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An Indigenous Youth Leader’s Journey from Cultural Preservation to Advocacy through UGNAYIN PH and Community From the forested mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, where the trees breathe stories of generations past, a young Dumagat-Remontado woman has grown into a leader rooted in land, culture, and community. Kristel Quierrez, also known by friends, family, and colleagues as ‘Boniknik’, stands as a leader for her people and for the growing movement of indigenous youth finding their voices. She was raised in a community where land, culture, and identity are inseparable. Growing up, she already had a deep knowing that "where the forest stands, so do the Dumagats." “Para sa akin, ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging katutubo ay nakaugnay ang iyong sarili sa iyong komunidad, at ikaw ay may sariling pagkakakilanlan. May ni-rerepresenta kang komunidad, at ako partikular bilang isang Dumagat-Remontado, alam ko yung paniniwala ko na ang mga katutubo at gubat ay magkaugnay. Ang aking paniniwala ay si Makidepet ay nasa lahat ng bagay, kaya lahat ng bagay ay sagrado.” “For me, being indigenous means being connected to your community, and having your own identity. You represent a community, and I, as a Dumagat-Remontado, believe that indigenous peoples and the forest are interconnected. I believe that Makidepet  is in everything, and therefore, everything is sacred,” Boniknik shares. Planting the Seed Boniknik’s journey started strong, already rooted in her culture as an Agta .* Guided by her elders, the seed of consciousness that everything is interconnected, and that Makidepet  (God) is in everything, had already been planted. The 23-year-old learned early on that true leadership lies in serving her community and that her life is deeply connected with the forest. As Boniknik learned the ways of the world, that seed has since taken root, and her identity transformed from a student and keeper of her culture’s memories to active advocate. Her love for ancestral lands matured into a fierce defense of them, especially as threats to both culture and territory in Sierra Madre became more visible. Growing up in Quezon Province by the forests, the sacredness of nature is not merely a concept but a lived truth. This worldview fuels her advocacy and deep commitment to protecting the environment and the cultural heritage of her people. “Una kong pinag-aralang paaralan ay ito din yung isinusulong ng mga adbokasiya, kung papaano mo paglilingkuran ang iyong mga komunidad dahil hindi natin maikakaila sa realidad na napakaraming isyu ang kinakaharap ng mga katutubong komunidad ngayon. Ang paaralang ito ay sentrong paaralan ng mga Agta, at simula pa pagkabata ko, simula ng ako’y mag-aral ay iyon na yung itinatanim sa aming mga kaisipan bilang mga kabataang katutubo, at hanggang sa tumanda ako, hanggang sa kasalukuyan, iyon at iyon pa rin ang aking dinadala hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Pag ikaw ay mula sa isang katutubong komunidad, magkakaroon ka ng malay na nandiyan na ang iyong pinaglalaban.” “The first school I attended was already promoting these advocacies—how you serve your community—because we cannot deny the reality that indigenous communities today face many issues. This school was the central school for the Agta, and from my childhood, from the time I began studying, this was already being instilled in us as indigenous youth. And as I grew up, even until now, I still carry that with me. When you grow up in an indigenous community, you are already aware of what you're fighting for,” she says. Boniknik in 2020 at an activity for the STOP Kaliwa Dam Campaign The Sierra Madre Mountain Range is the longest in the Philippines and home to over 50% of the country’s remaining forest cover. It supports high levels of biodiversity and is home to many indigenous groups, including the Dumagat-Remontado. Despite its ecological importance, it continues to face threats from mining, logging, and large-scale infrastructure projects, including the controversial Kaliwa Dam, which poses risks of displacement to indigenous communities and irreversible damage to the forest ecosystem. 1 *Agta  is from the native language of the Dumagat-Remontado indigenous community, meaning tao or person. While the identity ‘Dumagats or Dumagat-Remontado’ is more commonly known by cityfolk, Boniknik self-identifies as an Agta. Tending to the Soil 2024 had been momentous for the young leader. The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) awarded Boniknik as one of its changemakers  driving restoration in its 2025 Restoration Awards , amplifying her role as a young indigenous woman in environmental governance. This recognition set an example for her peers that their voices and traditional knowledge are valuable in shaping sustainable environmental solutions. That same year, she graduated from college with a degree in education and successfully passed the licensure examination for teachers. Meanwhile, she was also recognized by a major digital news outlet  and a popular magazine  this year, further solidifying the importance of the role of the youth in social movements. The young environmentalist is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Ugnayin National Indigenous Youth Network Philippines (UGNAYIN PH)  and a core member of Katutubong Kabataan na Umuugat sa Kabundukan sa Sierra Madre (UGBON) , a grassroots indigenous youth organization based in General Nakar , Quezon . Despite her accomplishments and global recognition, Boniknik first distinguished herself as a deep listener, attentive to her elders, her community, and nature. Their wisdom cultivated the soil in which the youth would gather strength, thrive, and blossom. “Kung nanggaling ka sa isang katutubong komunidad, natural na sa iyo simula pa pagkabata na mahalin ang kalikasan, ang iyong lupaing ninuno, ang iyong pagkatao, kaya naman ang mga nakaimpluwensiya sa aking adbokasiya ay ang aking komunidad din – sa gabay ng mga matatandang lider, kung paano nila hinubog ang aking kaisipan upang bumalik, patuloy na mag lingkod sa aking komunidad at kung papaano umusbong sa daloy nito ang mga adbokasiya ko ngayon, lalong higit sa mga karapatan ng mga katutubo, at sa aming lupaing ninuno, lalong higit sa kalikasan.” “If you come from an indigenous community, it is natural from childhood to love nature, your ancestral land, your identity,” she says. “That's why those who have influenced my advocacy are also my community—guided by the elders, who shaped my way of thinking to return and continue serving my people. That’s how my advocacy blossomed—particularly in the defense of indigenous rights, our ancestral lands, and especially nature,” she said. The restoration steward grew up understanding the challenges faced by indigenous communities, including land dispossession, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion. One major threat is the Kaliwa Dam Project, which might displace Boniknik’s Dumagat-Remontado community. Despite opposition from local and indigenous groups, the project has continued to progress with limited consultation. 2  Even as a child, she witnessed how traditional knowledge and community values are often overlooked and excluded from broader conversations about development and governance. Boniknik taking part in one of the biggest activities for the STOP Kaliwa Dam Campaign – Alay Lakad Laban sa Kaliwa Dam in 2023 Yet within those challenges, the roots of strength and wisdom grew. One of those roots was in the form of UGNAYIN PH. It was through the youth network that her advocacy moved from preservation to purposeful action.  It became the space where her cultural consciousness was matched with tools for organizing, speaking out, and mobilizing other youth. UGNAYIN PH: Growing Collective Roots Founded on 2022, UGNAYIN PH is a network of indigenous youth organizations from Sierra Madre, Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao landscapes, formed to champion the indigenous youth advocacy at multiple levels. It currently supports a total of nine (9) indigenous youth groups representing 421 individuals/youths and eight (8) Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Boniknik was part of its early formation, a time when online gatherings would create a special bond for the youth juggling the challenges brought by the pandemic, their indigenous territories, and simply being a young person of the times. She journeyed with her fellow youth, participating in camps, trainings, and organizing work. From 2014-2024, as it was growing and slowly being formed, the network has collaborated and partnered with different groups and organizations, co-organized and co-facilitated 28 activities and events, including six (6) youth camps, numerous strategic meetings, a couple of trainings. ”Hindi ito agad nabuo eh, ang Ugnayin. Dumaan siya sa proseso, dahil katulad ng pagiging lider, hindi ka magiging lider agad kung wala kang karanasan sa pamumuno. Hinubog nila ako, hinulma, sa tagal ng panahon, sa ilang taon na nabuo na ang Ugnayin, napakalaki talaga yung ambag nito sa akin, kung ano ako ngayon.” Taken during the cultural night at the ADVANCING I-YES CAMP 2024  (Indigenous Youth for Environmental Sustainability and Climate    Adaptation and Mitigation in the Philippines) “Ugnayin didn’t form overnight. It went through a process, just like leadership. You don’t become a leader without going through the doubts, the growth, and the learning. They molded me over time. In the years since Ugnayin was formed, it has contributed greatly to who I am today.” In UGNAYIN PH, she didn’t just find solidarity—she found her voice, and the courage to use it. What started as a desire to protect culture evolved into organizing discussions, mobilizing youth for environmental campaigns, and defending ancestral lands. The network provided a platform for its members to co-create the UGNAYAN Show in 2021. An online magazine show live-streamed every few months, it provides a platform where the youth can bring their community’s struggles to a broader audience. Boniknik had become a regular co-host of the show. “ Sila yung humubog sa akin papaano magsalita sa unahan, at doon ko natutunan kung papaano ko gamitin ang boses ko, lalo na at kung ikaw ay isang lider, kailangan mo talaga gaimtin ang iyong boses. Nakita ko ito kung gaano nila kamahal ang kanilang mga lupaing ninuno at kung papaano sila handang ipaglaban ito.” “I learned how to use my voice. Especially if you are a leader, you really need to use your voice,” she recalls. “I witnessed how deeply they loved their ancestral lands and how willing they were to defend them.” Boniknik in 2024 co-hosting the 25th episode of the UGNAYAN Show With seeds of wisdom from her elders and community, roots from UGNAYIN PH and UGBON, and with support from an active collaboration with NTFP-EP Philippines and the Green Livelihoods Alliance – Forests for A Just Future, Boniknik’s environment became the fertile ground for her leadership to blossom and grow her roots with fellow indigenous youth. Defending the Sacred, Passing on the Torch One of the most urgent issues Boniknik and her peers are fighting is the gradual erosion of indigenous culture among the youth. According to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), there are over 14 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines, yet many still lack access to basic services and face marginalization. Among the youth, cultural disconnection, language loss, and exclusion from decision-making remain persistent challenges. 3 Boniknik says that many of their youth can no longer speak their native language or practice ancestral traditions. “Hindi na din maikakaila na halos kalahati sa aming lupaing ninuno, na porsyento ng mga katutubong kabataan ay hindi na marunong magsalita ng aming salita, at kaakibat din doon, yung hindi lang sa salita, sa mga tradisyon at sa iba pa, sa ibang kultura na ginagawa ng aming mga ninuno ay halos hindi na alam.” “Many of our young people can no longer speak our language,” she laments. “They don’t know the traditional practices of our ancestors, because these things are no longer passed down. The changes in our environment and society have made it harder for parents to pass on our ways.” For Boniknik, this is not just a cultural loss—it is a threat to identity. This highlights how the youth’s efforts are part of a larger struggle for recognition and participation. Now, through her voice, she advocates for revitalizing language, strengthening cultural education, and making sure the stories and sacred traditions of their people are preserved for future generations, all with the youth participating. "Mahalin ang kalikasan, igalang ang paniniwalang katutubo, at lalong higit ay ang partisipasyon ng katutubong kabataan. Crucial yung kanilang partisipasyon sa lahat ng ito, sapagkat kung hindi sila sumama ngayon, sino ang magiging kasama ng mga kasalukuyang lider pagdating ng panahon?” “Love nature, respect indigenous beliefs, and above all is the participation of indigenous youth. Their participation is crucial because if they don’t join us now, who will stand beside the current leaders in the future?” Hand in hand with cultural preservation is environmental protection. For Boniknik, these two are inseparable. Her advocacy is fueled by the belief that indigenous peoples are the stewards of the land, not because of policy, but because of centuries of lived connection. These traditional systems, she argues, must be valued alongside scientific approaches. “ Ang aming mga tradisyunal na paniniwala, na pamamaraan ay epektibo pagdating sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan, kaya dapat ito ay kilalanin din pagdating sa mga stratehiya na pinapatupad ng gobyerno.” “Our traditional practices and methods are effective in protecting the environment, and they should also be recognized when it comes to government strategies and policies.” Another Strong Branch: Indigenous Women Leading the Way Boniknik also draws strength from her identity as an indigenous woman and from elder women role models. In the Dumagat-Remontado community, she observes that women more often take bold, visible roles in leadership. ”Sa Dumagat na community, mas matapang ang babae. Iyon yung isa sa pinagmamalaki ko sa aking pinagmulang hanay ng katutubong komunidad. Mas malakas ang partisipasyon ng kababaihan kaysa sa kalalakihan. Iyon ang sa aking personal na obserbasyon, at dahil na rin sa mga naunang umusbong pa na mga lider. Kung ano ako ngayon bilang lider ay dahil na rin inspirado ako sa mga nauna pang mga lider kababaihan sa aming komunidad.” “In the Dumagat community, women are braver,” she laughs. “That’s something I take pride in about my community. I’ve observed that women are more assertive and involved than the men. I think that’s because of the early women leaders who emerged, and they inspired who I am today as a leader.” She honors the women leaders who came before her—those who paved the way for her voice to be heard—and hopes to do the same for others. Blossoming A Dream for the Future Boniknik’s story is one of courage, growth, and transformation. She acknowledges that, like many young leaders, she initially doubted herself.  However, over time she realized that her voice held power because she spoke for other people. There was also a time when she had to navigate the unfamiliar, sometimes, spaces within and outside her community, where indigenous youth are often overlooked or misunderstood. Boniknik presenting plans of her local youth organization during the I-YES Camp 2024 “Doon umusbong na isulong ang partisipasyon ng katutubong kabataan, sapagkat sa kasalukyan iyon yung isa sa mga angkop na solusyon ay nagmumula din sa kabataan. Sa kasalukuyan ay may tiwala na ang mga matatanda. Mas malakas na ngayon yung katapangan, na kung hindi ko ito sasabihin ngayon, hindi nila maiintindihan yung aking sitwasyon. Mangangapa ka rin sa una, pero sa pagdaan ng panahon, magtiwala ka sa proseso na kaya mo rin silang harapin.” “That’s where we started pushing for youth involvement, because in the present time, many suitable solutions also come from the youth. Now the elders have learned to trust us,” she expressed gleefully. Now I have more courage—because if I don’t speak now, they won’t understand my situation. You’ll feel lost at first, but over time, trust the process that you can also face them.” Boniknik dreams of a future where indigenous youth aren’t just participants but recognized leaders, decision-makers, storytellers, and guardians of their people’s future in their communities. But more than that, her dream is that of indigenous youth gaining recognition not just because of their struggles, but also by their healthy and thriving young lives. “Sa aking pangarap sa mga susunod pang mga henerasyon, hindi na lang kami narito dahil sa mga issue, kundi narito kami para ibahagi ang mga tagumpay na pinagdaanan simula pa sa aming mga ninuno. At nariyan ang mga katutubong kabataan para magbahagi ng isang payapa, malusog, at magandang komunidad.” “In my dream, in the coming generations, we are not just here because of the issues, but because we are here to share the victories since the time of our ancestors. Indigenous youth will be here to share about a peaceful, healthy, and thriving community. For now, she continues to do the work—planting seeds, nurturing connections, growing leaders. Her message to fellow indigenous youth is simple but powerful: Natural ang pagiisip na hindi nila kayang makibahagi. Sa bandang huli makikita mo rin yung tiwala sa sarili, sapagkat ikaw mismo bilang kabataang katutubo ay natural sa iyo na may dinadala kang komunidad, at doon mismo dadaloy ang iyong paglahok. Magtiwala ka sa iyong sarili at doon na magsisimula ang lahat. “It’s natural to feel unsure,” she advises other indigenous youth unsure where to begin. Eventually, you will find self-trust because you, as an indigenous youth, naturally carry your community within you. And from that, your involvement will flow. Trust yourself—that’s where everything begins.” From a tiny seed maturing to a fully blossomed tree, Boniknik’s journey is a living testament to what happens when indigenous youth are trusted, nurtured, and rooted in their identity.  In a time of uncertainty and a rapidly changing climate, her story serves as a reminder that the answers we seek are often already within our indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands—waiting to be remembered, spoken aloud, and shared. References: 1 Haribon Foundation Reports on Sierra Madre https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/ideas-education/kaliwa-dam-project-explained https://earthjournalism.net/stories/sierra-madre-indigenous-peoples-face-environmental-turmoil-in-the-philippines https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1189883/fwd-haribon-water-comes-from-forests-not-from-dams https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/675489/kaliwa-dam-to-destroy-sierra-madre-s-biodiversity-haribon/story/ DENR Reports on Sierra Madre https://denr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DENR_News_Alerts_September_29_2022_Thursday_opt.pdf https://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/denr-protect-sierra-madre-to-fight-climate-change   2 https://www.rappler.com/philippines/243149-kaliwa-dam-project-earns-environmental-clearance-alleged-violations/   3 https://www.unops.org/news-and-stories/stories/towards-inclusion-for-indigenous-peoples-in-the-philippines https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/baa43cc91ec55266a538e9023c528bd7-0070062024/original/No-Data-No-Story-Indigenous-Peoples-in-the-Philippines.pdf

Honoring Indigenous Peoples, Heritage, and the Forests We Call Home From June 23–25, 2025, the NTFP-EP Philippines network came together in Iloilo City and the nearby communities of Maasin and Indag-an for a milestone gathering — the 2025 Partners Meeting and the celebration of our 10th anniversary. For three days, Indigenous leaders, community members, and partners from across the country reflected on a decade of shared work — protecting ancestral lands, safeguarding culture, sustaining livelihoods, and standing for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It was a time to honor the deep roots of our movement and to look ahead with renewed commitment. Who We Are NTFP-EP Philippines is more than an organization. We are a community of communities — a network of non-government and peoples’ organizations working alongside Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). Our work is grounded in the belief that forests and cultures thrive together. We strengthen, develop, and promote non-timber forest product (NTFP)-based livelihoods and forest management strategies that are sustainable, culturally appropriate, and gender transformative. Our vision: Empowered Indigenous Peoples and local communities inclusively governing forest landscapes to contribute to biodiversity and forest conservation, and to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Remembering Brother Ben Before the Partners Meeting officially began, NTFP-EP Philippines staff traveled to Bacolod on June 20 to honor the memory of Benedicto “Brother Ben” Sánchez, one of our most beloved friends and collaborators in the network. Brother Ben passed away on July 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to Indigenous Peoples and community-based work. Together with his wife, we visited his resting place, offered prayers, and presented a plaque in recognition of his invaluable contributions to our shared mission. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire the work we do and the values we uphold. Partners Meeting: Reflection and Visioning On June 23–24, partners gathered at Hotel del Rio and St. Clement’s Retreat House to revisit the network’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025. We looked back at the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that shaped our work, and how Indigenous and local leadership remained a steady compass through change and challenge. Stories flowed from our partner landscapes — from Palawan to Sierra Madre, from Nueva Vizcaya to Mindoro, and Visayas to Mindanao — showing progress across our four core themes: Tenure and Governance Community-Based Livelihoods and Enterprise Development Safeguarding Culture Community-Based Conservation and Resource Management These stories reminded us that Indigenous stewardship is not just about conserving trees, it is about protecting an entire way of life, keeping alive the songs, languages, and practices that carry the memory and wisdom of the land. The second day turned toward the future: shaping the Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Together, we reaffirmed our vision, mission, and core values, and set intermediate outcomes that include inclusive policies for IPLCs, greater protection of heritage and biodiversity, and stronger support for community-based enterprises. Capacity-building sessions also strengthened, among others, our knowledge about documenting and promoting wild and traditional foods; and reaffirmed our commitment to safe, inclusive, and accountable spaces. Our Core Values: Guiding the Next Decade The Partners Meeting was also a space to reaffirm the core values that have anchored our work and will continue to guide us into the next decade: Love for Country and Others (Pagmamahal sa Kapwa at sa Bayan) Rights and Culture-Based Approaches (Batay sa Karapatan at Kultura) Collaboration and Partnership (Kolaborasyon at Pakikipag-ugnayan) Inclusiveness and Transparency (Inklusibo at Pagiging Bukas) Hardwork and Resourcefulness (Masipag at Maparaan) Commitment to Organizational VMG (Pagtataya sa Pangarap, Misyon at Adhikain ng Organisasyon) Resilience, Adaptability, and Responsiveness (Katatagan, Pag-angkop at Pagtugon) Truthfulness and Honesty (Katotohanan at Katapatan) Active Non-Violence (Alay Dangal) These values are now shaping every decision, partnership, and program. They remind us that the defense of forests is inseparable from the defense of rights, that culture is a source of strength, and that collaboration is the path to lasting change. They call us to work with integrity, adaptability, and care, honoring both the planet, forests, and people. A Night of Culture and Celebration The evening of June 24 became alive with the colors, sounds, and spirit of Indigenous culture. The Cultural Night and 10th Anniversary Celebration brought to life the heritage we work to safeguard — through music, song, dance, and storytelling. It was a celebration of ten years of NTFP-EP Philippines and generations of care and knowledge that make our work possible. Every performance was a reminder that the forest is more than a resource. It is a living relative, and culture is the language through which we honor and protect it. Community Connection in Iloilo On June 25, the network visited two partner communities: Katilingban Sang Pumuluyo Nga Naga-atipan Sang Watershed sa Maasin (KAPAWA-Maasin), who safeguard the Maasin watershed, and Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IPMPC), keepers of the tradition of hablon weaving. These visits were windows into the living bond between nature and culture, showing how heritage and livelihood can walk hand in hand in caring for the land. Looking Ahead As NTFP-EP Philippines enters its second decade, our path is clear: to continue working side by side with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring that their rights are upheld, their voices are heard, and their knowledge is respected. Because when Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities lead in governing their lands and waters, forests stand, rivers flow, cultures endure, and the future remains alive. On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we honor the communities whose resilience, wisdom, and heritage shape both the landscapes we protect, and the very soul of our shared duty.

Almost a year ago, from September 3-6, 2024, Nanay Camp Mindanao took place in the ancestral land of Sitio Mintapod, Impasug-ong Bukidnon. 30 Higaonon women participated in this transformative gathering, which was centered on gender, culture, and forest governance for the women of the forests. Organized with the support of NTFP-EP Philippines, in partnership with the Green Livelihoods Alliance - Forest for a Just Future and Forest Foundation Philippines, the camp became sacred ground for reflection, empowerment, and action. Women from MAMACILA (Mat-i, Man-ibay, Civoleg, Langguyod Higaonon Tribal Community), TAKASAMA (Tagmaray Kalipay San Luis Mabuhay Tribal Association), Kalandang Weavers and Pamalukan of AGMIHICU (Agtulawon Mintapod Higaonon Cumadon), MIHISTRIOR (Minabtan Sumonda Higaunon Tribal Organization), and Pamalihi CADT Inc. unearthed truths about their daily burdens, leadership roles, and intimate connection with their forests through shared stories, rituals, and deep dialogue. They engaged in mapping activities, weaving demonstrations, community discussions, and sessions on national laws protecting women and Indigenous rights. At the heart of it all was the call for women to reclaim their roles as stewards of land and life. A major outcome of the camp was the Mintapod Declaration of Higaonon Women  who attended the camp, DEKLARASYON SA MGA HIGAUNON NGA KABABAYEN-AN NGA NAGTAMBONG SA NANAY CAMP 2024 , a collective statement of commitment to protect the forest, preserve their culture, and uplift the next generation. The women recognized their roles as also part of  their community’s knowledge/wisdom keepers and leaders shaping the future of forest governance. From planting trees to practicing sustainable harvesting, crafting traditional weaves to asserting their voices in decision-making, the declaration is a testament to their will to become more involved in inclusive governance. Today, their presence also reminds us of the growing role of Indigenous women in community-based forest protection. On this World Female Ranger Day (June 23) , we honor not only uniformed rangers, but also Indigenous women like the Higaonon who patrol forests with ancestral wisdom, barefoot courage, and intergenerational love. A mother’s love and strength, this is also the kind of leadership our forests need. As of June 2025, partial data shows a total of seven (7) female forest rangers  for NTFP-EP Philippines’ Mindanao partners: MAHITRIGA: 24 (ALL MEN) TAKASAMA: 17 (2 women, 15 men) Kalanawan: 12 (3 women, 9 men) MAMACILA: (2 women) Let’s create space for more women in the frontlines of forest protection. See more photos from the Nanay Camp on our Facebook page and videos of the women and the event on our YouTube page. Read the full Mintapod Declaration below. Bisaya DEKLARASYON SA MGA HIGAUNON NGA KABABAYEN-AN NGA NAGTAMBONG SA NANAY CAMP 2024 Kami ang mga kababayen-an sa Bukidnon ug Misamis Oriental Nanay Camp 2024. Isip mga kababayen-an ug miyembro sa mga komunidad sa Higaunon, importante/ bilihon kanamo ang mga kalasangan sa mga sagradong lugar sulod sa among yutang kabilin. Nakabase sa among kalasangan ang mga bililhong kultura ug tradisyon isip mga Higaunon. Diha sa among kalasangan, among ginakuha ang among panginahanglanon sa among komunidad sulod sa yutang kabilin. Sa among mga kalasangan, among makuha ang mga talimughat o pananom sa pagpa-nambal ug haplas. Sa kalasangan, among makuha ang mga galamiton alang sa among panginabuhian, sama sa mga dahon, sagbot aron himuong handicrafts, tigis/tagok/gita sa almaciga, abaca, gamot sa paghimo ug natural dyes nga gagamiton sa pagpangabol, seedlings aron itanom sa mga nanga-hawan nga parte sa bukit, ug alang sa mga processing centers kung aha gina-proseso among produktong pagkaon. Tungod sa among kalasangan, kami nakapadayon sa pagbuhat sa among kulturanhong gimbuhaton. Ang among kalasangan ang padayon nga naga-projekta kanamo sa mga hulga sama sa mga pagdahili sa mga yuta o landslide, kusog nga mga hangin ug ulan, ug pagbaha. Tungod niini, ang mga kababayen-ang Higaunon hugot ug padayon nga naga-alima sa among mga kalasangan. Nagtanom kami sa among kalasangan, hilabina sa mga lumad nga mga kahoy, aron sa pag- hulip sa among nangagamit. Nagatanom usab kami aron padayon nga himsog ang among kalasangan. Manegurado kami nga ang mga dagkong kahoy, kanunay nga maprotektahan. Nagatanom ug among gina-ampingan ang mga kakahoyan sa among nataran ug sa ubang parte sa among yutang kabilun aron dili mahurot ang mga kakahoyan sa among kalasangan. Among ginahipos ang mga basura nga gipanglabay bisan asa sulod sa kalasangan, ug sa ubang parte sa among yutang kabilin. Kaabag mi sa mga naga-bantay sa among mga kalasangan. Hangtud sa kaya, nagagamit kami ug mga natural nga mga materyales ug ginalikayan ang mga artipisyal nga nga kemikals sa paghimo sa among mga handicrafts o negosyong pagkoon. Isip pag-suporta sa aming mga ilinsaan ug mga pangulo sa komunidad, kami nga mga kababayen-ang Higaunon nga nagsubay sa kultura ng tradisyon nga buluhaton. Kami kanunay nga nagaritwal aron pakusgon ang among panaghiusa sap ag-alima sa among Yutang kabilin. Isip mga inahan, asawa, lola o inay, igsoon, iyaan, among ginalauman nga mga sumusunod nga mga kabataang Higaunon makaabot pa sa mga bunga sa nagapabiling himsog nga mga kalasangan, ug kusog ug buhi nga kulturang Higaunon nga naga-respeto sa mga kababayen-an. Tungod niini, among ginaideklara ang among gustong buhaton: Pagpakusog sa kahugpongan sa mga kababayen-ang Higaunon sulod sa mga yutang kabilin sa mga Higaunon. Maghimo, magtapok ug mag-implementar sa mga plano. Pagpahibalo sa kadaghanan sa mga storya sa pagpaningkamot ug paglaum isip usa ka Higaunon, isip usa ka babae, ug isip kauban sa pag-protektar sa kalasangan. Makipag-coordinate ug makigkuyog sa mga suportang grupo nga adunay susamang interest, gidahom ug gitinguha. Isip pagpamatuod niini, kami maga-perma niming deklarasyon korong ika-4 sa September tuig 2024, sa Tulugan, Sitio Mintapod, Barongay Hagpa, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Filipino DEKLARASYON SA MGA HIGAUNON NA KABABAIHAN NA DUMALO SA NANAY CAMP 2024 Kami ang mga kababaihan ng Bukidnon at Misamis Oriental Nanay Camp 2024. Bilang mga kababaihan at miyembro ng mga komunidad ng Higaunon, mahalaga sa amin ang mga kagubatan sa mga sagradong lugar sa loob ng aming lupang ninuno. Nakabatay sa aming kagubatan ang mga mahalagang kultura at tradisyon bilang mga Higaunon. Sa aming kagubatan, kinukuha namin ang aming mga pangangailangan sa loob ng lupang ninuno. Sa aming kagubatan, nakakakuha kami ng mga halamang gamot para sa panggagamot at pahid. Sa kagubatan, nakakakuha kami ng mga gamit para sa aming kabuhayan, tulad ng mga dahon, damo para sa paggawa ng mga handicrafts, resin mula sa almaciga, abaca, ugat para sa paggawa ng natural dyes na ginagamit sa paghahabi, at mga punla upang itanim sa mga bahagi ng bundok na nasira, at para sa mga processing centers kung saan pinoproseso ang aming mga produktong pagkain. Dahil sa aming kagubatan, kami ay patuloy na nagsasagawa ng aming mga tradisyonal na gawain. Ang aming kagubatan ang patuloy na nagpoprotekta sa amin mula sa mga banta tulad ng landslide, malalakas na hangin at ulan, at pagbaha. Dahil dito, ang mga kababaihang Higaunon ay mahigpit at patuloy na nag-aalaga sa aming mga kagubatan. Nagtatanim kami sa aming kagubatan, lalo na ng mga katutubong puno, upang palitan ang aming mga ginagamit. Nagtatanim din kami upang mapanatiling malusog ang aming kagubatan. Siniseguro namin na ang mga malalaking puno ay palaging protektado. Nagtatanim kami at inaalagaan ang mga puno sa aming bakuran at sa iba pang bahagi ng aming lupang ninuno upang hindi maubos ang mga puno sa aming kagubatan. Kinokolekta namin ang mga basurang itinapon kung saan-saan sa loob ng kagubatan at sa iba pang bahagi ng aming lupang ninuno. Kami ay katuwang ng mga nagbabantay sa aming kagubatan. Hangga't maaari, gumagamit kami ng mga likas na materyales at iniiwasan ang mga artipisyal na kemikal sa paggawa ng aming mga handicrafts o negosyo sa pagkain. Bilang suporta sa aming mga lider at mga pinuno ng komunidad, kami, mga kababaihang Higaunon, ay sumusunod sa mga tradisyunal na gawain. Kami ay palaging nagsasagawa ng ritwal upang patatagin ang aming pagkakaisa sa pangangalaga sa aming lupang ninuno. Bilang mga ina, asawa, lola o inay, kapatid, tiyahin, inaasahan namin na ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga kabataang Higaunon ay makikinabang pa rin sa mga bunga ng patuloy na malusog na kagubatan, at malakas at buhay na kulturang Higaunon na iginagalang ang mga kababaihan. Dahil dito, aming idinedeklara ang aming nais gawin: Palakasin ang samahan ng mga kababaihang Higaunon sa loob ng mga lupang ninuno ng mga Higaunon. Lumikha, magtipon, at magpatupad ng mga plano. Ibahagi sa marami ang mga kwento ng pagsisikap at pag-asa bilang isang Higaunon, bilang isang babae, at bilang kasama sa pangangalaga ng kagubatan. Makipag-ugnayan at makisama sa mga sumusuportang grupo na may katulad na interes, adhikain, at layunin. Bilang patunay nito, kami ay lalagda sa deklarasyong ito ngayong ika-4 ng Setyembre taong 2024, sa Tulugan, Sitio Mintapod, Barangay Hagpa, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. English DECLARATION OF THE HIGAUNON WOMEN WHO PARTICIPATED IN NANAY CAMP 2024 We are the women of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental who took part in Nanay Camp 2024. As women and members of the Higaunon communities, the forests in the sacred areas of our ancestral domains are deeply important to us. Our Higaunon culture and traditions are rooted in our forests. In our forests, we gather what we need from within our ancestral domain. In our forests, we collect medicinal plants for healing and traditional applications. From the forest, we gather materials for our livelihood—such as leaves and grasses for making handicrafts, resin from almaciga trees, abaca, roots for making natural dyes used in weaving, and seedlings to plant in degraded mountain areas, as well as for our processing centers where we prepare our food products. Because of our forests, we are able to continue practicing our traditional ways. Our forest continues to protect us from threats such as landslides, strong winds and rains, and flooding. Because of this, we Higaunon women are committed and steadfast in caring for our forests. We plant in our forests, especially native trees, to replace what we use. We also plant to keep our forests healthy. We ensure that large and mature trees are always protected. We plant and take care of trees in our backyards and in other areas of our ancestral land to prevent the depletion of trees in our forests. We collect trash that has been carelessly thrown within the forest and across our ancestral domain. We work alongside those who guard our forests. As much as possible, we use natural materials and avoid artificial chemicals in producing our handicrafts or running our food enterprises. In support of our leaders and elders in the community, we, Higaunon women, uphold and follow our traditional practices. We always perform rituals to strengthen our unity in caring for our ancestral domain. As mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts, we hope that future generations of Higaunon youth will still benefit from the abundance of healthy forests and a strong, living Higaunon culture that respects women. Because of this, we declare our collective intentions: To strengthen the organization of Higaunon women within the ancestral domains of the Higaunon. To create, gather, and implement [plans. To share stories of struggle and hope as a Higaunon, as a woman, and as a guardian of the forest. To connect with and support groups that share our interests, aspirations, and goals. As a testament to this, we sign this declaration on the 4th of September 2024, at the Tulugan, Sitio Mintapod, Barangay Hagpa, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

AGMIHICU members & visitors take group photo after hike In celebration of World Rainforest Day, we honor the living traditions that continue to protect the Philippines’ remaining rainforests. Panlauy , the traditional forest monitoring practice of the Higaonon Indigenous Peoples in Northern Mindanao. From May 14 to 19, 2025, the AGMIHICU Indigenous community (Agtulawon Mintapod Higaonon Cumadon), together with HAMOG  youth, and support from NTFP-EP Philippines , conducted the Panlauy in the Mahagwa area of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The practice is a spiritual and ecological journey that allows the community to assess the health of their forests and biodiversity, detect signs of illegal activity, and reconnect with the spirits of the forests and their ancestral land. The timing of this year’s Panlauy carried extra weight. It was conducted together with AGMIHICU’s 13th CADT Anniversary and Wild Foods Festival , symbolizing the community’s long-standing commitment to ancestral domain stewardship. The practice was held with elders, women, youth, and forest advocates and allies outside the community. They went on a forest walk and honored wild foods like native fruits, forest vegetables, and wild honey, manifestations of knowledge and sustainable living that had been safeguarded for generations. 55 participants, including 13 youth, were shown how traditional governance and youth leadership intersect. The active role of HAMOG youth reflected an intergenerational passing of traditional knowledge, culture, and respect for the land and forest. This is community-based forest monitoring and conservation in practice. It is community-led, deeply cultural, and shows that the Higaonon way of life is vibrant and alive. NTFP-EP Philippines supported the community with logistical and facilitation support, ensuring that the activity remained grounded in tradition and is also guided by strategy. Through uplifting Indigenous leadership and cultural practices like Panlauy, we help safeguard the rainforests that we all rely on. On this World Rainforest Day, we remember and honor the Indigenous Peoples and traditions like the Higaonon’s Panlauy. Our forests are not property to extract from, but they are life itself.