EcoWEB partners Bae Gerlyn Coguit of CADT 117 and members of the IP LORAMSECA from La Paz and Loreto municipalities in Agusan del Sur actively participated in the 2026 IP Women Summit as part of the Naliyagan Festival held last June 12, 2026 at the the Datu Lipus Makapandong Government Sports Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Organized by the Agusan del Sur Provincial Government, in close coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), this event gathered women leaders from the province to celebrate their valuable contributions in societal development and provide an opportunity for learning, reflection and solidarity.
Their participation is supported by the Enhancing Conservation, Ownership & Social Enterprises in Ancestral Domains (ECOSEAD) Project of EcoWEB, as part of its advocacy to recognize the vital roles played by Indigenous women and further strengthen their capacities as leaders, advocates, and stewards of their ancestral domains.
The event was attended by Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr., Vice Governor Patricia Anne B. Plaza, District I Representative Alfelito M. Bascug, NCIP Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr., NCIP Agusan del Sur Provincial Office personnel, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and Indigenous women leaders from across the province. Also present was Cedric De Venancio, La Paz Municipal IP Youth Chairman and former EcoWEB staff.
The summit focused on soil testing and sustainable farming practices, recognizing the important role many IP women in food production and natural resource management. Leaders also learned how understanding soil conditions can help identify suitable crops and improve their agricultural productivity.
Participants were able to exchange experiences, share local knowledge, and explore practical ways to care for the land that sustains their families and communities. The event also highlighted their contributions as environmental stewards, peacebuilders, economic contributors, advocates for rights and governance, health and education frontliners, and builders of national identity and unity. While these roles are often spoken of separately, participants recognized these responsibilities as part of their everyday lives.
The documentation of these insights to strengthen conservation, ownership, and social enterprises in ancestral domains, remains part of the objectives of the ECOSEAD Project, along with the recognition that empowered communities require empowered women. Supporting Indigenous women means supporting the people who help sustain livelihoods, protect natural resources, preserve culture, and guide future generations.
Delegates would be able to get back to their communities with a renewed affirmation that the strength of their communities is deeply connected with leadership, knowledge, and resilience of the Indigenous women. Through the IP Women Summit, these contributions are not only acknowledged, but fully celebrated., they are celebrated.
