Dinapigue, Isabela – June 14, 2025 — In a landmark effort to promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights and self-governance, the Agta Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) of Dinapigue, Isabela held its Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) election on June 14, 2025. The event was organized under the guidance of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Isabela Provincial Office.

The election marked a vital exercise in preserving the Agta community’s political traditions and ensuring representation in local governance. It was conducted in an atmosphere of cultural respect, community consensus, and institutional cooperation.

In support of transparency and scholarly documentation, the NCIP invited faculty researchers from Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) to observe the electoral proceedings. Attending the event were Dr. Jandy S. Danzalan, Dr. Jane N. Cariaga, Prof. Don C. Galdonez, and Mr. Vijay Sicam. Their presence symbolized the growing academic-government partnership in advocating for inclusive and culturally responsive education and governance among Indigenous communities.

The field engagement served as an opportunity for academic observers to deepen their understanding of customary political systems, particularly within the Agta community. It also aimed to strengthen collaborative initiatives between the NCIP and educational institutions in promoting Indigenous rights and community-based governance.

The successful conduct of the IPMR election reaffirmed the Agta community’s active participation in local governance and the government’s commitment to supporting Indigenous leadership through culturally grounded mechanisms. The event was led by NCIP Isabela Provincial Officer Ms. Anne Marie Sugguiyao, who facilitated coordination between the community and external partners to ensure the integrity of the process.

Moving forward, PNUNL faculty researchers will collaborate with the NCIP and the Agta ICC to document the Indigenous Political System (IPS) of the Agta of Dinapigue. This initiative aims to preserve and recognize traditional governance practices while strengthening cultural integrity and informing future education and policy efforts.