08 February 2025, Upi, Maguindanao Del Norte — As a long-term advocate for justice and reconciliation in Mindanao, PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) joins the Indigenous Peoples (IP) of Bangsamoro in celebrating the historic passage of the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act of 2024 by the Bangsamoro Parliament on 10 December 2024. This landmark legislation strengthens the rights, recognition, and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marking a major step forward for peace and inclusivity in the region. For decades, PBCI has walked alongside Indigenous communities in Mindanao, advocating for their land rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation. The Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act of 2024 provides a long-overdue legal framework that formalizes these rights, ensuring mechanisms for ancestral domain recognition, cultural preservation, access to government resources, and active participation in governance.
Collective achievement for peace advocates
The legislation represents a collective achievement for peace advocates, Indigenous leaders, and the Bangsamoro government, reinforcing the principle that genuine peace is inclusive and just.
To honor this milestone, a Kanduli Celebration was held on 01 February 2025, at the Upi Gymnasium, Maguindanao Del Norte. Organized by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, the Office of MP Piang, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the celebration brought together Indigenous communities, peacebuilders, and policymakers in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to shared progress.
A central moment of the Kanduli was the Ceremonial Turnover of official copies of the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act to traditional leaders representing the Indigenous tribes and cultural communities of BARMM. No less than Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim led the turnover, symbolizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples. For PBCI, this moment was particularly significant, as it reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between faith-based peace advocates, government institutions, and grassroots Indigenous movements in shaping a just society.
Result of years of advocacy, dialogues, and negotiations
The event was graced by distinguished guests from the international community, civil society organizations, local government units, national agencies, and tribal leaders from across Mindanao. Their presence underscored the global and national solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Bangsamoro. Diplomats, human rights advocates, and development partners reiterated their commitment to ensuring the law’s full implementation through funding, technical expertise, and policy support.
During the program, Indigenous leaders reflected on the long and often arduous journey leading to this legislative victory. They recalled the years of advocacy, dialogues, and negotiations, which PBCI had been a part of, alongside other peacebuilding organizations. They acknowledged that while the passage of the law is a significant victory, the true challenge lies in ensuring that its provisions are effectively realized, with Indigenous communities genuinely benefiting from its implementation.
Companionship and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
PBCI stands in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Bangsamoro as they work toward securing their ancestral domains, preserving their traditions, and advancing their socio-economic aspirations. The organization remains committed to monitoring the implementation of the law, providing capacity-building support, and facilitating meaningful dialogues between Indigenous leaders and policymakers.
The Kanduli Celebration concluded with a strong call for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, ensuring that the aspirations of Indigenous Peoples are met with concrete action. The event ended on a hopeful note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to upholding justice, equality, and self-determination for Indigenous communities in Bangsamoro.
As PBCI continues its peacebuilding mission, it recognizes the passage of the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act of 2024 as a milestone in the journey toward a truly inclusive and peaceful Mindanao. The organization calls on all sectors—government, civil society, faith-based groups, and the international community—to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that this legislation translates into meaningful, transformative change for the Indigenous Peoples of Bangsamoro.
