MANILA, Philippines – The Embassy of New Zealand announced on Wednesday it has earmarked PHP 247 million (USD 4.5 million) in funding, for a four-year initiative aimed to empower Indigenous women and girls across Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao.
The program, entitled Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domain (I-LEAD) Project, was officially launched during the signing ceremony attended by New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Jennifer Pia Limpayen Sibug-Las.
According to the Embassy of New Zealand, the project will focus on building leadership skills, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The project also aims to safeguard Indigenous Peoples' rights and promote sustainable development practices in ancestral domains, the embassy added.
In her remarks, Ambassador McIntosh reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to making a real difference, particularly through initiatives that target areas where it can have the most meaningful impact.
“As a small donor country committed to development that works, we are carefully targeting our efforts to where we will make a real difference. And I'm optimistic that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous communities in Regions 11 and 12, and beyond,” she said.
The embassy added that the partnership underscores New Zealand's continued commitment to supporting the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls, as well as fostering inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Through the I-LEAD Project, New Zealand, UNDP, and NCIP aim to create long-lasting positive change for Indigenous communities in Mindanao, the embassy stated.
