The municipality of Las Nieves emerged as the overall champion in the Mindanao leg of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games, banking on two first-place finishes, two second-place showings, and a third-place result in five events to secure the top spot.
Co-hosted by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the municipality of Buenavista, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-initiated event drew around 500 participants from 11 local government units (LGUs), including Butuan City—making it the biggest and most successful leg in the history of the IP Games.
It was also one of the most well-supported editions, with Governor Angel Amante and Mayor Joselito Roble ensuring full logistical and community support in partnership with the Department of Education and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
“We are very grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission for giving us this opportunity, and we intend to make this traditional games competition a regular event here every October in celebration of IP Month,” said Gov. Amante, who served as an inspiration to all participating LGUs.
For his part, Mayor Roble admitted that when Buenavista accepted the hosting job last year, he was unfamiliar with the full scope of the program.
“But after witnessing the coming together of different tribes in friendly competition, I can say it was all worth it,” he said.
Representing the PSC at the event was Lito Cinco, who attended in place of Commissioner Matthew Gaston, currently abroad. In his closing remarks, Cinco praised the exceptional collaboration and organization of the host LGUs.
“The two LGUs raised the bar to a new level. It will be a big challenge to match this in future legs. The cultural night added this year was a wonderful touch—we hope to make it a regular feature,” he noted.
Las Nieves dominated by winning the bag-ud and palo sebo events, finishing runner-up in lubok-humay and bangkaw, and placing third in takyang. Cabadbaran City took second overall, while Nasipit placed third.
The next leg of the IP Games will be held in Iloilo.
