The Indigenous Cultural Community Affairs Office (ICCAO) serves as a cornerstone in safeguarding the rights, welfare, and cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Acting as a vital bridge between these communities and government institutions.
The office is committed to protecting ancestral domains, promoting cultural preservation, and facilitating equitable access to essential services and opportunities—while respecting the unique traditions, practices, and identities of each community. ICCAO ensures that programs and policies designed to empower indigenous peoples are effectively implemented.
In 2025, ICCAO continued to strengthen its role in supporting and uplifting indigenous groups across the province. The office actively encouraged tribal participation in local development initiatives, providing support for community-driven projects, distributing construction materials for Indigenous People (IP) communities, and supplying farm equipment to enhance agricultural productivity. In addition, ICCAO delivered crucial assistance, including food support, to ensure the immediate welfare of these communities.
Cultural preservation remained a key focus, with ICCAO organizing events such as the Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration, which brought together all eight tribes in the province to celebrate and showcase their heritage. Through these efforts, ICCAO successfully created avenues for indigenous communities to thrive—ensuring they have the resources, support, and recognition needed to sustain their distinct cultural traditions and way of life.