BAGUIO CITY — An indigenous leader on Wednesday challenged government agencies to back indigenous-led climate programs with genuine authority and funding, while urging her community to reclaim its historic role as environmental stewards.

Marilyn Tongawan, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative for Barangay Pacdal, spoke on the second day of “Sagana 2026,” a two-day seminar focused on integrating ancestral knowledge with state institutions for sustainable resilience in the Cordillera region.

Tongawan highlighted what she called a deep historical disconnect between state-led scientific approaches and traditional customary laws, arguing that local indigenous communities have been systematically sidelined from natural resource management.

She specifically pointed to the Busol Watershed, a critical water source partly located within Barangay Pacdal, and questioned whether the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is genuinely empowering local communities.

“Are we even given the right? Are we even given the privilege to restore our watersheds?” Tongawan said. “They talk about Free, Prior and Informed Consent. But are we even given that priority? Are IPs truly involved?”

Turning to disaster risk reduction efforts in Baguio’s District 1, Tongawan spoke candidly about the financial and logistical strains on barangay auxiliary teams.

While praising the spirit of volunteerism, she argued that disaster management requires structural and financial backing, including personal protective equipment, insurance, and basic provisions.

“Many are whole-hearted and want to help the barangay. But will you ask them to help while they are starving? Of course, no one will show up,” Tongawan said.

She directly questioned the Department of Budget and Management regarding the allocation of resources for grassroots initiatives. “You always say there should be IP-led programs. Where is the budget?” she asked.

Beyond structural issues, Tongawan expressed deep concern over the erosion of cultural identity among the younger generation, noting that a recent local census revealed many youths could only vaguely identify as “Igorot” — the collective term for indigenous peoples in the Cordillera — without knowing their specific ethnic roots.

“As parents, we are the grassroots. We should identify our own ethnicity,” she said, linking the loss of cultural identity to the decline of ecological stewardship. “Everything now is pure scientific justice. Our customary laws are disappearing.”

Addressing criticisms from bodies like the Commission on Human Rights regarding why indigenous representatives remain heavily tethered to the state, Tongawan explained that current government mechanisms often force integration and limit independent initiatives.

Nevertheless, she closed with a call for indigenous communities to self-initiate environmental action using their own resources.

“It is our privilege to join. Let’s take the initiative because we have been here since time immemorial,” Tongawan said. “It’s time for our voices to be heard.”