From March 5 to 7, 2025, H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh, together with Ms. Dyan Mabunga-Rodriguez, NZ IDC Manager, and Ms. Moira Uycoco, EA to the Ambassador, conducted an official visit to MFI to engage in discussions on the development landscape of Region 12, key milestones of the GCERF-funded (NZ-supported) ProPEACE Programme, and projects in indigenous cultural communities (ICCs).
The delegation was welcomed by MFI President Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, Executive Director Ms. Liza Duropan-Lopez, and Operations Officer Mr. Roel Ian Blanker. Joining the discussions were DBM XII Regional Director Mr. Akmad Usman, DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle Mahinay-Sero, NCIP Outgoing Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, and Executive Directors and Project officers of OND HESED Foundation, Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Maguindanaoan Development Foundation, and Kasilak Development Foundation. Discussions focused on collaborative initiatives to support the ICCs and sustainable development in the region.
As part of the visit, the Ambassador met with NCIP XII Regional Director Atty. Adolf Ryan Lantion, representatives from the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) Region XII, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the UNDP Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Team. The discussions centered on challenges, project interventions, and opportunities from NZ-supported SALIG Project, I-LEAD, OND, MINDA and MIADP Projects and opportunities of ICCs in Region 12 through partnerships with NCIP.
A significant part of the visit included an engagement at Lake Sebu, where the Ambassador met LGU Lake Sebu Tourism Officer Dr. Jen Tupas, together with representatives from Climate Change Commission (CCC) through Sec. Robert Borje, RD Lantion of NCIP, MFI, and academe partners Mindanao State University (MSU), Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), and South Cotabato State College (SCSC) for the Love Lake Sebu Program and research results which aims to protect and rehab the lakes. Also, the fundraising and support for the book “The Story of Lang Dulay, Tnalak Dreamweaver and GAMABA Awardee” written by Delmo Dulay and Lenli Gula, who was present in the event was shared. The Ambassador and NCIP XII also interacted with the TUGED Association, a Tboli tribe organization supported by OND-HESED through the ProPEACE Programme. The Ambassador and partners expressed admiration for the community’s resilience, cultural preservation efforts, and sustainable grassroot-initiated livelihoods.
Another significant engagement with Cultural Heritage Learning Center (CHLC) at Landan National High School, where the Ambassador was welcomed by Polomolok Municipal Administrator Dr. Joven Ryan Malida, CHLC teachers led by Dr. Josseth Malida, and Indigenous elders and culture bearers. The visit showcased CHLC’s dedication to preserving Indigenous arts, crafts, and knowledge by ensuring these traditions are passed down to younger Blaan learners. Future directions of the CHLC were also shared.
The Ambassador also visited Madrasatol Arrahmaniya Al-Islamiya in Barangay Lapu and engaged with the community members and representatives from the Moro Youth Organization of Polomolok (MYOP), Culubi United People’s Integrated Farmers Association (CUPIFA), Nouronnissa’a Indigenous Farmers’ Integrated Association (NIFIA), Polomolok Muslim Council of Elders, 38th Infantry Battalion, and LGU Polomolok. Discussions focused on the promotion of a culture of peace among the tri-people, support for Madrasah education, and the development of alternative livelihood programs. The NIFIA also presented their Moro cultural products, which the NZ Embassy team appreciated.
The visit also included a tour of the Sustainable Eco-Tourism and Environment-Based Innovations Demo (SEED) Farm of MFI. The Ambassador was introduced to Mahintana’s environmental sustainability initiatives, including the bamboo treatment facility and the bamboo model house, as part of Mahintana’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly innovations that support ICCs. Furthermore, the NZ team also visited Mahintana’s NUTRIPAN Bakeshoppe and the HEALTHPlus Projects, which aim to improve access to basic social services through nutrition and health. The NUTRIPAN Bakeshoppe enhances the nutritional status of schoolchildren and families, while the HEALTHPlus Project ensures access to safe, affordable, and effective medicines for underserved communities.
H.E. Macintosh and her team also had an informal dinner meeting with Dolefil executives headed by Mr. Max Nishikage, the General Manager of Dolefil. She shared how she loved the Dole products in New Zealand and had wonderful conversations with Dole representatives over dinner. Ms. Dyan Rodriguez also highlighted that Dole is the sole strong partner under the private sector supporting the peace program portfolio initiative. Attending also during the dinner meeting are Mr. Yohei Kajikawa, Mr. Munireternam Muniandy, Mr. Tyrone Mangakahia, Ms. Jane Cruz, Ms. Leamor Bañaga, and Mahintana team: its President of the Board, Mr. Magdolot, Atty. Rene Almero, Ms. Liza Duropan-Lopez, and Ms. Wilma Jumilla.
The visit concluded with a meeting at Mindanao State University (MSU)– General Santos, where the Ambassador met with Chancellor Atty. Shidik Abantas, Dr. Jovanie C. Espesor, the University Director for International Affairs who is a former NZ scholar, and other key faculty team. The meeting highlighted the aspirations of the university to internationalize the school and bring in learning innovations, establish an institute for indigenous cultures, and indigenous student association. Related peace-promoting engagements with OPAPRU were also discussed.
All the visits ended with action points for the next steps of engagement. Mahintana Foundation Inc. extends its sincere appreciation to the New Zealand Embassy led by Her Excellency Ambassador Catherine McIntosh for their continued support and commitment to promoting sustainable peace and development, cultural preservation, and inclusive progress in Region 12.
