MANILA – Poverty incidence is highest among indigenous peoples (IPs), according to official government data of the Philippine Statistics Authority. Mangyans in the Mindoro province are no exception.

Against this backdrop, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), in partnership with the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG),  strengthened its support through the Abundant Life and Care for Creation (ALCC) project. The program aims to address both the economic marginalization of and the human rights abuses against the Mangyans.

“The Mangyans are very interested in the livelihood seminar. It’s because they’re often neglected in the programs of the government. They want to learn new things,” said Bishop Ronelio Fabriquier of the Diocese of Romblon and Mindoro in an interview.

In June 2025, more than 50 participants from seven partner communities joined a livelihood seminar that combined mini-grant support with capacity-building. They were trained in organic agroforestry and livestock raising by resource persons from Ecojustice Farms, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Provincial Veterinary Office of Romblon. 

The communal farm in Sitio Mananguinan now grows tiger grass, ube, mango, coconut, and other crops, while serving as a model for eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Their first harvests are also expected soon, which are expected to benefit more than 100 Mangyan families in Mansalay, marking the beginning of a self-sustaining cycle of food security, income, and advocacy.

The communities also committed to apportion 30 percent of their future farm income to the Mission to the Mangyan (MM) fund, ensuring continuity of programs that benefit their people. Plans are underway to establish a cooperative to formalize income-sharing agreements and expand market access

“The initiative is a big help to us,” said Mangyan leader Popoy Among in vernacular. “Our indigenous communities are producing bracelets, necklaces, bangles, and other crafts. Whenever there are orders, we coordinate with the bishop, and our local artisans make the products.”

Moreover, the livelihood training also involved partnership with some government agencies. Among said that they plan to register their products and agricultural goods with the local government. 

The livelihood project is not only about income, it mitigates the impacts of systemic exclusion and provides a measure of protection in conflict-affected areas. Mindoro has been heavily militarized, with indigenous leaders and church workers frequently red-tagged.

This year, the province of Mindoro experienced intensified militarization and reported aerial bombings, which resulted in encroachment of ancestral lands. Due to this, Karapatan Southern Tagalog launched the Defend Mindoro campaign to further defend the province from violations of human rights.

“The good thing is, we conduct these livelihood training, together with their capacitation on leadership and paralegal. This also helps the sustainability of the indigenous communities in the long term,” Fabriquier added.

Through ALCC, Mangyan leaders have been trained not only in agroforestry but also in human rights documentation and paralegal work. This dual approach equips them to both defend their ancestral land rights and build resilient livelihood. 

“We are not the Messiah. They are the ones who must decide—we are only journeying with them. They should be the ones to make the decisions. If they only relied on us, that would be the wrong way to organize. They need to trust in their own abilities to achieve a full and meaningful life,” Fabriquier said. (RTS, RVO)

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This article is produced by Iglesia Filipina Independiente, under their Abundant Life and Care for Creation (ALCC) program.