Indigenous Peoples’ Games participants gather for the opening ceremony at Buenavista Central Elementary School in Agusan del Norte on Saturday (Oct. 10, 2025). The IP Games is spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission with support from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the provincial government. (Photo courtesy of Buenavista LGU)
Not even the powerful tremors that rattled Mindanao could shake the spirit of the Indigenous Peoples community in Agusan del Norte, as the IP Games – Mindanao Leg kicked off Saturday morning in Buenavista.
Held at the Buenavista Central Elementary School grounds, the opening ceremony gathered 30 delegates representing the province’s three major tribes — Higaonon, Manobo, and Mamanwa — all eager to showcase their traditional athletic prowess.
“In light of the recent strong earthquake that affected the province, precautionary measures are being implemented to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being,” the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said in a statement, noting that indoor venues like the gymnasium were temporarily closed as part of safety protocols.
Agusan del Norte recorded an Intensity IV during Friday’s magnitude 7.4 quake in Manay, Davao Oriental, but the province pressed on with the Games, symbolizing unity and resilience.
The event was formally opened by Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, Buenavista Mayor Joselito Roble, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Executive Assistant Joselito Cinco, NCIP Provincial Officer Cierona Cutar, and Provincial IP Mandatory Representative Hawudon Armando Una.
“The IP Games celebrate the richness of our indigenous heritage through their traditional sports,” Cinco said. “It’s a way of keeping these cultural treasures alive for the next generations.”
Launched in 2018 by the PSC, the IP Games spotlight age-old Filipino sports such as pana (archery), kadang-kadang (bamboo stilts race), trumpo (spinning top), and sibat (javelin throw).
This year’s Agusan del Norte leg expands the lineup with Pintik, Bangkaw, Bag-ud, Sudsu, Takyang, Indigenous Race, Tug of War, Fire Making, Lubok-Humay, and Unahik/Palosebo/Katkat Kawayan — all celebrating the skill, endurance, and cultural identity of Mindanao’s indigenous athletes.
