Theme: “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture and Ancestral Domains”
PHILIPPINES — The Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines, Inc. (TRICAP) marked National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 with an extensive series of nationwide activities in support of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), bringing together Indigenous leaders, government institutions, academic partners, civil society organizations, development partners, and grassroots communities in advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, cultural preservation, and empowerment.
Anchored on the theme, “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture and Ancestral Domains,” TRICAP’s month-long engagements reflected its continuing commitment to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are not merely beneficiaries of development programs but active participants in policymaking, governance, education, and nation-building.
Under the leadership of National President Bo-i Limpayen Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, former NCIP Chairperson, TRICAP mobilized its national officers, Board of Trustees, regional coordinators, committee chairpersons, and community representatives to participate in activities across different parts of the country.
NATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
TRICAP’s National IP Month engagements commenced on October 1, 2026, with its Antipas Chapter participating in the NCIP-led IPRA Commemoration and National Indigenous Peoples Month celebration at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol. The gathering was attended by Hon. Nancy Catamco and Provincial Governor Hon. Lala Talino-Mendoza, together with Indigenous leaders and stakeholders, reaffirming the importance of protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, recognizing their cultural heritage, and strengthening partnerships in advancing the objectives of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.
On the same date, TRICAP, in partnership with Golden Hearts Missionary, also implemented Project KAPWA with the Tinangis Tribal Group in Pili, Camarines Sur, extending community engagement and solidarity to Indigenous families.
On October 8, TRICAP National Vice President Commissioner Roland Rivera attended the Aweng Festival in Pangasinan, joining the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ culture, heritage, and traditions.
On October 11, the organization formally launched the kick-off activities for its 40th Anniversary in the Tinangis Tribal Community, bringing together representatives of eight tribes in Camarines Sur.
On October 12, TRICAP and the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the PADAGOS Program, Project SHIELD, and Adopt an IPs initiative. Represented by National President Sibug-Las, the partnership underscores the importance of education, institutional collaboration, and sustained support for Indigenous communities.
On October 13, TRICAP participated in community activities at the foot of Mt. Isarog, Barangay Tinangis, Pili, Camarines Sur, recognizing the Agta-Tabangnon and other Indigenous communities.
On October 14, TRICAP supported the Region XI Indigenous Peoples Youth Artist Assembly through its IP Youth Committee Chairperson, Atty. Jess Bontuyan, underscoring the importance of developing Indigenous youth leadership, artistic expression, and cultural preservation.
On October 15, TRICAP participated in the SDGs Lifelong Learning Convergence Forum at the House of Representatives organized by Earth Savers Movement President, Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and Office of Congresswoman Milagros Magsaysay, emphasizing inclusive education and Indigenous Peoples’ participation in sustainable development.
On October 17, the organization joined the 29th Anniversary Commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) hosted by NCIP Ethnographic Commissioner Honorable Alex Centena and Regional Director Princess May Oral in Calinog, Iloilo, Panay Island with Eurotel Manager, Ms.Bing Lavadia, reaffirming the importance of implementing Republic Act No. 8371 and protecting the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples.
On October 18, TRICAP’s engagements included participation in the 11th Pinoy Pop Music Awards at the Araneta Coliseum, alongside cultural and community activities in Bicol.
The organization continued its academic and advocacy engagements on October 20 with the Social Science Society of Angeles University Foundation, promoting awareness of Indigenous identity, heritage, and rights.
On October 23, TRICAP participated in the Indigenous Peoples Summit in Bohol hosted by the Provincial Government, joining Indigenous leaders from the Ati, Badjao and Eskaya communities and stakeholders in discussions on community concerns, representation, and collective action.
On October 26, TRICAP joined the Bagong Pilipinas: Kwentong OFW engagement hosted by Ms. Gel Miranda, together with BOT Member Bae Agnes Alimbog, President of The Filipinos World. The participation reflected the organization’s continuing advocacy for Indigenous Peoples Overseas Filipino Workers (IP OFWs), recognizing their cultural identity, roots, and welfare even beyond the country’s borders.
Two important national engagements took place on October 28. TRICAP participated in the launch of the Indigenous Peoples Master Plan 2026–2030 at Berjaya Hotel, Makati City, and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) Summit at Alpha Suites Hotel. Both gatherings highlighted the importance of stronger Indigenous governance, meaningful representation, ancestral domain protection, and inclusive development.
On October 29, TRICAP joined the IP Thanksgiving Day celebration attended by Polomolok IPMR Jerome Ante and NCIP CSC Head, Mr. Jake Dawang spearheaded by IPED coordinator, Mr. Mark Ogan at Barangay Kinilis IP School, Polomolok, South Cotabato, sponsored by TRICAP, IBM, Goodera, Blatik Foundation and Juri Fernandez and Tiala Family, recognizing the importance of education and community partnerships. On the same day, National Vice President Commissioner Roland Rivera represented the organization at the National IP Month celebration of Tarlac State University.
TRICAP’s October engagements concluded on October 30 with participation in the HUTCEL–UNICADT Salumayag gathering in San Fernando, represented by Secretary General Fundador Binahon, and the 6th Sunguanan Festival in Sitio V, Barangay Mahongkog, Magpet, Cotabato, celebrating the cultural heritage and traditions of the Monuvu community.
BICOL REGION: TURNING ADVOCACY INTO CONCRETE COMMUNITY SERVICE
A significant contribution to TRICAP’s National IP Month activities came from its Bicol Region, through the report of Jo Valles conferred the title “Datu Makatabang”, Bicol TRICAP Coordinator and Golden Hearts Missionary President, whose team carried out numerous community-based initiatives despite limited financial resources.
Among the region’s major accomplishments was the October 17 First Order of Mission to La Purisima Nato, Sagñay, Camarines Sur, coordinated with the National President.
On October 18, TRICAP and Golden Hearts Missionary participated in the closing ceremony of the Indigenous Peoples Games and visited Engkanto Falls together with a Philippine Sports Commission representative and the LGU Libmanan Tourism Office, highlighting the connection between Indigenous heritage, sports, tourism, and community development.
Education remained a major priority of the Bicol delegation. On October 21, a five-year Memorandum of Agreement was entered into with the different Chieftains representing 20 Indigenous Peoples scholars under the PADAGOS Program, providing a framework for sustained assistance through the Tribal Education Program.
This was complemented by a community visit of BISCAST college students to May-Ogob Elementary School and May-Ogob Tribal Hall on October 22, promoting cultural awareness and engagement between the academic community and Indigenous communities.
On October 24, TRICAP and Golden Hearts Missionary conducted a community visitation and membership application activity with the Agta-Tabangnon/Cimarron Tribe of Naga City, together with their Chieftain and community officers.
The First District Indigenous Peoples Celebration in Pili East followed on October 26 at Jose B. Velarde Elementary School, with TRICAP and Golden Hearts Missionary, represented by Datu Makatabang, joining the Department of Education management team, Public Schools District Supervisors, school heads, and Indigenous representatives.
Another significant accomplishment was the October 27 turnover of ₱25,000 in educational assistance for 20 Indigenous Peoples scholars, in partnership with the BISCAST Alumni Association Office, its Alumni President, and the PADAGOS Program proponent.
The Bicol delegation also participated in two major Indigenous Peoples celebrations on October 29: the gathering of 32 tribes at the Buhi Municipal Millennium Center and the Agta Indigenous Peoples celebration at Iriga City Coliseum, attended by representatives of 21 tribes.
These activities demonstrated the commitment of TRICAP’s regional volunteers and partners to translate advocacy into meaningful community assistance, particularly in education, cultural preservation, and grassroots organization.
TRICAP recognizes the dedication of Jo Valles, Datu Makatabang, Golden Hearts Missionary, Indigenous Chieftains, community leaders, educators, volunteers, and partner institutions who helped make these initiatives possible.
ADVOCACY BEYOND THE CELEBRATION
For TRICAP, National Indigenous Peoples Month is more than an annual commemoration. It is an opportunity to strengthen the continuing movement for the full recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.
The organization’s engagements reaffirmed its priority advocacies, including ancestral domain protection, recognition of customary laws and Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices, meaningful Indigenous participation in governance, stronger IPMR representation, inclusive education, Indigenous women’s leadership, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and the welfare of Indigenous communities, including IP OFWs.
TRICAP also recognizes the indispensable role of traditional leaders, elders, women, youth, professionals, and community advocates in ensuring that Indigenous identity, knowledge, and leadership are sustained across generations.
The organization extends its sincere appreciation to the NCIP for leading the nationwide celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026, as well as to all government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and Indigenous communities that supported and participated in these activities.
FROM ROOTS TO RIGHTS: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
As National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 draws to a close, TRICAP reiterates that the work of protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights does not end with the conclusion of October.
The commitment continues in every ancestral domain, every Indigenous classroom, every policymaking table, and every community where Indigenous voices must be heard, respected, and recognized.
As the organization approaches its 40th Anniversary, TRICAP remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ voices, protect their heritage, promote meaningful representation, and empower present and future generations to stand with dignity, pride, and self-determination.
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