MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division joined local government units, national agencies, and Indigenous Peoples communities for the official launch of the PAMANA LGU-Led Indigenous Peoples’ Sacred Rituals and Cultural Rites Program.

The event, held at the Folk Arts Theatre inside the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, featured a ceremonial check turnover to community People’s Organizations aimed at funding community-led development while safeguarding cultural heritage.

Key government figures in attendance included Bukidnon Provincial governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Provincial Indigenous Peoples mandatory representative Renato “Datu Makayuba” S. Sumbongan, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples regional director Chona Labaon, and PDBBM-NPMO National Program Manager Miramel G. Laxa.

Additional agency representatives included Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Deputy Program Head Chrisol B. Catalino, Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Pigbuligaan Multi-Sectoral Federation President Datu Nonilon O. Cacay, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino Sunga, and Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Glofelia J. Uayan.

Military representation was led by 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Marion T. Angcao, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado, and Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations Col. Aristotle Antonio. Prior to the ceremony, Angcao paid a courtesy call on Roque to reaffirm the military’s ongoing security and welfare partnerships with the province’s native communities.

A sacred ritual performed by representatives of Bukidnon’s seven Indigenous tribes served as the centerpiece of the gathering, followed by the signing of a joint commitment of support for the PAMANA initiative.

Delivering an inspirational message on behalf of Angcao, Tubalado stressed that cultural preservation must go hand in hand with economic progress, emphasizing that developmental initiatives should strengthen Indigenous identity rather than erase it through improved access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and environmental protection.

The turnover of PAMANA program funds directly to local People’s Organizations concluded the event, reinforcing the government’s approach to funding projects tailored to the specific needs of local ancestral domains.