Capacity Development Training and Capacity Building on the operationalization and institutionalization of the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO) for Davao Region
“Ms. Shirley B. Iguianon, MPA, Division Chief, Technical Management Services, facilitated and provided an overview of the ADMO Operations Manual as a guiding framework for the establishment and functionality of the Ancestral Domain Management Office.She highlighted the significance of land management in the context of ancestral domain governance and sustainability. She also presented the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and its alignment with ADMO operations, emphasizing the integration of customary governance systems. She thoroughly discussed the organizational structure of ADMO, including the specific roles and responsibilities of each Committee under the office. -Administrative and Finance Committee Environment and Natural Resources Committee -Socioeconomic and Livelihood Committee -Education, Culture, and Health Committee -Infrastructure and Development Committee She emphasized the importance of clear division of tasks and accountability among committee members to ensure efficient service delivery.”
The BD Corridor Project in Eastern Mindanao recently conducted a three-day capacity building workshop on July 8-10, 2025, at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, Davao City. The activity focuses on strengthening the Environmental Protection and Management Committee (EPMC) under the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO) for Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
Workshop proper with NCIP Davao Oriental, led by NCIP Provincial Staff Mr. Joemar Ike Quimson Capalit and Mr. Joel Bendict Mandaya, together with representatives from the priority Ancestral Domains under CADT Nos. 006, 219, and 209.
Workshop proper with NCIP Davao de Oro, led by NCIP Provincial Officer Mr. Roger S. Lumbin, along with stakeholders from the priority Ancestral Domains under CADT Nos. 007, 019, and 076.
Mr. Ariel Padaya CAO- II NCIP- Region XI, delivered a comprehensive orientation on the Economic Development Committee (EDC), a vital structure within ADMO framework. He began by emphasizing the objectives behind the establishment of the EDC, which aim to steer the ancestral domain communities toward sustainable and self-reliant economic growth.
Mr. Carl Van E. Lucero, Stakeholders Engagement Officer-EMBC, He emphasized the critical elements to be considered during planning within ancestral domains, particularly under the BD Corridor framework. He explained the importance of understanding land conditions (e.g., agricultural areas, denuded lands, and areas with forest restoration potential).
The workshop brought together 84 participants (53 Males, 31 Females) composed of IPOs and EPMC members, NCIP representatives, DA-BSWM, DENR Regional Offices, academe, and partner CSOs working together to strengthen Indigenous led conservation under the BD Corridor Project.
Atty. Aguio also highlighted the importance of education and scientific research in capacitating Indigenous communities and encouraged the development of IP-led research initiatives to strengthen their role as stewards of nature while enhancing economic self-sufficiency.Quoting Section 9 of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), which outlines the principle of intergenerational responsibility, Atty. Aguio reminded participants that the work of today must secure the future of generations to come. He concluded by reiterating NCIP’s mandate of genuine IP development, underpinned by the core belief:“Dahil ang Katutubo at Ako ay Iisa.”
“Ms. Jacqueline Bacal, GAD Specialist NPMU – BD Corridor Project, delivered a session on Gender Mainstreaming in ADMO Governance, highlighting the legal foundations, relevance, and community reflections in advancing inclusive governance within Indigenous communities. Ms. Bacal emphasized that gender is not merely about men and women, but includes roles, responsibilities, and experiences of all gender identities in the community.”
Atty. Geroncio Aguio, Regional Director of NCIP Region XI, underscored the importance of education and Indigenous-led research, reminding everyone of a powerful truth from the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act: “The Work of today must secure the future of generations to come.”
Stay tuned for more stories as Indigenous communities lead the way in protecting forests and watersheds within the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor!
Let’s keep working together for a connected, conserved, and resilient Eastern Mindanao!
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF project on “Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines” or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods 🌿🍃
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility.
