KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato has selected its new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) following the selection process held over the weekend.
Candidates and votes were Arnold P. Guerrero (69), Leo T. Tang (39), Antonio S. Abing (27), and Moreno D. Tagwalo (3).
Guerrero was declared the new IPMR by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the IPMR plays a key role in representing tribal concerns in the provincial board.
“Ang IPMR ay hindi lang simpleng kinatawan, sila ang tulay ng mga isyu, hinaing, at adhikain ng mga tribu papunta sa Sanggunian. Kaya napakahalaga na ang mauupo ay may malinaw na layunin para sa kapakanan ng buong lalawigan,” he said.
Incumbent IPMR Board Member Edgar Sambog said the new representative must complete requirements and undergo review before assuming office.
Guerrero is a tribal leader from Tupi. He previously served as the IPS (Indigenous Political Structure) Deputy Government Representative. The newly selected IPMR was born in Barangay Kablon but is recently residing in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi. He has two kids.
The IPMR system ensures Indigenous Peoples are represented in policymaking, especially on issues affecting their communities, culture, and development.
