The Tagbanua and Palawano tribes: Why Representation Matters



The Tagbanua and Indigenous People of Southern Palawan can be classified as one of the oldest tribes in the Philippine archipelago. We existed through the years with the guidance of our customary laws and the leadership of our Masikampo. But as years went by, the Tagbanua nation found itself on the fringes of the society. Poverty is rampant and brought a vicious cycle of under-representation in the local and national government. During his time as Masikampo, Ignacio Joya worked hard to connect us with the government; thus our grandparents remembered how life was better in the old days. Now his son, Masikampo Ruben Joya, is the leader of the Indigenous People and continues such legacy that his father left for members of the IP. He has laid out clear policies for education, health and alleviation of poverty. Masikampo Ruben Joya is in talks with the executive and judiciary branch of the Philippine government to make them aware of the Tagbanua's place in the society.

 Pictured above is the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) chairperson Mr. Allen Capuyan handing over a copy of the annual report to the IP of Palawan. This is the first time that such event happened since the promulgation of Republic Act No. 8371 (also known as the Indigenous People's Right Act) twenty-two years ago.

Representation matters. It is the way we let the government listen to our concerns and advocacies. Without the leadership of Masikampo Joya, what will the future look like for the young generation of Tagbanua and members of Indigenous People of Palawan?

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