Davao city: The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Davao Region (NCIP-11) has issued a reminder to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in this province to ensure the proper management of their wealth and ancestral domains for the benefit of future generations.

According to Philippines News Agency, NCIP-11 Regional Director Geroncio Aguio emphasized during his speech at the Al'law ng Kalumonan (Indigenous Peoples Day) on Tuesday that the agency is committed to guiding the direction of IP wealth management while also strengthening communities. Aguio highlighted the shift in focus from the four bundles of rights under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) to the management of IP wealth. He pointed out that although IPs hold ancestral domains, they have not traditionally been considered wealthy, urging that the IPRA Law be used as a tool to improve their financial management skills, particularly concerning high-value resources like gold.

Aguio stressed the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in this endeavor, warning that a lack of these could lead to disorder. Mayor Myrill Apit echoed these sentiments, calling for unity among the IP communities and emphasizing that no sector should be left behind in the municipality. She underlined the importance of communication and collaboration, stating that differences should not lead to division but rather foster a sense of inclusion.

Apit also announced an initiative to support education within IP communities, unveiling the allocation of 100 scholarship slots for IP students as part of the first-ever Municipal Scholarship Program. This move demonstrates the local government's commitment to making higher education more accessible to indigenous populations, with Apit affirming the government's belief in the potential of IP students and their educational aspirations.