THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology Regional Office XI (DOST XI), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Bagobo-Tagabawa Indigenous Cultural Community of Davao City have officially partnered to support and protect traditional knowledge and innovations. This collaboration is part of DOST’s Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, which aims to help local communities develop and improve their unique practices through Science and Technology.
Under this partnership, DOST XI will conduct research to identify traditional knowledge and practices of the Bagobo-Tagabawa people, such as herbal medicine, heirloom recipes, crafts, and farming techniques. The goal is to document and evaluate these practices and, if needed, provide support like funding, training, packaging and labeling assistance, and intellectual property protection.
The agreement also ensures that the research process will be community-led and culturally sensitive. The Bagobo-Tagabawa Indigenous Political Structure will play an active role in identifying participants, validating findings, and determining how knowledge is documented and shared. The NCIP, as the third party, will oversee the agreement’s implementation to ensure that the rights and welfare of indigenous communities are upheld.
Members of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community shared their gratitude for the initiative, saying it acknowledges their traditions while helping them preserve and improve their way of life. “We appreciate this partnership because it values and protects our culture while giving us new opportunities,” said one community elder.
DOST XI regional director Dr. Anthony Sales reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Through this initiative, we aim to empower indigenous communities by giving them access to S&T interventions while ensuring their cultural heritage is preserved and respected,” he said.
With this collaboration under the GRIND Program, DOST XI, NCIP, and the Bagobo-Tagabawa community are taking a significant step toward bridging traditional knowledge and modern science, paving the way for more inclusive and culturally respectful innovations in Davao City.
