In line with the initiative of Anak Mindanao Council and with the collaboration of Indigenous People Council-Isabela City, more than 700 hundred IPs from different communities within Isabela City gathered at Malamawi National High School Gym for Indigenous Peoples’ Assembly 2025. The meet focused on the rights of IP communities to exercise their votes in the coming election this upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.
In welcoming the IP assembly, the Sama Banguingui, Sama Badjao, and Yakan people lead the solidarity walk from Barangay Carbon wharf going to MNHS gym, gracing it with their cultural attire alongside the members of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), members of Anak Mindanao Council, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) from 30 barangays within Isabela City.
Sangguniang Panlungsod IPMR Mary May Julhari, addressed her opening remarks and shared her appreciation for including their sector in the remarkable assembly. She urged her fellow IP members to strengthen their ethnical group and work hand-in-hand in order to achieve the inclusivity progress of their culture and tribe in the society.
This was followed by a short orientation on Voters Education led by the COMELEC-Isabela City where they gave significant insights regarding Automated Computerized Machine (ACM) Demonstration –the detailed procedure of using it when casting the citizens votes, the duration of voting hours, and the rights of voters to ask for assistance from assistors and watchers during the election day to avoid unexpected voting violations. They also added the do’s and don’ts in the voting process and to not negotiate in any vote-buying affairs.
Meanwhile, NCIP Region IX OIC Regional Director Atty. Maribel Idiang delivered her inspirational message where she emphasized the warm welcome she received from the IP communities. She also highlighted that the colorful attires of IPs in attendance describe the diverse yet united ethnic groups of Isabela City.
Moreover, former Ifugao Lone District Representative Teddy Browner Bagilat also gave an inspirational speech where he emphasized everyone to take pride in the beauty of their culture just like his fellow Ifugaos. He also underscored that constituents should not be taken by bribe in any vote-buying matters and should always know their rights as IP members, ending it with a short presentation of an Ifugao traditional dance.
Also present in the assembly were Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman, Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman, and Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman who expressed their solidarity messages underscoring how the IP communities should be heard, should be given recognition to know their rights to vote and rights to suffrage, and should participate in voting electoral process.
Other attendees included DepEd SDO-Isabela City CID Dr. Henry Tura, members of Islamic Microfinance Livelihood Assistance Program (IMLAP), other barangay officials, and IP Affairs Focal Norhaiya Macusang. (Words by S. Angging, IsaTV/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
