Imamaling and Manobisa and Amabel Ancestral Domains
| AD | ADSPP Year Formulated | Total land area | Population |
| Amabel, Magpet | 2012-2013 | 2,642,229 ha Brgy. Amabel | 990 |
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magpet, North Cotabato endorsed and approved the Ancestral Domain Agricultural Implementation Frameworks (ADAIFs) of the Obo-Monuvu in a Sangguniang Bayan (SB) session, on September 23, 2024. ADAIF is the investment framework crafted by the said tribe as part of the six-year Department of Agriculture-Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) funded by the World Bank.
The session was attended by all SB members, the Indigenous Political Structure presenters, Datu Samuel E. Sumaliray, the CADT Chairman of Amabel, as well as personnel from MIADP, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Coordination Project Office (RPCO 12), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Technical Service Providers from the Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc. (OIDCI).
Two ADAIFs were presented namely: ADAIF-Amabel and ADAIF-Imamaling and Manobisa Ancestral Domains. Said ADAIFs were based on the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPP) which outline priority projects for sustainable agricultural development. The said documents will guide the implementation of two sub-projects for each CADT focused on agri-enterprise and infrastructure projects.
The SB approval includes three highlights: First, it ensures the LGU’s 10% financial counterpart for the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP). Second, it empowers the CADTs to take ownership of their respective ADAIFs facilitating local governance and accountability. Lastly, it guarantees that the sub-projects are included in the Municipal Annual Investment Plan (AIP) to secure long-term support. These initiatives are expected to bolster economic opportunities within the municipality’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
During the session, MIADP Project Planning Officer Alfredo Silang expressed his gratitude to the honorable members of the SB for the opportunity to present the ADAIF. He introduced the MIADP team members from the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 12 and explained their purpose in presenting the ADAIF.
He emphasized that Magpet was chosen as one of the pilot areas for MIADP interventions in Region 12, with Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
He clarified that a resolution incorporating the ADAIF into the municipality’s Annual Investment Plan (AIP) be sought after the presentation. In addition, he mentioned that they would also seek the council’s endorsement of the project to the Regional Director, as it was a necessary step in the process.
The presenters were the following: Bo-i Febemie S. Ana, the CADT secretary of AD Amabel, Datu Jaypee O. Empoc, the CADT chairperson of Manobisa, and Leoturno Calimpitan, barangay kagawad/councilor.
ADAIF-Amabel, Magpet
Ms. Ana, as provided an overview of the ADAIF, describing it as a six-year agri-fishery development plan that serves as an enabling document to access funding for agricultural interventions within the Ancestral Domain (AD) and reflects the agreed-upon priority investments and interventions. She presented the agricultural profile of the Amabel AD, which encompasses a total area of 2, 642.229 hectares.
The preparation of the ADAIF involved community consultations, signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), finalization of the ADAIF and Concept Notes, and subsequent presentations to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) for endorsement. The report reveals that there are approximately 990 Indigenous People residing in the area, with identified hectares suitable for agri-crop production, agroforestry, forestry, and protected areas.
She highlighted existing commodities and organized groups involved in agricultural activities, including rice, rubber, corn, cacao, coffee, coconut, abaca, durian, banana, abaca, and tiger grass. The presentation also addressed the need for additional infrastructures such as a multi-purpose warehouse, solar and all-weather dryer, potable water supply, and Farm-to-Market Road and bridge. She outlined priority needs from farm inputs to marketing activities, emphasizing specific programs, activities, and projects. Finally, she concluded by urging the SB to grant the desires of the Obo-Monuvu tribe in Amabel, Magpet by approving and endorsing the ADAIF as a crucial step in implementing the MIADP within the AD.
The Amabel, Magpet Ancestral Domain formulated its ADSDPP in 2012. It covers one barangay only with a total land area of 2,642,229 ha with a population of 990.
ADAIF- Imamaling and Manobisa AD
Datu Jaypee O. Empoc, CADT chairperson of Manobisa represented CADTs of Imamaling and Manobisa. He revealed the agricultural profile of the AD, which encompasses a total area of 5,317.779 hectares. There are approximately 2,356 Indigenous People residing in the area, with identified hectares suitable for agri-crop production, agroforestry, forestry, and protected areas.
He highlighted existing commodities and organized groups involved in agricultural activities, including rubber, coffee, coconut, durian, banana, lanzones, abaca, and tiger grass. He noted desired private investments to expand the production of tiger grass, establish nurseries for fruit trees, coffee, banana, and rubber, and increase coconut production, alongside requests for a hauling truck, support for native chicken production, and provision of carabaos.
His presentation also addressed the need for additional infrastructures that have been provided such as FMR, solar dryers, bridges, and potable water supply. The concept proposal was also presented on the “Rubber Cup Lump Consolidation and Marketing,” to be managed by the Obo-Manobo Ta Manobisa Association. In terms of infrastructure, the presenter proposed several concreting projects, including Barangay Road Junction to Sitio Mabato and Sitio Timudos in Barangay Manobisa, Sitio Crossing to Sitio Lanao in Barangay Imamaling, and Sitio Centro to Sitio Langguay in Barangay Imamaling. He concluded the ADAIF presentation by urging the SB to grant the desires of the Obo-Monuvu tribe in Imamaling-Manobisa in Magpet to approve and endorse the ADAIF.
Furthermore, Barangay Kagawad/Councilor Leoturno Calimpitan, appointed as the presenter by the Punong Barangay of Imamaling, presented the infrastructure plans for the two combined CADTs of Imamaling and Manobisa. The sub-project, entitled “Rubber Cup Lump Production, Consolidation, and Marketing,” was presented in detail. He explained the purpose of presenting the concept notes, which was to request an SB resolution securing the required equity for the proposed enterprise sub-projects under MIADP.
He highlighted details about the IPO, Imamaling Farmers Association, its address in Imamaling, Magpet, Cotabato, and its registration details under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He provided a profile of the organization, which consists of 75 members, 50 of whom are male and 25 are female. The proposed sub-project would focus on rubber cup lump production, consolidation, and marketing, with a total project cost of ₱2,877,500.00.
He outlined the challenges faced by the IPO, including the lack of engagement in value-added activities and the individual marketing approach, which limited their bargaining power and left them vulnerable to price fluctuations. He also shared the potential of the rubber industry within the CADT areas, noting the 34.15% total planted area yielding approximately 29,028 metric tons of rubber cup lumps annually. He then introduced proposed activities for pre-implementation, including organizational capacity development, business plan preparation, the establishment of a warehouse/trading center, provision of logistics support, and trading tools and equipment.
The objective of the proposed sub-project is to uplift the economic status of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) farmer partners by creating a sustainable and financially stable business. Specifically, it aims to increase rubber cup lump sales from 118 MT in the first year to 235 MT in the third year, generate an annual net surplus of ₱235,000 to ₱471,000, and increase IPO membership and women’s engagement over the same period. The project also seeks to generate at least eight jobs and improve farm productivity and income through better market linkages and access to new technology. Kagawad Calimpitan concluded by requesting the SB to also approve the infrastructure sub-project as a support to the agri-enterprise.
After the presentations, Vice Mayor Hon. Florenito Gonzaga, who presided over the session, inquired about the challenges posed by rubber tree cultivation in specific areas. MIADP experts promptly addressed the question. Hon. Marilyn Mamon also raised inquiries regarding the necessary resolutions to ensure the project’s success. As the session concluded, the presiding officer declared a commitment of ₱15 million in equity to support both agri-Enterprise and infrastructure sub-projects.
Municipal Mayor Jay Laurence Gonzaga says, “ang akoa lang ma-advise sa atoang mga IP, daghan man ta’g mga projects and development [programs] nga atong ginapatigayon sa atuang mga kabarangayan [and] most of it sa IP community, more on coordination no magtinabangay lang ta kay ang maka benipisyo niining proyektuha.” (My advice to the IPs, because we have a lot of project and developmental programs in our barangays and in our IP community, let us help each other since we will all benefit from these projects)
He added, “ania lang mi ang LGU naga counterpart, naga-facilitate kay ang among gusto matagaan mo og kahayahay nga kinabuhi, mapagawas ang inyong mga produkto og maayo no gikan sa inyong mga kaumahan, makaeskwla ang atuang mga kabataan kay tungod naa man sa atong mga kabataan ang mga sumusunod no kabton ang ilang mga pangandoy, and siyempre makatabang sa atoang pamilya kay kining tanan ginabalik nako within the community. Mag asenso ug walay mabilin nga mga kaigsunang IP sa hisgutanang kauswagan dira sa inyong barangay sa munisipyo sa Magpet.” (We are just here, the LGUs doing our jobs and coordinating our moves because we want you all to live better lives and comfortably – your products from your farms are earning, here and abroad, the children are in school studying because it is for them that we desire they can fulfill their dreams and for sure this will help resolve the problems of our family – because all our efforts will take us to better and more comfortable lives).
The resolutions and the subsequent endorsement of ADAIFs mark a crucial step in empowering the Obo-Monuvu communities of Magpet, paving the way for sustainable agricultural growth and development. (By Joey Bayawan, AD Coordinator – Magpet, Edited by TSP-CKMS)
SB members, presider and MIADP RPCO R12, NCIP 12 personnel, and presenters from Magpet ADs after the SB Session in Magpet, on September 23, 2024. PHOTO: Joey Bayawan
