SIBUCO, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – In a significant move towards empowering Indigenous
Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), a Pre-Registration Seminar was
recently conducted for the Subanon community in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte last August 29, 2024 with Mr. Ryan C. Amilhussin (CDS II/Acting HRMO) as the Resource Person.

This seminar is a crucial step in organizing a cooperative under the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) Katutubo Project. The event, held at the Lintangan Tribal Hall, brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) IX, Local Government Unit of Sibuco, ZDN, and members of the Subanon community. The seminar aimed to provide the Subanon ICCs/IPs with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and manage a cooperative effectively.

Key Highlights
1. Empowering the Subanon Community – The seminar emphasized the importance of
cooperatives in fostering economic self-reliance and community development. By
organizing into a cooperative, the Subanon ICCs/IPS can collectively access
resources, improve their agricultural productivity, and enhance their overall quality of
life.

2. Training and Capacity Building – Participants will receive trainings on various aspects
of cooperative management, including governance, financial management, and
marketing strategies once registered as a cooperative.

3. Alignment with the HAPAG Katutubo Project – The HAPAG Katutubo Project, which
aims to promote sustainable agriculture and improve nutrition among indigenous
communities, was highlighted as a key initiative that the cooperative can leverage. The
project’s focus on planting fruits and vegetables aligns with the Subanon community’s
traditional agricultural practices, ensuring cultural preservation while promoting
economic growth.

The successful conduct of the Pre-Registration Seminar marks a significant milestone in the journey towards establishing a cooperative for the Subanon ICCs/IPs in Sibuco. The next steps involve the formal registration of the cooperative, followed by continuous support and monitoring to ensure its sustainability and success.

The CDA IX, in collaboration with NCIP IX, LGU Sibuco and other stakeholders, remains
committed to supporting the Subanon community in this endeavor. The formation of the
cooperative under the HAPAG Katutubo Project is expected to bring about positive changes, fostering a sense of unity and collective progress among the Subanon ICCs/IPs.

The Pre-Registration Seminar for the Subanon ICCs/IPs in Sibuco is a testament to the
government’s dedication to uplifting indigenous communities. By organizing into a
cooperative, the Subanon community is poised to achieve greater economic stability and
preserve their rich cultural heritage. The HAPAG Katutubo Project serves as a beacon of hope, guiding the community towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

Thank you to the following for their help and assistance for the successful conduct of the PRS,
to wit:
1. Dir. Ruben L. Cunanan, JD – Regional Director, CDA Region IX Extension Office;
2. Dir. Julius L. Mabini, LLB – Regional Director, National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP) IX duly represented by Engr. Merilyn B. Asaali (NCIP PO Zamboanga
City);
3. Hon. Joel M. Ventura – Municipal Mayor of Sibuco, ZDN together with Ms. Beverly
Sunshine P. Maninang, Municipal Cooperative Officer; and
4. Tribal Leaders of Ancestral Domain Lintangan, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

by: Mr. Ryan C. Amilhussin, CDS II