THE NATIONAL Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XI is banking on community-based tourism in indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) across the Davao Region as a means to drive economic development and protect ancestral lands.
Speaking at Habi at Kape on Wednesday, NCIP officials emphasized that upcoming development frameworks actively showcase eco-tourism sites in ancestral domains managed by indigenous peoples (IPs).
Atty. Geroncio Aguio, NCIP XI regional director, said combining environmental conservation with direct income generation for IP communities creates a self-sustaining model by “combining, sustaining, and maintaining the environment and putting income to the IP community.”
He added that economic empowerment is central to safeguarding tribal rights and cultural heritage. When indigenous communities attain financial stability, they gain greater capacity to protect their interests and preserve their ancestral domains.
“When you have economic development, it is easier to pursue key goals,” he stressed, adding that LGU support remains a critical component for the long-term success of all IP-led undertakings in the region.
Addressing concerns regarding reports of illegal land sales involving both IP and non-IP sellers to migrants and turning into tourism sites, the agency reiterated that ancestral domains are non-transferable under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
Under IPRA, selling or purchasing ancestral land is strictly prohibited and carries criminal penalties.
Violators may face imprisonment ranging from six months to five years, alongside fines between ₱100,000 and ₱500,000.
Aguio warned prospective buyers that private deeds of sale for ancestral lands hold no legal validity in court.
“You cannot own a community property because it is expressly prohibited by law,” he stressed.
While migrants cannot own ancestral land, IP communities hold the legal right to regulate residency and migration within their domains.
To prevent external exploitation and ensure that tourism benefits directly reach tribal members rather than outside entities, the agency said it is strengthening local Indigenous Political Structures (IPS).
Under the framework, Tribal Councils hold the ultimate authority over their respective domains and are authorized to establish Indigenous People’s Organizations (IPOs).
Aguio said tribal councils can also have accredited local non-governmental organizations to manage tourism operations and land management.
NCIP is currently conducting capacity-building and educational campaigns across ancestral domains in Davao City to ensure Indigenous Political Structures are fully recognized and equipped to govern their resources independently.
“Hopefully, mag-trickle up sa mga ibang IP community because at the end of the day, the law will always prevail that the domain is owned by the IP community,” he said.
Aguio reiterated this in time for the 1st Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX) 2026, set for 26-30 October 2026 at Poblacion Market Central in Davao City, which is jointly organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the New Zealand Embassy.
“The projects will not just be limited to livelihood projects, but also showcasing the best tourism sites they have in the communities,” Lordilie Enjambre, head of MinDA Area Management Office-Northern Mindanao, said.
On top of the products expo, the MIPTEX will include business matching with development partners, and learning sessions on product and branding, packaging, and market readiness.
“Our IP communities are ready to receive them as partners, not just ready to accept their help, but ready to work closely with them with respect to developing their ancestral lands for productive uses and worthwhile projects that would improve eco-tourism pursuits,” Enjambre said.
The five-day event will also focus on financial literacy, digital marketing, business registration, Indigenous wealth management, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property.
