March 25, 2026 | News by PISD
25 March 2026, Calapan City – Key resolutions to advance the welfare of Indigenous Peoples (IP) were approved by the Provincial Indigenous Peoples Development Advisory Council (PIPDAC) during its first quarter meeting last March 24.
Included in the approved measures was the request of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) to establish an Indigenous Peoples Affairs Community Office (IPACO) dedicated to handle the concerns and needs of IP communities.
PIPDAC also discussed the creation and institutionalization of a Provincial IPMR League, in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
To ensure faster delivery of medical assistance for far-flung communities, a proposal was also endorsed to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) requesting for the provision of two ambulances, one each for the Province’s first and second district.
Meanwhile, the Council also approved a resolution relative to the request for the relocation of NCIP MIMAROPA Office to Calapan City.
PIPDAC also discussed the upcoming “Palaro ng Lahi,” scheduled in the third week of May featuring traditional sports activities to help preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community participation.
Various government agencies also presented updates on their various programs and services focused on the IP sector including ancestral domain, peace and order, environmental protection, health, livelihood, agriculture, and other key areas of development.
PIPDAC likewise pushed for a capacity-building program for IPMRs to further enhance the leadership and governance capabilities of indigenous community leaders and support them in effectively fulfilling their roles in representation and local governance.
Provincial IPMR Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member, and PIPDAC President Lagtum Pasag, together with PGOM Consultant Myrna Jimenez led the meeting and was supported by NCIP Regional Director Joemer M. Samong.