KORONADAL CITY — Newly elected Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Board Member Arnold Guerrero formally took his oath of office during Monday’s session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato, marking the official transition of Indigenous Peoples representation in the provincial legislative body.
Guerero said that he was thankful for the support he got from the indigenous communities in the province.
“Asahan ninyo na magsisilbi ako ng makatao at maka-Diyos,” he said in a previous interview after the IPMR election at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court.
He emphasized that he would bridge government services to IP areas.
“Maraming salamat sa tiwala ni Gov Tamayo sa amin,” he stressed.
After the oath-taking ceremony recently, Guerero is expected to present a speech to the august body.
The IPMR representative assumed the position, following the completion of the term of outgoing IPMR Board Member Edgar Sambog, who served the Indigenous Peoples sector in the provincial board for 11 years.
During the session last Monday, Sambog delivered his message of gratitude, reflecting on more than a decade of public service and expressing appreciation to fellow officials, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders who supported his leadership throughout his tenure.
“Gustong kong iparating ang aking mensahe sa lahat ng ating IPs dito sa ating lalawigan, maraming salamat sa inyong support sa loob ng 11 taon ng aking serbisyo.”
He also conveyed his support to Guerrero as the newly appointed representative, expressing confidence that the incoming IPMR board member will continue to champion the rights, welfare, and development of Indigenous Peoples in the province.
“Tandaan natin lagi bilang mga leader, ang ating mga karapatan dapat nating protektahan. Protektahan natin ang right to ancestral domain, right to self-governance and empowerment, suportahan natin ang right to social justice and human rights, at right to cultural integrity.” Sambog said.
The turnover symbolizes the continuing commitment of the provincial government to uphold inclusive governance and ensure the voices of Indigenous cultural communities remain represented in policy-making and legislative discussions in South Cotabato.
