The BaiAni Foundation, in collaboration with the People and Culture Team of Kennemer Groups, has orchestrated an orientation program that seeks to equip Indigenous People (IP) leaders in Davao Oriental with the essential tools of organizational development. This joint initiative signifies a resolute commitment to nurturing progress, inclusiveness, effective governance, and capacity-building within the indigenous communities of Davao Oriental.

The event, took place at the Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental. It brought together leaders from 11 CADT areas (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) providing them with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of organizational development principles. The interactive sessions involved discussions and collaborative activities on a range of topics. These included leadership principles, decision making, strategies for communication, insights into harmonious team dynamics, and the nuances of sustainable project management. Throughout this experience the leaders were fully immersed in a learning journey.

The main objective of this initiative was to empower the leaders with the skills to drive transformative change within their respective communities. By bridging the gap between wisdom and contemporary strategies, the organizers aimed to equip these leaders with the expertise needed to bring about transformations and enable their communities to thrive in various aspects.

This effort is supported by Gerry Roxas Foundation under the INSPIRE Project. This event nestles within the broader context of the Strengthening Inclusive Landscape Governance initiative. The overarching objective of this project is to enhance and capacitate IP communities, enabling them to become adept custodians of their ancestral domains. Through informed stewardship, these communities are poised to ensure the sustainable utilization and preservation of their invaluable forests – a resource that forms the bedrock of their cultural heritage and environmental sustenance.