14/08/2026
August 12โ14, 2026 | NCIPโUNDP I-LEAD conducted CRMDP Formulation for Tagakaulo-Blaan ICCs/IPs 10 Barangays in Malita, Davao Occidental
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), through the UNDP Indigenous Women and Girls โ Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project, conducted the Inception Workshop on the Participatory Formulation of the Community Resource Management and Development Plan (CRMDP) and Drafting of the Low Value Grant (LVG) Proposal for the Tagakaulo-Blaan ICCs/IPs in 10 CADT barangays of Malita, Davao Occidental.
Held at Hotel Eliza, Digos City, from August 12โ14, 2026, the three-day workshop formally commenced the formulation of a gender-responsive and investment-ready CRMDP. It brought together Tagakaulo and Blaan leaders and elders (IPS), Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs), the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO), women and youth representatives, NCIP personnel and the I-LEAD Team.
A key milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the Blaan-Tagakaulo Indigenous Cultural Communities through their Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), the Datu Danwata Womenโs Association (DDWA) and NCIP Region XI. While DDWA serves as the partner IPO for I-LEAD implementation, the participation and concurrence of the IPS recognize its role as the primary governing body of the Blaan-Tagakaulo ICCs/IPs within their ancestral domain.
The MOA establishes clear roles and responsibilities, emphasizing Indigenous governance, transparency, accountability, resource management, gender-responsive development and collaboration. The IPS will provide oversight and review of I-LEAD and LVG proposals, while DDWA will serve as the implementing IPO under IPS supervision. NCIP Region XI will provide technical assistance, facilitate implementation and support the achievement of the projectโs objectives.
Provincial Chieftain Fulong Marcelino D. San expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the governemnt of New Zealand in helping the IP communities develop and strengthen their ancestral domain wealth management. He likewise thanked the leadership of NCIP Region XI through Regional Director Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, CESO III, TMSD Chief Shirley B. Iguianon and NCIP Davao Occidental Provincial Officer Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo for bridging the support and funding from New Zealand to reach their ancestral domain.
Meanwhile, Municipal IP Chieftain Bae Norma D. Cabal emphasized the importance of strengthening leadership in every community to sustain the opportunities and resources being provided for ancestral domain development.
Her message highlights the need for strong community leadership and mutual responsibility in ensuring that development opportunities translate into lasting benefits for the ancestral domain.
For Bae Lo**ta D. Labis, President of the Datu Danwata Womenโs Association (DDWA), the selection of DDWA as the partner IPO for I-LEAD does not mean that other communities are left behind. She emphasized that every community remains a partner and an important part of the collaboration.
She called for unity and cooperation in making the grants and opportunities under the I-LEAD Project meaningful and sustainable:
She emphasized that this opportunity should be treated as a first step that must not be wasted, but rather used to properly manage, develop and improve the ancestral domain through collaborative action. She encouraged all communities to work together, particularly in enterprise development in coffee, turmeric and tribal attire-making so that every community can have opportunities for livelihood and sustainable income.
NCIP Davao Occidental Provincial Officer Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo thanked the participants, community leaders, partners and stakeholders for their active participation and commitment. She encouraged continued collaboration toward the successful inception of the CRMDP formulation process.
The workshop focused on ancestral domain resource identification, Indigenous governance systems, development needs, programs and projects, resource allocation and investment opportunities. Participants also worked on the initial CRMDP development framework and draft LVG proposal, particularly for women-led enterprise investments.
The activity aims to strengthen the capacity of the Tagakaulo-Blaan ICCs/IPs in participatory planning, resource governance, financial management, transparency, accountability and gender-responsive development, while translating community priorities into concrete, sustainable and investment-ready programs, projects and investments.
Through the I-LEAD Project and continued partnership with the communities, the NCIP and its partners remain committed to respect IP governance, empower Indigenous women, strengthen community participation, promote sustainable enterprise development and support the development of a self-sustaining and self-reliant ancestral domain.
