BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte --  Municipal Mayor Joselito T. Roble, represented by Vice Mayor Atty. Ramon A.G. Bungabong led the induction of officers of Buenavista Indigenous People Women Organization (BIPWO) and Buenavista IP Youth Organization (BIPYO) during the IP tribal meeting 2024 at Purok 9 Lekda, Brgy. Simbalan, Buenavista Agusan del Norte.

Vice Mayor Bungabong disclosed that the 22nd Sangguniang Bayan under his leadership passed two ordinances supporting the IPs of Buenavista; the tax exemption for building permits to IPs and the setting-up of an IP Desk at the municipal and barangay halls. He added that the women and youth sectors will have a significant contribution in the crafting of the IP code to preserve and protect the culture of the Higaonon tribe. 

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding for the promotion of peace and culture among the IP women and youth was signed between the local government unit and Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development, Inc (ACCORD Inc.), a non-government organization (NGO).

Among those present were Sangguniang Bayan members Rianne Catabas, IPMR president Datu Rolando Lanapan, ABC President Walter B. Tuga, and Provincial Board member IPMR Randy Catarman, Datu Kaidi Pinalugtan, Datu Bagay Sulhayan, officers of ACCORD Inc., Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC). (MLGU-Buenavista/PIA-Agusan del Norte)