BUTUAN CITY – Assistant Secretary (Asec) Vidal D. Villanueva III of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), together with CDA Caraga Regional Director Monatao Honeya Radia-Alawi and staff met with the Manobo Indigenous People Tribe and the Municipal Mayor of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on September 22 to 23, 2022.

During the visit, the Manobo Tribe performed the “Kahimunan”, which means sacred gathering Pa-Salamat sa Magbabaya (God), as a way of welcoming their guests. RD Alawi gave a message to the Tribe and encouraged them to organize into a Cooperative. Hence, a Pre-Registration Seminar was conducted to the members of the tribe as an initiative by CDA.

In the same manner, Asec. Villanueva and RD Alawi made a courtesy call with the Municipal Mayor of Sibagat, Hon. Thelma G. Lamanilao to discuss relevant CDA programs which will cater the needs of the constituents of Sibagat, including the indigenous people. 

Asec. Villanueva also made mention the importance of institutionalizing a Municipal Cooperative Development Officer. These were duly supported by RD Alawi and stressed the advantages of the group once registered as a Cooperative with CDA.

Also present during the courtesy call were Counselor and Sibagat Manobo Tribe Prince Datu Agong Aljun C. Cayawan, Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Samuel Behing, and Cooperative Development Officer Roy Samson. 

In response, Mayor Lamanilao pledged to closely coordinate with CDA for the implementation of the programs discussed. She also provided Office space for CDA field personnel within the locality for accessibility with the Agency’s essential services. (CDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)