By Anthony A. Araos
Hope and progress flourish where good leadership begins. And along these ideals live marginalized communities that still struggle for a better life.
Its truly a rare occurrence to engage with individuals who are tirelessly advancing the cause of indigenous peoples (IPs) in this part of the country. Or to be more precise, this has reference to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
This viewpoint delves into how the developments of localities in the Cordilleras help beneficiaries in still disadvantaged villages in the countryside have better services and opportunities.
Today, there are three outstanding IP leaders imbued with the burning passion to serve their brothers and sisters, thus making a positive impact in their lives. They are Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan, former provincial agriculturist Domingo Marciano of Ifugao and newly-appointed Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Ermilinda Baguilat of Barangay Poblacion North in Lagawe, Ifugao.
To my mind, I’m elated to be with- standing side-by-side, the best-of-the-best in the advocacy of improving the plight of the nation’s indigenous peoples.
To begin with, the CAR is fully prepared to address the challenges ahead. Let me loudly point out the fact that their strong commitment to the IP agenda is integral to realizing the life goals of ethnic folks. For it shall decisively address difficulties faced by impoverished villages and steer the economy back to its upswing trajectory in the near term. There is no other choice but deal with present-day challenges of mounting poverty and underdevelopment, rising prices of goods and services and terrifying levels of corruption.
It is shocking to see the state of the IPs is currently on, many of them are living in abject poverty and crying out for help. Far-flung IP villages are in shocking state while graft persists.
The usual practice of putting five percent to six percent of GDP annual appropriation for infrastructure is indicative of the government’s unsound priorities. Thus, the crocodile-infested Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is still of top 10 departments receiving the bulk of the proposed national budget. Yet, significant amounts intended for social infrastructure, such as hospitals, health centers and school buildings, are slashed to the detriment of the people’s welfare. For instance, substantial funds of (Php 6.3 billion) of the Tupad (Tulong Panghanap buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced) Workers of the Department of Labor and Employment, under the General Appropriations Act of 2026, were cut. Many of the Tupad beneficiaries in Ifugao are IPs. This underscores the importance of having well-meaning leaders who are responsive to the needs of the IPs. But it really doesn’t happen anymore.
A lot of the IPs social needs tend to be overlooked by the officialdom. A lot of public funds are going to patronage politics and pockets of erring officials, displacing IP’s basic needs. They are suffering.
It boils down to waging war against corruption by, among others, promoting the integrity of public service.
Nonetheless, the actions of Rep. Domogan (for authoring House Bill 5044) to create the Department of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, Mr. Mariano and IPMR Baguilat are steps in the right direction. It should embolden Cordillerans to forge ahead and strive to move forward for a bright future. Perhaps it will do wonders for their deeds to be replicated elsewhere.
**
