DOrSU, NCIP, Mandaya ICCs/IPs Sign MOA for Biodiversity Education and Research Field Station in Taocanga, Manay
The Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Mandaya Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Manay signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 10 at the DOrSU Board Room, for the establishment of the Biodiversity Education and Research Field Station at Barangay Taocanga, Manay, Davao Oriental.
The Field Station, which will be established on a one-hectare area near Lake Diomaboc at Sitio Matabang in Barangay Taocanga, will serve multiple purposes. It will provide essential infrastructure for biological studies, training, and seminars. It is also envisioned as a platform for expanding access to quality higher education and promoting socio-cultural, gender and development, biodiversity, agriculture, livelihood, and conservation studies.
During the ceremony, University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce reiterated the University’s longstanding commitment to both inclusive education and environmental protection in the Province. He further expressed his gratitude to the Taocanga IP community and pledged to uphold the cultural heritage of the Mandaya tribe for future generations. Representing the NCIP Mati, Atty. James Ian A. Generale reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to promoting the interests of IPs and extended their full support to the project. Hon. Jesus Mamparo Jr., Municipal Tribal Chieftain and Sangguniang Bayan Member of Manay, also delivered a message of commitment and expressed his support alongside the entire LGU Manay led by Municipal Mayor Jon Marco Dayanghirang. Mr. Danilo Pedro, the landowner of the field station site, also voiced optimism about the project and his hopes that the collaboration will also open doors for educational opportunities for the younger generations of their community.
The ceremony was also attended by Mangkatadong Julio Batunan, Tribal Chieftain of Brgy. Taocanga; Ms. Arlene C. Datu representing the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao Oriental Provincial Director Orle A. Cabaobao; and officials from the University, including Dr. Misael B. Clapano, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, Director for Extension; Dr. Raymund M. Pasion, Sentro ng Wika at Kultura Director; and Ms. Laarni M. Pasion, Focal Person for Indigenous Peoples Engagement.
The agreement, set to be effective for twenty-five years, marks a significant milestone in the University’s steadfast commitment to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural treasures of Davao Oriental.
