In celebration of the 3rd Blaan Day of Polomolok, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, schools, local government officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders came together on September 3, 2026, at the Polomolok Municipal Gymnasium for a meaningful celebration of Blaan culture, heritage, and collective action for children.
Anchored on the theme “Building on Culture: Advancing Towards a Progressive and Sustainable Future,” the celebration highlighted the richness of Blaan traditions while creating an important space to promote child protection, education, and the prevention of Child, Early, Forced, and Arranged Marriage (CEFMU).
A key advocacy focus was the promotion of Republic Act No. 11596, which provides protection against child marriage. The advocacy was led by the Municipal IPMR, NCIP, and IP Leaders, with discussions focusing on the role of communities in preventing child marriage and protecting children’s rights.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Wall of Commitment, carrying the message, “Together for a Child Marriage-Free Community: Our Commitment to R.A. 11596.” The commitment was signed by representatives from the local government, private sector, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), IP leaders, development partners, and civil society, including Hon. Mayor Bernie D. Palencia, Municipal Mayor of Polomolok; Mr. Rolando Maliwat Jr., Managing Director of Dole Philippines, Inc.; Atty. Ivyrose Paz, Regional Hearing Officer and NCIP Representative; Ms. Makpil Zarrin Dem Aponesto, Program Manager of Save the Children Philippines – General Santos City Office; Ms. Liza D. Lopez, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc.; Mr. Arnold “Boy Kura” Guerrero, Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative; and Hon. Jerome Y. Ante, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative.
Through this celebration, Mahintana Foundation, Inc. continues to support initiatives that strengthen child participation, community advocacy, cultural preservation, and local action for child protection.
