Bukidnon mourns Talaandig chieftain, IP rights champion Saway

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The local government of Lantapan and communities across Bukidnon province expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Datu Victorino “Migketay” Saway, a pillar of indigenous culture, peacebuilding and environmental stewardship.

The 72-year-old Datu Migketay, affectionately known as Datu Vic, leaves behind a profound legacy as a tribal leader, academic, peacekeeper and environmentalist.

An Anthropology graduate from Silliman University and recipient of the Fr. Francisco R. Demetrio SJ Award from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, he dedicated his life to protecting and promoting the rich heritage of the Talaandig and other indigenous groups in the country.

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READ: Talaandig chieftain Datu Migketay Saway passes away at 72

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As the tribal custodian of the Talaandig ancestral territory in Songco, Lantapan, and founder of the Talaandig Community Incorporated, he established the Talaandig School for Living Traditions to safeguard indigenous identity and as a resource for youth education.

Nationally recognized for his work, Datu Vic served as a Mindanao Bridging Leadership Fellow of the Asian Institute of Management, chairperson of the Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council, and chairman of the Bukidnon Provincial Tribal Council of Elders.

He played a pivotal role in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), significantly contributing to the legal framework for ancestral domains and social justice. /das