The City Council of Davao on Tuesday welcomed Datu Demetrio Bolo as the new Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR).
Bolo, a Bagobo-Klata, replaced Peg-Buyyahon Rodolfo Mande of the Matigsalug tribe as IPMR. He vowed to doubly work to protect the ancestral lands of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Bolo said he is hopeful to be working with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 11 (NCIP 11) and NCIP Davao City Provincial Office in uplifting the lives, protection of the rights, and sustainable development of the ancestral domains of Davao City.
“I am taking this role not promising, but will certainly doubly work hard to protect our ancestral lands, preserve our traditions, and push for policies that benefit the Indigenous Cultural Communities of Davao City. Gihangyo nako ang kinatibuk-ang katawhan tribu sa Lungsod sa Davao, sa pag-ambit, pakig-lambigit, ug padayon sa pagsuporta, sa mas hiniusang komunidad sa tribu sa atoang Lungsod,” Bolo said in his speech.
Bolo expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Bagobo Klata tribe, for their support, unwavering faith, and adherence to their united cause.
“Ang inyohang padayong pagsalig ug suporta, naghatag sa akaa ug kusog ug tinud-ay nga pagserbisyo. Your wisdom gave me a clear vision, for the betterment of the indigenous communities of Davao City. I will act, represent, and will certainly listen, alang ug para sa progresibong paglambo,” he said.
He assured the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of the Indigenous Cultural Communities of Davao City that he will collaborate and continuously engage, in extending and seeking guidance and wisdom.
“Dili ko pagpanuko sa pagsangpit, alang sa atuang pagtrabaho, sa pagprotekta sa atuang mga katungod, labi na sa padayon nga pakiglambigit ug pagpreserba sa mga yutang kabilin,” he said.
Bolo stressed that he will continue all the developmental works that Mande started with in coordination with the city.
He also said he will work to develop programs that will further uplift the IP communities and provide better opportunities for the IPs.
