DA, NCIP, LGU, launched 4Ks-IP CREATESS IADDA in Bataan!

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan, May 6–The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 3, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Field Office III successfully launched the “Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Kababayang Katutubo Indigenous Peoples Culturally Responsive, Socioeconomic, Ecology, Agro-Aqua Technology, and Special Services Integrated through Ancestral Domain Development Approach” (4Ks-IP CREATESS IADDA) for the Ayta Ambala Indigenous Cultural Community in Barangay Payangan, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The launching program was witnessed by Dinalupihan Local Government Unit through Mayor Maria Angela Garcia, who is also the head of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Dinalupihan. Mayor Garcia thanked the NCIP and DA for prioritizing the Ayta Ambala ICC in Payangan and said that this project is aligned with their vision of making Dinalupihan an agro-polis.
DA FO III, represented by 4Ks Regional Focal, Mr. June Lacasandile, gave a brief orientation on the project components, complemented by a brief discussion on the objectives and framework of the IP CREATESS IADDA by Mr. Kevin Fonseca of NCIP R3.
NCIP R3 Regional Director Atty. Roland Calde thanked the DA FO III for the partnership and the Local Government Units of Dinalupihan for its untiring support of all Indigenous Cultural Communities in the area. Also present in the activity is Ms. Camille Anne Bartolome of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bataan, Dinalupihan Sangguniang Bayan Members Hon. Amy Muli and Hon. Danny Dela Cruz, and Payangan Brgy. Captain Ramer Fernando. The launching was hosted by NCIP Bataan Provincial Office OIC Juna Sacpa and NCIP Dinalupihan Community Service Center OIC Mark Allan Diwa and their staff.
The activity ended with the oath-taking of the elected members of the three (3) IP farmer organizations administered by Mayor Garcia. For the ICC’s part, Dinalupihan Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Joel Abraham thanked all the stakeholders and welcomed the program recalling his community’s long history of struggle for recognition, self-governance, and self-determination. He urged his fellow Ayta Ambala to work hand-in-hand in sustaining the 4Ks-IP CREATESS in Payangan.