08/10/2026
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๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐/๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง | ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง, ๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ
๐ On October 6, 2026, the NCIP Bislig Community Service Center, together with the NCIP Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, facilitated the conduct of an FPIC Conference/Validation and Consultation in relation to the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) application of the Provincial Governorโs Office, Province of Surigao del Sur, through Governor Hon. Johnny T. Pimentel, for the proposed Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road from Sitio Simowao Km. 9 to Sitio Han-ayan Km. 16, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. The project is funded under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The activity was held at the Barangay Tribal Hall of Barangay Diatagon and was attended by recognized tribal leaders and members of the Manobo Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of the barangay.
Representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), namely Ms. Abiegail Arienzano, Ms. Christine Viola, Ms. Aileen Quezada, and Mr. Nilo Ochia, represented the Provincial Governorโs Office. Also present were representatives from the Provincial Engineering Office, Engr. Meljun V. Dua and Mr. Sopio T. Sullano.
A major highlight of the activity was the presentation of the FPIC Guidelines by NCIP personnel, followed by the presentation of the proposed project details by the project proponent. The consultation provided an opportunity for the Manobo ICCs/IPs to understand the proposed project, raise their concerns, and express their views and support.
The tribal leaders expressed their sincere gratitude to the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, particularly Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, for prioritizing the needs of the Indigenous Peoples of Lianga through this project. They shared that the improvement of the road is a long-awaited aspiration of the community, which is expected to provide better access, mobility, and connectivity for the residents of the affected sitios.
The activity highlighted the importance of meaningful consultation, participation, and partnership among the NCIP, the project proponent, and the Manobo ICCs/IPs in ensuring that development initiatives are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Indigenous Peoples community.
โA long-awaited road toward better access, opportunity, and connection for the Manobo community of Diatagon.โ