THE new University of the Philippines (UP System) President, Lawyer Angelo Azura Jimenez, was conferred by the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders as Datu Mankalagan, which means a great spirit that protects the indigenous peoples of the country, during the Cultural Evening on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Lanang, Davao City.
His investiture as Datu Mankalagan is in recognition of his effort to advance the rights of indigenous cultural communities. This includes his initiative to improve the education programs and the promotion of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities-Indigenous Peoples (ICCs-IPs) based on the Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Act of 1997.
The council said that Jimenez's life is a huge instrument for the IP community. They added that his recognition as datu should not only be recognized by the Manobo tribe, but rather it should be recognized by the whole country.
During his investiture, Jimenez was worn a tangkulo and a traditional attire, which represents high respect for his person and leadership. The council even emphasized how the tribe has accepted him and his position.
They noted that even if his role as president ends, the tribe will continue to acknowledge his role and respect for his authority.
The council even passed a resolution to reaffirm the invested title of Jimenez as Datu Mankalagan.
After his investiture, Jimenez expressed that although he did not expect to be conferred by the Council of Elders, he was willing to accept the title and the roles that go with it.
"Akoang gidawat ug akoang gigakos ang akoang kaliwat ug ang akoang heritage as lumad sa Mindanao (I accepted it and I embraced my people and my heritage as a lumad of Mindanao)," Jimenez said.
Jimenez added that being in the southernmost part of the country, Mindanao has always been at the bottom, from life expectancy, health, functional literacy, to quality of life. However, with a strategic initiative particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), he believed that it could yield the highest possible gains for the community even with limited resources.
"I know now more than ever what Davao Pride means, salamat people of Davao," Jimenez said.
The newly invested president will serve a six-year term until February 2029. RGP