December 15, 2025 — Kennedy W. Waclin, from the Kankanaey tribe, formally took his oath of office today as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR)and ex officio Member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Itogon, administered by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin during the Monday flag ceremony at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium, Poblacion.
Waclin’s assumption to office followed a community-led selection process overseen by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), conducted on October 27, 2025 at the Itogon Training Center in Bua, Tuding. The process involved representatives of the municipality’s recognized Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
In Itogon, community discussions among the ICCs/IPs have since 2013 reflected an understanding to observe rotational representation of the IPMR among the three dominant tribes Kalanguya, Kankanaey, and Ibaloi, as affirmed through customary processes and validated by the NCIP.
From among the Kankanaey nominees, Kennedy Waclin was selected as the next IPMR. Other nominees during the selection were Ms. Rosita Bargaso and Mr. Dane Ducayag.
Waclin succeeds Engr. Ernani S. Pis-oy, the outgoing IPMR and a representative of the Kalanguya tribe. Pis-oy previously assumed the post in 2022, succeeding Romeo Pocding, who represented the Ibaloi tribe.
Waclin is a former Barangay Captain of Ucab and a recognized community mambunong (ritual leader), known for his active involvement in Indigenous cultural practices and community affairs.
The IPMR serves as the official representative of the ICCs/IPs in the Sangguniang Bayan, tasked to advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights, safeguard ancestral domains, ensure that local legislation is culturally responsive, and serve as a bridge between the LGU and Indigenous communities.
In his message, Kennedy Waclin acknowledged his colleagues in the IP sector and vows to work for the protection of IP rights and the overall welfare of Indigenous Peoples in the municipality.
