05 April 2023
The Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Mamanwa-Manobo; Talaandig; representatives from the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL); and the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) paid a courtesy visit to the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (4ID, PA) at Camp BGen Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.
The meeting paved way for the Investiture Ceremony of MGen Jose Maria Cuerpo as “Datu Uma-Angkag” (meaning, “Valiant, Brave and Charismatic Warrior”); and MGen Joel M. Paloma as “Datu Insangka” (meaning, “Partner of the ICCs/IPs in the implementation of Peace and Order within their Community”). The Investiture is a customary rite of ICCs/IPs to formally recognize individuals as pertinent partners in the recognition, respect, promotion and protection of IP rights.
NCIP Chairperson Allen A. Capuyan, via Zoom platform, congratulated and thanked the two (2) army commanders and the 4ID, PA.
The Chairperson emphasized that this investiture activity will strengthen mutual respect and trust, as well as, the partnership of the ICCs/IPs in establishing peace and development in the ICCs/IPs ancestral domain and ancestral lands (ADs/ALs).
In response, MGen Cuerpo expressed his appreciation for activity and thanked everyone especially the NCIP Chairperson and NCIP Region X and XIII Directors for the work they have done for the ICCs/IPs. Further, he expressed that the 4ID, PA will help to find ways in resolving the burning issues of the ICCs/IPs.
During the meeting issues and concerns among the ICCs/IPs were also raised; necessary healing and reconciliation interventions in collaboration with MIPCEL; and MIPYO programs such as youth empowerment and anti-communist terrorist groups activities were also discussed to ensure well- being among ICCs/IPs.
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