous Peoples (IP), and quietly building the trust that would later define her leadership. In 2024, she formally stepped into the role of presidencyโan achievement not just for herself, but for the many who see their stories in hers.
Leslieโs leadership is shaped by legacy. She draws inspiration from her grandfather, Sultan Tagenek Dakias, whose influence instilled in her the values of courage, stewardship, and service. Like him, she leads not from a place of authority alone, but from a deep understanding of her peopleโs struggles and dreams.
As a focal person for KMDO, she has become a strong partner in pushing for the implementation of infrastructure subprojects under MIADP. For Leslie, these are not just projects, but more like lifelines. Roads, water systems, and agricultural support mean access, sustainability, and dignity for her people.
๐ธ Photo Credits to: Adam Ibrahim A. Canape, MIADP-RPCO XII Media Production Officer