Dole Philippines, Inc., Save the Children Philippines and Mahintana Foundation, Inc., through Project COMPACT, HEALTH Plus Project, and Dolefil CARES, the Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DARBC), and the LGU of Polomolok supported the celebration of the 49th Special Blaan Kastifun Day and Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration on October 31, 2026, at Barangay Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Anchored on the Indigenous Peoples Month theme, โEmpowering Indigenous Peoples; Strengthening Rights, Culture and Ancestral Domains,โ the celebration gathered the Blaan community and Young Indigenous Professionals to promote cultural preservation, uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and strengthen inclusive community development.
The celebration was graced by Atty. Leila Rivera, Manager for Legal and External Communications, and Mr. Erwin D. Balogo, Community Relations Senior Superintendent of Dole Philippines, Inc.; Engr. Gonzalo Palma, Manager of DARBC; Dr. Joven Ryan G. Malida, Human Resource and Management Officer of LGU Polomolok; Fulung Jerome Y. Ante, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR); Hon. Rhyolite A. Balili, Executive Staff of the Office of the Municipal Mayor; Hon. Marcelo V. Ormita, Punong Barangay of Barangay Maligo; Fulong Renato Bagon, Tribal Chieftain of Barangay Maligo; Ms. Criselda Celestial, Barangay IPMR; Noemi C. Cawthorne, Assistant Coordinator of the Barangay Maligo Blaan Professionals; Pastor Jorge S. Sampoling, Program Coordinator and IP Sector Representative; and Engr. Joseph L. Cariรฑo, Charter President of the Gensan Kalilangan Lions Club.
Highlights included cultural presentations, discussions on the IPRA Law and child rights and protection, and awareness campaigns on Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU) and adolescent pregnancy. The Junior Barangay Officials of Maligo, a child-led group, and the Cassava Workers and Farmers Association led the awareness campaigns during the celebration.
The Gensan Kalilangan Lions Club also extended support through the distribution of slippers and loot bags to community members. Meanwhile, DARBC, the Municipal Health Office (MHO), and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) conducted a medical mission to provide health services to the community.
