October 13, 2025 | Buenavista, Agusan del Norte
The vibrant colors of traditional attire and the joyful spirit of competition filled the air as the first-ever Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games 2025 unfolded over two days at the Buenavista Central Elementary School grounds in Agusan del Norte. This historic event brought together three of the province’s major indigenous tribesโthe Manobo, Mamanwa, and Higaononโin a celebration that combined sportsmanship, cultural pride, and community unity.
Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event marked a milestone in recognizing and promoting the rich heritage of the indigenous communities in Mindanao. PSC Executive Assistant Mr. Joselito Cinco expressed deep gratitude to the local government leaders for their unwavering support.
โThis is the best IP Games weโve ever conducted in the Philippines. Mahihirapan kami pantayan ito next year,โ Cinco said, clearly moved by the enthusiasm and hospitality shown by the Agusanons.
Meanwhile, the event wouldnโt have been possible without the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, led by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, and the Municipality of Buenavista, headed by Mayor Joselito T. Roble.
In her speech, Governor Angel highlighted the vital role of indigenous communities in the identity and progress of the province:
โDili nato wad-on ang inyong mga tribu. Kay ug wala mo, wala pod ang Agusan del Norte,โ she said, affirming her administrationโs commitment to cultural preservation and inclusivity. She proudly noted the growing number of educated and professional IPs contributing to society.
Mayor Roble, for his part, shared how he personally took the initiative to bring the event to Buenavista, accepting the challenge from the PSC to host what would become a prestigious and memorable gathering.
โWe will always support our IP communities. This is not just about gamesโitโs about giving them a platform to shine,โ the mayor added.
Ten traditional games were played, each deeply rooted in indigenous customs. These included Pintik, Takyang, Bangkaw, Bika-bika, Bag-ud, Indigenous Race, Tug of War, Fire Making, Lubok Humay, and the ever-popular Palosebo. Winners received individual cash prizes as incentives for their performance.
Special awards such as Most Organized Team and Best Banner also came with cash rewards, adding a competitive yet festive touch to the event.
After two days of intense yet friendly competition, the Municipality of Las Nieves emerged as the overall champion of the 2025 IP Games, receiving a โฑ60,000 cash prize. Cabadbaran City claimed second place with โฑ40,000, while Nasipit took third place and โฑ20,000 in prize money.
Final Rankings โ IP Games 2025:
1. Las Nieves
2. Cabadbaran City
3. Nasipit
4. Carmen
5. Buenavista
6. Kitcharao
6. RTR
8. Jabonga
9. Butuan City
9. Tubay
11. Santiago
Final results of IP Games:
BANGKAW
1st – Carmen (Harvey Omayan)
2nd – Las Nieves (Archie Una)
3rd – Cabadbaran (Rey Jay Abenoja)
PINTIK
1st – Buenavista (Jonel Tumanan)
2nd – RTR (Jumel Do-oc)
3rd – Carmen (Evan Jun Allorin)
TAKYANG
1st – Carmen (Guendolyn Omayan)
2nd – Cabadbaran (Angelie Mendoza)
3rd – Las Nieves (Judith Una)
BAG-UD
1st – Las Nieves (Gil Bohoy)
2nd – Cabadbaran (Dominador Ebong)
3rd – Santiago (Balodoy Porogoy)
SUD-SUD
1st – Nasipit (Cristine Mansaguinda)
2nd – Butuan (Janine Mendaรฑa)
3rd – Buenavista (Janice Hinanday)
INDIGENOUS RACE
1st – Jabonga
2nd – Tubay
3rs – RTR
FIRE MAKING
1st – Kitcharao
2nd – RTR
3rd – Jabonga
TUG-OF-WAR
1st – Kitcharao
2nd – Cabadbaran
3rd – Nasipit
LUBOK HUMAY
1st – Cabadbaran
2nd – Las Nieves
3rd – Nasipit
UNAHIK/PALOSEBO/KATKAT KAWAYAN
1st – Las Nieves
2nd – Carmen
3rd – Cabadbaran
The success of the IP Games 2025 was made possible through the cooperation of several agencies, including the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Local Government Unit of Buenavista, and various uniformed personnel who ensured the smooth and secure flow of activities.
The IP Games 2025 was not just an athletic eventโit was a heartfelt tribute to heritage, a show of solidarity, and a hopeful step toward a future where indigenous cultures are celebrated, respected, and empowered.
