Zamboanga City:Councilor Martin Guinilac, the newly installed Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the Zamboanga City Council, has announced his commitment to prioritize the education and health needs of the city's Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Guinilac, who is of Subanen descent, emphasized these priorities during a press conference following his oath-taking ceremony at the City Hall, administered by Mayor Khymer Olaso.

According to Philippines News agency, Guinilac is tasked with representing five local tribes in the legislative body Subanen, Sama Banguingui, Sama Bajao, Kalibugan, and Yakan. These tribes have distinct characteristics, with the Subanen being highlanders and river dwellers, while the Sama Banguingui, Sama Bajao, and Kalibugan are coastal dwellers, and the Yakan are known as inland farmers.

Guinilac expressed his intention to consult the leaders of these tribes to identify further needs that the legislative body should address, beyond education and health. Meanwhile, Mayor Olaso highlighted that the city government has allocated funds in its 2027 budget to construct a school in Camp Pilar, Barangay La Paz, predominantly inhabited by the Subanen community. Additionally, the city plans to implement programs to celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage of the IPs.

Guinilac's appointment comes over two months after the previous IPMR, Aida Paniorotan, vacated her position. Paniorotan's term officially ended on July 9 but she continued in a holdover capacity until August 9.