The Eskaya Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Bohol achieved a historic milestone following the approval of their application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 10th Commission during its En Banc deliberation in Iloilo City on May 26, 2026.
The approval formally recognizes the Eskaya people’s rights over approximately 3,106.3839 hectares of ancestral domain in accordance with Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), culminating more than three decades of advocacy and efforts to secure recognition of their ancestral lands.
The NCIP 10th Commission, led by Secretary and Chairperson Nancy Catamco, approved the application after determining that it had complied with the necessary legal and procedural requirements.
Participating in the deliberation were Commissioners Rhodex Valenciano, Marie Grace Pascua, Alex Centena, Purisimo Tiam, Datu “Amarillo” Marcelo Alejo Jr., and Alberto Lagamon.
Commissioner Rhodex Valenciano expressed full support for the Eskaya community’s aspiration to secure their ancestral domain title, while Commissioner Alex Centena emphasized the significance of recognizing the application’s compliance with legal and procedural standards.
The decision was met with gratitude and emotion from Eskaya representatives who described the approval as a long-awaited recognition of their identity, culture, and ancestral lands.
NCIP Region VII Regional Director Princess Oral also thanked the Commission En Banc for its favorable action and assured continued support in completing the documentation and post-approval processes leading to the formal issuance of the CADT.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, through the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD), headed by Emerson Pinos, likewise congratulated the Eskaya community, describing the approval as a significant achievement for one of the indigenous cultural communities within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark.
“We at BCCAD celebrate with the Eskaya Community in this historic moment as we stand in solidarity with you in supporting your rights and continuing our collaboration to safeguard your cultural heritage for future generations,” the office wrote on their official Facebook page.
BCCAD likewise recognized the efforts of NCIP-Bohol, NCIP Region VII, and their personnel for assisting the Eskaya community throughout the process.
The landmark approval reinforces ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous heritage, protect ancestral domains, and strengthen cultural sustainability in Bohol, a priority anchored with PGBh’s Strategic Governance Roadmap. (PIMO/JSS)
