BUKIDNON, Philippines – Residents of Maramag, Bukidnon felt a range of emotions as gubernatorial candidate Arbie “Bagani” Llesis shook their hands and introduced himself. There was surprise, shyness, and in rare instances, confusion.
But these emotions were eventually replaced with warmth and curiosity as Llesis talked about his background and plans for their future.
Llesis is in a five-way race for Bukidnon’s governorship. He is not only challenging the reelection bid of incumbent Governor Rogelio Roque, but is also up against Valencia City Mayor Azucena “Sunny” Huervas, Bong Eligan, and Pangantucan town Mayor Miguel Silva Jr.
Hailing from the Talaandig tribe in Lantapan town, Llesis dedicated his career to providing legal aid to his fellow indigenous peoples (IPs) and other marginalized groups in Bukidnon. As early as his law school days, Llesis interned for the Balaod Mindanao Legal Aid Center and the Xavier University Center for Legal Assistance. He later founded the Bansalumad (Lumad Pride) Legal Center.
Llesis was elected by his fellow IP leaders to the Provincial Board in November 2022 following the resignation of Datu Laglagengan Richard Macas. He stepped down in 2021 to run for Bukidnon 2nd District representative.
As the IPs’ Mandatory Representative (IPMR), the 36-year-old Llesis represents the interests of over 500,000 IPs in Bukidnon across seven tribes: Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon.
For Llesis, his indigenous heritage instilled parental leadership and inclusivity in his brand of governance. “Parental leadership means being a mother and father to all,” he explained to Rappler in an interview.
Llesis also attributes to his upbringing his consultative approach to governance. These are rooted in three key principles: paglalangan (to discuss), pag-uyunan (all parties must agree), and pagsabuwahan (unity).
“That’s what I’m doing as an IPMR. I consult the tribes. I also consult all the leaders,” he said.
Institutionalizing IP rights
Llesis pointed to Roque’s veto of the Comprehensive Indigenous Peoples Welfare and Development Code of Bukidnon (IP Code) as the main driver of his gubernatorial bid.
The IP Code is one of the key measures Llesis introduced, as it institutionalizes mechanisms that allow Bukidnon’s IPs to preserve their cultural traditions. Its provisions cover respect for indigenous customs in resolving disputes, the Council of Elders’ right to create a governance system, designating an IP representative in every government body, and compelling the provincial government to adopt and respect customary laws concerning IPs’ property rights.
It also states that the provincial government must allocate 3% to 5% of its budget to enforcing the IP Code.
Llesis explained that he patterned the legislation after similar ordinances in other provinces such as Sarangani.
While the Provincial Board passed the bill in July 2024, Roque vetoed the measure, citing “unconstitutional” provisions. The move was condemned by Llesis and Bukidnon’s Provincial Tribal Council, which said Roque had given them false hope.
According to Llesis, Roque vetoed the measure 11 days late when it should have already lapsed into an ordinance.
“That’s why I only have two options. I can file a case in court, but God knows it will take 10 years minimum,” he explained.
“So I chose this political path so that if I win this election, by the blessing of God, I will be able to immediately implement the IP Code so that the IPs in Bukidnon will already have a budget for their programs, needs and services.”
Agriculture, health and the youth
Growing up in a farming community, the gubernatorial bet pointed out that there are no clear programs or a fixed budget to aid Bukidnon’s farmers.
Bukidnon is often referred to as Mindanao’s food basket due to its production of several fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, corn, rice, and sugarcane. However, around 29% of families remain below the poverty line as of 2021.
Llesis vowed to pass a Farmer’s Code, which will allocate 3% of the provincial government’s budget to farmers. The IP leader also wants to strengthen Bukidnon’s local industry by introducing more factories to provide jobs and process locally-grown products within the province’s borders.
Llesis also raised concerns over the lack of sufficient medicines and equipment such as MRI machines. He noted that the lack of equipment and medication forces residents to seek treatment in Cagayan de Oro City, a two-hour journey from the province’s capital Malaybalay.
For Llesis, strengthening the province’s healthcare system entails giving free medications, access to health services, and improving facilities. “I want to improve the health facilities because the poor, when they get sick, when they get hospitalized, they are admitted in the corridors. They don’t have their own rooms,” he explained.
As for the youth, Llesis wants to establish a Bukidnon College to provide free higher education to the next generation. Llesis recalled his own experience of being a scholarship recipient from grade school all the way until law school.
He also shrugged off criticism that establishing the college would be impossible, saying that other municipalities were able to establish and maintain community colleges of their own.
“Eleven governors have already passed. For the first time, I want to build a legacy for the youth of Bukidnon,” he said.
Someone new?
While Llesis shook hands with vendors and customers at Maramag’s public market, he would often tell them to give a new face a shot at being governor.
“Why don’t we try having a lawyer for governor,” he told voters.
As he moved to the next stall, residents would often say that they did not know there were other options for the province’s chief executive post.
“Let’s go with him (Llesis) instead. At least he comes down here to check on the people,” a lady said in Cebuano.
In Bukidnon, residents’ appetite for genuine and positive change seems to be growing as the electoral playing field slowly turns competitive.
Llesis is among several underdog campaigns in the province that hope to introduce new brands of leadership to Bukidnon. If elected governor, he hopes to open up equal opportunities for all residents — lumad and Bisaya alike.
For him, Bukidnon can start realizing this vision through equitable leadership that evens out the playing field for society’s most disadvantaged. – Rappler.com
