Forging on in its efforts to conserve and promote indigenous knowledge, the Mindanao Center for Policy Studies (MCPS) conducted a Capability Building and Inception Workshop for the project “Disaster Preparedness: The Indigenous Knowledge of Selected IP Groups in Davao Region (Book 2)” on August 12-13, 2021 via Zoom.
The research is led by a project team composed of Publication Unit Deputy Director Sajed S. Ingilan, MCPS Director Gladys Florangel I. Ortiz; Pamulaan Center for IP Education Director Mary Grace Z. Agbas; Language and Literature Department Chair Joy R. Risonar; MPA Program Head Mervin G. Gascon; CED faculty Lilibeth A. Cenojas; CAS faculty members Francis N. Reginio and Virgel S. Torremocha; CIC faculty Marvin S. Lagmay; and MCPS staff Ingrid Y. Gallogo. This research primarily aims to document the indigenous knowledge system on climate change and disaster risk reduction and raise awareness on the use of indigenous knowledge and practices to complement mainstream knowledge on climate change and disaster risk reduction and management.
MCPS Director Gladys Florangel I. Ortiz opened the event, noting how the publication of IKSP Book 1 contributed to building a disaster and climate-resilient community. She lauded the dedication and determination of the research team in promoting and strengthening local knowledge in addressing the country’s problem on climate change. She also welcomed the new members of the team who will be involved in documenting the knowledge systems and practices of the eight selected IP groups: Matigsalug, Mansaka, Ata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Bagobo-Klata, Sama, Kalagan, and Manobo.
The roster of speakers delivered their presentations via Zoom. In the morning session, Dr. Mervin G. Gascon talked about the IKSM Program. The second speaker, Ms. Lyn Balanza, discussed the Policies on Conducting Research with IPs. In the afternoon session, Dr. Michael Louie L. Cruz, from the National Commission on Indigenous People, reviewed the Safety and Health Protocols in doing IKSP Research in this time of the pandemic. The last speaker, Mr. Errol Merquita, imparted his knowledge and experience with the mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction Management efforts and other initiatives.
During the group discussion and in the writeshop that followed, the researchers exchanged their unforgettable experiences on the process of data collection, conducting interviews, and evaluation of data results. After a thorough skull session, the team was able to finalize the overall research design and interview questions.
Project Leader Sajed S. Ingilan closed the event by acknowledging the collective efforts of the project team in making the capacity-building training possible. He noted that the goal of IKSP Book 2 is not only to collect ancestral knowledge of the indigenous peoples on natural disaster management but to continuously provide solutions to the natural hazards caused by our changing environment.
