By PIMO | 09:12 AM June 01, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Eskaya Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Bohol have achieved a historic milestone after the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) approved their application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), formally recognizing their rights over more than 3,100 hectares of ancestral land.
The approval was granted by the NCIP 10th Commission during its En Banc deliberation in Iloilo City on May 26, 2026, marking the culmination of more than three decades of advocacy and efforts by the Eskaya people to secure legal recognition of their ancestral domain.
The approved CADT application covers approximately 3,106.3839 hectares and is in accordance with Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
The NCIP 10th Commission, led by Secretary and Chairperson Nancy Catamco, approved the application after determining that it had complied with all legal and procedural requirements.
Joining the deliberations were Commissioners Rhodex Valenciano, Marie Grace Pascua, Alex Centena, Purisimo Tiam, Datu Amarillo Marcelo Alejo Jr., and Alberto Lagamon.
During the deliberation, Valenciano expressed full support for the Eskaya community’s aspiration to secure its ancestral domain title, while Centena underscored the importance of recognizing the application’s compliance with established legal and procedural standards.
The decision was welcomed with gratitude and emotion by Eskaya representatives, who described the approval as a long-awaited recognition of their identity, culture, and ancestral lands.
For the indigenous community, the approval represents a significant step toward protecting their traditional territories and preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
NCIP Region VII Regional Director Princess Oral thanked the Commission En Banc for its favorable action and assured continued support in completing the remaining documentation and post-approval processes leading to the formal issuance of the CADT.
The provincial government of Bohol, headed by Governor Aris Aumentado, also welcomed the development through the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD), led by Emerson Pinos.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, BCCAD described the approval as a significant achievement for one of the indigenous cultural communities within the Bohol Island Unesco Global Geopark.
“We at BCCAD celebrate with the Eskaya Community in this historic moment as we stand in solidarity with you in supporting your rights and continuing our collaboration to safeguard your cultural heritage for future generations,” the office said.
BCCAD also acknowledged the efforts of NCIP-Bohol, NCIP Region VII, and their personnel for assisting the Eskaya community throughout the lengthy application process.
The landmark approval strengthens ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous heritage, protect ancestral domains, and promote cultural sustainability in Bohol.
It also represents a major victory for the Eskaya people, whose decades-long pursuit of ancestral domain recognition has now reached a historic turning point.
