(1st UPDATE) An upland Indigenous community in Himamaylan City has taken matters into its own hands, constructing toilets and strengthening livelihoods while full government support and formal recognition remain out of reach.
Residents of Sitio Madaja in Barangay Buenavista, who identify themselves as members of the Bukidnon-Magahat tribe, continue improving sanitation and farming practices.
Although limited supplies prevent some families from installing toilet bowls, some households have already constructed basic facilities, demonstrating their commitment to better sanitation and improved living conditions.
The City Health Office (CHO) said it has already distributed several toilet bowls to the community in line with the government’s Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program.
CHO added that the local government unit facilitated the construction of the “sanitation-related amenities in upland communities through organized bayanihan efforts, ensuring proper standards and community participation.”
“Sanitation remains a priority of the city’s public health programs, and we remain committed in supporting all communities, including those in the upland areas,” portion of the statement read.
At the same time, the province expands livelihood initiatives through its Balik-Salig program. Under the program, the provincial government partnered with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) to introduce livelihood opportunities and product development training.
The partnership also mobilizes other stakeholders to widen support for the upland community.
Sybel Nobleza of ANP told Brigada News FM Kabankalan on Thursday, February 13, that they will continue working in the area in coordination with the 94th Infantry Battalion, which identified the community’s development potential in 2022.
Nobleza said ANP works with the Army because of its participation in the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC). Discussions within the PPOC led to the birth of the Balik-Salig program, which adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to assist geographically isolated communities.
These efforts prompted various government and civic groups to respond to the call for support, leading them to establish “Project Tikang.”
“Tikang,” the Hiligaynon word for “step,” embodies the initiative’s mission of moving steadily toward a progressive community.
The initiative now includes the military, ANP, Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), and Brigada News FM Kabankalan.
What’s more?
Leonel Flores, an agriculturist and HBONI member, said after visiting the community on Sunday, February 8, he identified road access as their most urgent concern.
“They can produce quality crops,” Flores said. “But without reliable roads, transporting their harvest becomes costly and difficult.”
Flores also engages farmers through “Project Tugdó,” which debuted in Barangay Cabadiangan in Himamaylan City, but he also sees strong potential to replicate and apply improved agricultural practices in Sitio Madaja.
Through Project Tugdó, HBONI conducts training sessions, field demonstrations, and technical guidance to improve productivity and crop quality. However, distance and the limited number of extension workers make consistent follow-up challenging.
Challenges
Flores said that upland farmers told him that the damaged farm-to-market road raises hauling costs and causes post-harvest losses, especially during heavy rains.
Some produce spoils before reaching buyers, reducing income and discouraging expansion.
“For them, the road is not just infrastructure,” Flores added. “It is a lifeline that connects their hard work to opportunity.”
Flores also observed that farmers lack regular access to updated agricultural practices. Agricultural technicians rarely reach the remote sitio, located about 15 kilometers from the city center and roughly 740 meters above sea level.
Despite these obstacles, Flores said farmers remain eager to learn and adopt improved systems if stakeholders provide sustained support.
Meanwhile, Project Tikang also explores the establishment of a School of Living Traditions (SLT), where elders will teach weaving, traditional farming, and cultural crafts to younger generations.
The group believes the initiative can unlock tourism opportunities if the Department of Tourism (DOT) provides support. Cultural demonstrations and Indigenous learning experiences could create additional income streams for the community.
Even though the residents identify themselves as members of the Bukidnon-Magahat tribe, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has yet to grant formal recognition — a status that would allow them to access programs, protections, and support intended for Indigenous communities.
For now, residents continue improving sanitation, expanding livelihoods, strengthening their farms, and preserving their culture.
But farmers say that without a reliable road, sustained agricultural support, and formal recognition, their progress will remain limited — no matter how hard they work.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.