New Bukidnon IP rep takes oath: “Protect, uplift IPs”

MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/19 January 2023) More than a year after the seat was rendered vacant, the new IP representative to the Bukidnon Sangguniang Panlalawigan has finally taken his oath on January 17 and called on colleagues to help protect and uplift the lives of the indigenous peoples.  

In his first privilege speech, Atty. Arbie S. Llesis, the indigenous peoples mandatory representative who hails from the Talaandig tribe called for special attention for the IPs.

”As voice of the indigenous peoples, I hope and I request my fellow board members to give special attention and special care to our indigenous peoples,” he added.

Atty Llesis cited that the IPs comprise 60 percent of Bukidnon’s population and holds 60 percent of the land area.

Llesis expressed his concerns on the welfare of the IPs in the province.

In previous statements, Llesis said there is an imbalance as Bukidnon IPs continue to dwell among the poorest of the poor. He vowed to push for self governance among the IPs through the creation of a BangsaLumad Legal Center and BangsaLumad political party (see related story).

He expressed dismay that by the time he reported to the SP, the provincial government’s 2023 budget has already been passed.

“I hope that the IPs will be given budget next time,” he added.  

Llesis offered himself as partner and asked that may his fellow board members act also “as partners for the upliftment of the IPs”.  

Llesis took his oath before Vice Governor Clive D. Quiño. He was selected to represent Bukidnon’s IPs in the board on November 25, 2022. He is the province’s third IP mandatory representative to the SP. The first, Datu Magdaleno Maida Pandian, served from March 2012 until his death in 2015. Datu Laglagengan Richard Macas, succeeded him and served from 2016 to 2022. (Mark Micabalo/Contributor)

IN PHOTO: Board member Atty Arbie S. Llesis speaks during the privilege hour on January 17, 2023/Courtesy of LGU - Bukidnon Livestream