ELEVEN newly certified Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) from various villages of Zamboanga City were sworn into office on a ceremony led by Mayor Khymer Olaso.
The oath-taking ceremony was held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at City Hall.
Olaso said the ceremony marked the formal recognition of the representatives, who were duly selected in accordance with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Administrative Order 01, Series of 2021, and validated by the NCIP-Zamboanga City Office.
Olaso said the IPMRs were endorsed following coordination with the respective Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) within the identified villages of Zamboanga City.
"Their certification affirms their eligibility to represent their communities in local legislative bodies and other development platforms," Olaso said.
The following are the certified IPMRs and their corresponding villages: Anibal Qurais, Talon-Talon; Sattolnina Abba, Rio Hondo; Mutalib Hamis, Labuan; Jubail Buhaini, Taluksangay; Farida Pandeng, Lamisahan; Halima Hamja, Manalipa; Jul Husin, Dita; Peter Mandag, Ayala; Sahdia Akbar, Calabasa; Alih Daud, Tigtabon; and Ruel Diam, Tugbungan.
Olaso has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to inclusive governance and expressed his support for greater indigenous participation in shaping the future of Zamboanga City.
The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Councilor Aida Paniorotan, IP representative in the City Council, Executive Assistant Abdulwakil Caoile Kasim, NCIP officials. (SunStar Zamboanga)