IPs affirm ties with Chiongbian family

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 29, 2009) - The commitment of the Chiongbian family to continuously support the development of the indigenous people (IPs) in the province was formalized during the National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day at the Capitol gym, introducing businessman Roy Chiongbian as the successor of the family in giving assistance to the IPs.

The Thursday (October 29) activity was highlighted with a tribal ceremony of acceptance for Roy Chiongbian as a follower of his parents, the late former Congressman James Chiongbian and former Governor Priscilla Chiongbian, in continuing the legacy of public service in the province; and the signing of the 2009 Covenant for Indigenous Peoples' Development among the municipal chieftains and other officials of the seven municipalities.

During the tribal ceremony, the tribe accepted Roy as their brother and "new adopted" whom they believe can introduce further development in their communities.

The covenant contains the ten-point agreement for IPs' development including the strengthening of tribal councils; literacy development and scholarship program; development of settlement areas for IPs; support for the development of ancestral domain; development of roads and bridges; health, sanitation, potable water and school buildings; livelihood development program; promotion of peace and order; promotion of Sarangani IPs' cultural heritage; and a sectoral seat in Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Chiongbian, in his speech, pointed out that developing IPs is one of the top priorities of his mother during the latter's governance.

"In 2000, my mother entered into the same agreement, but now that she's no longer in office, my family and I will continue to support you. I am Roy Chiongbian and I am here for you," he said.

As a new brother and member of the tribe, Chiongbian was also given recognition as Datu Gifu by the T'bolis and Fulong Tmugad by the Blaans.

Edmund Pangilan, the newly-installed provincial tribal chieftain, said it is just proper to give conferment to Roy as his family also recognizes the tribe in the province.

Conferment is the act of giving something such as a title or honor or favor to somebody."We gave him the names Datu Gifu and Fulong Tmugad because these names only mean that he will be the one to continue what has been started by his parents for the development of the IPs," Pangilan said. "Nakasalalay na karon sa iyang abaga ang kalamboan sa tribo."

Meanwhile, Datu Caleasa Katug, the municipal tribal chieftain of Maitum, believes that Chiongbian can well perform his obligation for the IPs."Sumala sa among paghimamat sa iyaha, among nakita nga duna g'yud siya'y pagbati," he said, adding that Roy Chiongbian also has the heart for the IPs. (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)