By CESAR JOLITO III

Indigenous Bukidnon communities in Negros Occidental have finally secured legal ownership and recognition of their ancestral lands after a 25-year application process, marking a major milestone in the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights in the province.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) announced that its 10th commission en banc approved the issuance of a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) on May 27, formally recognizing the ancestral domain claim of the Bukidnon Indigenous Cultural Communities.

The title covers 16,476.7607 hectares spanning San Carlos City’s Barangay Codcod, Don Salvador Benedicto’s Barangay Igmayaan, and Murcia’s Barangay Minoyan.

The coverage area was validated through official land surveys conducted as part of the application process.

NCIP chairperson and Secretary Nancy Catamco signed the resolution following the approval of the commission led by Commissioner Marie Grace Pascua during the en banc session.

According to the NCIP, the granting of the CADT serves as formal recognition of the Bukidnon people’s long-established connection to the land and safeguards their rights to manage, protect and preserve their ancestral domain for future generations.

Commissioner Alex Centena, who pushed for the approval of the claim, cited the tribe’s historical and legitimate ties to the territory.

The resolution was unanimously supported by Commissioners Rhodex Valenciano, Purisimo Tiam, Datu “Amarillo” Marcelo Alejo Jr., and Alberto Lagamon.

The ancestral domain claim was first filed in 2001 and underwent years of documentation, field validation, surveys and consultations with affected communities before receiving final approval.

NCIP described the issuance of the title as not only a recognition of land rights but also a tribute to the cultural heritage and identity of the Bukidnon people, calling it a significant victory for both present and future generations of the indigenous community./CCJ, WDJ