Known by her tribe as Bae Pindolanon, Mirimbae Barazar is the first female Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the municipality of Kalilangan, Bukidnon Province, and one of only a few female leaders in the community. As a Manobo woman in a leadership role, it was quite a challenge for Mirimbae to get to where she is now. “Traditionally, men have always been perceived as the leaders while women took care of the family. It was a struggle when I was first elected as IPMR, but I did my best to challenge traditional beliefs and push for equality. Time has helped me show the tribe what I can do for the community,” she shared.
As an IPMR, Mirimbae protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and helps preserve their cultural identity. Having experienced discrimination herself, Mirimbae advocated for inclusion within their tri-cultural community by creating an ordinance protecting tribal members against discrimination. “Here in Kalilangan, I am happy to see that the Muslims, IPs, and Christians now enjoy a harmonious relationship,” she said.
Mirimbae has dedicated her life to serving indigenous communities. Prior to becoming Kalilangan’s IPMR, she led various organizations, including the Muslim Manobo Women’s Health Association, and continues to conduct programs promoting health care, livelihood and cultural preservation.
At the height of the pandemic, Mirimbae partnered with PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to conduct a bead-making workshop, providing additional livelihood opportunities for the tribe and helping to preserve their long-lost traditions. Lumad farmers were also trained to leverage the use of technology for improved farming yield and income.
“Apart from the livelihood trainings, PLDT and Smart provided us with WiFi devices to help our IP students with their online classes. I have a lot of dreams and plans for our community, and I am lucky to have partners in PLDT and Smart,” she said.
These initiatives fall under the PLDT group’s commitment to help the Philippines attain the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which also highlight the need to support IP communities.
