THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) and Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the crafting of the Payment of Ecosystem Services (PES) policy.
The MOU provides for the cooperation of both parties in the advancement of PES at the local and national levels.
PES mechanisms provide financial and non-financial incentives to communities for conserving and managing ecosystem services, including water resources, carbon storage, and biodiversity preservation.
MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, and AdDU University president Fr. Karel San Juan, S.J. who was represented by Atty. Romeo Cabarde, Jr., AdDU Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (APILA) director.
In his message, Magno emphasized the crucial role and participation of the Indigenous People’s participation in national environmental governance given they are the frontliners in safeguarding nature.
“Gi-acknowledge mo sa atong gobyerno nga kamo ang katutubo sa atong lugar, kamo nga mga IPs ang nay katungod dapat kung naay programa ang gobyerno ug pribadong sektor sa inyong lugar, ang una dapat makinabang ang IPs,” he stressed.
With the MOU, AdDU is in charge of the coordination of local-level advocacy and community engagement to ensure the active participation of stakeholders, particularly local communities, Indigenous peoples, and academic sectors.
AdDU will also develop academic resources, as well as policy recommendations integrating scientific research, traditional knowledge, and best practices in ecosystem management.
On the other hand, MinDA through its Strengthening Indigenous People in Mindanao (STIP) program, will lead the national-level advocacy and lobbying efforts for the policy.
STIP is the newest program of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that focuses on the IP community.
The agency will provide the technical expertise and support in policy development and mobilization of government and private sector partners to promote the policy both at the national and local levels.
They will also ensure the active involvement of IPs in the co-creation of solutions and projects, integrating culture and environmental conservation.
MinDA is also responsible for the establishment of a framework for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the measures, their improvement, and accountability.
Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, Ovu-Manuvu IP elder said through the crafting of the PES policy, the IPs are not only tapped for their participation but also empowered with their ownership of their lands.
“Our ancestral knowledge is a cornerstone of ecosystem health. Recognizing this through initiatives like PES not only validates our efforts but also strengthens our resolve as stewards of the environment,” Unad said.
The MOU was signed during the 1st Mindanao Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Conference, on Nov. 20, at D’Leonor Inland Resort & Adventure Park here.
Over 300 IP leaders, policymakers, government agencies, and development partners Mindanao-wide convened to explore strategies for integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices into environmental policies.
