The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Sarangani consist largely of Blaan, Tboli, Tagakaolo, Kalagan, Manobo/Ubo tribes of the total population. These indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) are among the most marginalized sectors of the society. This condition is attributed to a complex web of socio-economic politico-cultural problems and the most pressing of which are poverty, lack of access to basic services, possible of loss of ancestral lands/domains, and diminishing cultural heritage.

            The Provincial Government is committed to address the problems and concerns of its IPs/ICCs constituents as manifested in its vision, mission, values and priority programs. It encourages the active participation of the IPs as partners and cooperators in government development efforts. Thus, creating the Indigenous Peoples Development Program known as IPDP.         

GOALS

v  To preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Ips in Sarangani Province, as well as to improve their living condition.

OBJECTIVES

1. To restore, preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the IPs

1. To provide access to socio-economic development in IP communities

1. To increase participation in the development process, while maintaining cultural heritage and identity

            Primary government agencies include the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Museum (NM), National Historical Institute (NHI), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA, OPAg, OMAg) Department of Health (DOH: PHO, MHO) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-PSWDO), Department of Trade and Industry  (DTI) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to strengthened collaborative efforts in the delivery of social services, cultural heritage preservation And promotion,   environmental   protection as  well as provision of economic opportunities in ICCs. Thus, they have the role to play in formulating the necessary policies that enable the support systems integrate programs/projects.

            The participation of the NGOs (foreign and local), cause-oriented groups, and the private sector (business and financial institutions) shall be sought for access of funding support to IPDP projects, technical assistance and advocacy for integrated ICCs developmental undertakings.