LocationsIndigenous enterprises to receive PHP4.4 million in seed grant support
October 30, 2026
UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet, Tagakaulo and Blaan ICC/IP leader Bae Lolita Labis, NCIP Secretary Nancy Catamco and New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh during the I-LEAD seed grant commitment turnover ceremony.
With funding support from the New Zealand Government, four Indigenous-led enterprises in Mindanao will receive PHP 4.4 million in seed grants under the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Announced last October 26 in celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month, the grants aim to strengthen Indigenous enterprises and expand economic opportunities for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Secretary Nancy Catamco, and UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet, led the handover of commitment certificates on the first day of the inaugural Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX) at Poblacion Market Central in Davao City.
Four community enterprises representing four ancestral domains will receive grants: the Ata Women Association of Paquibato District, Davao City; the Datu Danwata Women Association of Malita, Davao Occidental; the Manobo Farmers’ Association of Magpet, Cotabato; and the Maitum-Kiamba CADT 154 Service Care Association of Sarangani. Collectively, these organizations represent the Ata, Tagakaulo & Blaan, Obo Monuvu, and the Tboli & Manobo ICCs/IPs in their respective areas.
The seed grants aim to help the Indigenous-led enterprises strengthen their businesses, improve production, and develop their products to support long-term growth. These enterprises produce a variety of goods using local materials from their ancestral domains, including woven bags and baskets, beadwork accessories, abaca crafts, and various food products.
UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet (center) and Indigenous leaders from Mindanao pose for a photo in the UNDP booth at the inaugural Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo.
Representatives of the grant recipient communities also participated as exhibitors at MIPTEX, showcasing their products, engaging with buyers, and building connections to grow their enterprises. I-LEAD supported their participation by bringing 12 Indigenous exhibitors to the week-long expo, which was co-organized by the Mindanao Development Authority, the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, and NCIP.
“Indigenous Peoples’ economy has a strong potential in Mindanao. With support from New Zealand, and working with NCIP through the I-LEAD Project, UNDP empowers and capacitates IP women to gain business skills and access new markets. The grants we are launching today will put capital behind their skills and business idea,” the UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines said at the MIPTEX opening program.
In response, representatives of the ICCs/IPs thanked the New Zealand government, NCIP and UNDP Philippines and committed to grow the enterprises in support of their respective communities. [E]
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