Updated with inputs from NCIP Bukidnon Provincial Officer Ronaldo Baya-on as of 10:15a.m. on April 1, 2026
MALAYBALAY CITY (31 March 2026 / Bukidnon News) — The inclusion of the Kaamulan Festival in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Pista sa Pilipinas commemorative coin series has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from members of Indigenous communities who raised questions on consent and representation.
The BSP earlier announced that Bukidnon’s annual Kaamulan festival would be featured in its 100-Piso Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coin Series, a set of 12 silver coins highlighting cultural celebrations across the country. The Kaamulan represents the province’s gathering of seven Indigenous groups—Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon—in Malaybalay City.
Soon after promotional materials were released, concerns emerged online, including questions on whether the use of Indigenous symbols and imagery underwent free and prior informed consent (FPIC), a requirement in engagements involving Indigenous cultural elements.
The following timeline outlines key developments related to the release, public response, and subsequent actions taken:
March 13, 2026 – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released a promotional video of the commemorative coin through its Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram accounts. As of March 31, the video had generated 10.6K reactions, 222 comments, and 3.5K shares on Facebook.
The video showed both sides of the coin, including an image of a woman in a dancing pose wearing a traditional outfit, and identified the headdress as a “Kaamulan headdress.”
Commemorative coins are specially issued pieces not intended for general circulation. They are produced to mark significant people, places, or events in Philippine history and are typically released in limited quantities, sometimes using precious metals such as silver or gold, giving them higher value than regular coins.
March 17, 2026 – Questions on consent and representation surfaced from Bukidnon viewers, particularly from members of Indigenous communities.
Datu Salakup Rodelio “Waway” L. Saway of the Talaandig Tribe asked on BSP’s Facebook post:
“Niagi lugar nag FPIC?” (Did it go through FPIC?)
Other users raised similar concerns on whether the use of Indigenous symbols, attire, and the image of a cultural bearer had undergone proper consent.
One commenter also questioned the use of the model’s image:
“I wonder if the person gave her consent since it is for sale?”
Another user pointed out inaccuracies in terminology, correcting the label of the headdress as “panika.”
Some responses expressed support for the inclusion, while others raised concerns on cultural accuracy and representation.
Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), as required under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371), ensures that Indigenous communities are properly informed and have the authority to give or withhold consent on the use of their cultural symbols, knowledge, and identity.
March 18, 2026 – BSP announced the suspension of the sale of the Kaamulan commemorative coins through its official X (Twitter) account, ahead of the scheduled March 19 release at the Kaamulan grounds in Malaybalay City.
March 19, 2026 – A BSP team visited the Talaandig community in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon to consult on the use of the image and cultural elements.
According to Atty. Arbie “Bagani” Llesis, former IPMR to the Bukidnon Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the team sought guidance on how to obtain consent from the community, including for the use of the image of Bae Pigsayu Adelfa Saway Kinuyog.
March 24, 2026 – The BSP team returned to Songco and participated in a community ritual, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Llesis said the ritual marked the community’s granting of consent for the use of the image and symbols. The MOA outlined the terms of the agreement, including possible community benefits such as financial literacy initiatives.
In a Facebook post, Llesis described the event as significant for the Indigenous community and noted that it may open opportunities for initiatives such as an Indigenous rural bank.
Photo courtesy of Atty. Arbie Bagani Llesis FB Account
Photo courtesy of Atty. Arbie Bagani Llesis FB Account
March 26, 2026 – BSP issued another advisory maintaining the suspension of the coin’s sale online and on-site in BSP Store, without stating the reason.
Some media reports quote the BSP meant to manage the distribution and ensure fair access for the public.
Llesis said the Talaandig community did not request the suspension and did not demand changes to the coin’s design. He said the sale may still proceed with revisions, although he could not say what adjustments, except for possible changes in descriptions.
March 31, 2026 – NCIP Bukidnon Provincial Officer Ronaldo Baya-on provided updates on the issue to the Bukidnon Sangguniang Panlalawigan during their regular session.
He confirmed to BukidnonNews.Net on April 1, 2026 that the Talaandig indigenous community has already granted consent to the BSP on March 24, 2026 in the presence of NCIP personnel.
Courtesy of FB Account of Ronaldo Baya-on
Baya-on said a BSP official told him during a validation step that their production (of the coin) will now proceed with their central office to finalize the date of the launching within the Kaamulan celebration. He said there will be no more changes in the design of the coin. The BSP, he said, will keep the original design.
BukidnonNews.Net has sought comments from BSP Public Affairs and the BSP Store but has yet to receive a response beyond referral notices and a link to the suspension advisory. (BukidnonNews.Net)
