Army facilitates organization of Capiz IPs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 13): Army facilitates organization of Capiz IPs

In an effort to win the respect of the residents of Panay Bukidnon and ensure that development in the community will be unhampered, the Philippine Army facilitated a consultative meeting of 25 indigenous people leaders representing 25 barangays in Tapaz, Capiz, in central Panay.

Datu Ramon Bayaan, who is a Manobo tribal leader from North Cotabato and the Calinog Indigenous People's Organization with the support of the 61st Infantry Battalion and the 310st Infantry Brigade convened the leaders and shared their experiences in organizing the group from Capiz to empower and preserve the indigenous people's cultural communities.

As an offshoot, seven leaders were selected to compose the Interim Working Group who will work in crafting their by-laws that will facilitate the formal organization of the IPs in Tapaz, Capiz. Other issues raised were the need for the Panay-Bukidnon of Tapaz to preserve their cultural heritage and empower their leaders as productive citizens not only of their province but the whole country as well.

Lt. Mary Jane C. Danga, civil military officer of the 6IIB said that Datu Bayaan who is a Manobo tribal leader wanted to share his expertise and experiences in the success of organizing his fellow IPs in North Cotabato.

On the other hand, LTC. Christopher C. Sab-it, commanding officer of 61IB said that with the organization of the IPs, he looks forward to a smooth working relationship with the community resulting in mutual respect and lasting peace.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=971360659261