Visayas-wide Coverage

The Panay Bukidnon-Ati Tribe is proud to announce the successful proclamation and oath of office of the newly established Watchman Council of Elders. This significant event marks a historic milestone in the tribe’s ongoing journey toward reclaiming and strengthening its customary self-governance, self-government, and self-sovereignty, which have been upheld since time immemorial.

The ceremony, held on February 28, 2025, was a momentous occasion for the tribe as it celebrates its unbroken tradition of leadership and cultural integrity. The Watchman Council of Elders is now entrusted with the sacred responsibility of overseeing the well-being of the tribe, ensuring the preservation of its rich cultural heritage, and safeguarding the tribe’s ancestral lands.

“We are not just reclaiming our rights as a people, but we are reaffirming our connection to the land and to each other,” said DATO BABAY CIRILO P. CASIMERO, one of the key figures in the proclamation. “Our governance system is rooted in our traditions, and through this ceremony, we are reaffirming that our sovereignty has existed since time immemorial.”

The oath of office was administered by [Official’s Name or Tribal Leader], a distinguished figure in the community who has long supported the empowerment of indigenous peoples in the region. The event was attended by various tribal leaders, elders, and members, all of whom showed unwavering support for this historic step in the tribe’s collective journey toward self-determination.

The Panay Bukidnon-Ati Tribe’s commitment to self-governance is part of a broader movement across the Visayas, where indigenous communities are asserting their rights and preserving their unique cultures against external forces that threaten their way of life.

With this proclamation, the tribe is formally taking steps to strengthen its political and cultural influence in the Visayas, ensuring that future generations will have the freedom to practice and develop their customs and traditions without external interference.

The tribe extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended and supported this significant event, and expresses its hope for continued solidarity with other indigenous groups in the Visayas and beyond.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bai Fraidelyn Samal Dani
General Secretary
09124989333
psilangan46@gmail.com
perlasngsilanganph.com