Meeting facilitated by Blaan farmer-vlogger and Duterte supporter Jenizylle Kapawan, aka “Jen in the Philippines”



GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was warmly welcomed yesterday by Blaan tribal leaders in General Santos City—a significant and heartfelt encounter that marks a powerful gesture of unity and recognition from one of Mindanao’s most respected Indigenous communities.



The meeting was made possible through the initiative of Jenizylle Malid Kapawan, more popularly known online as Jen in the Philippines. A proud Blaan, a full-time farmer, and a vocal supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Jen in the Philippines reached out to both parties to foster a dialogue grounded in shared concerns, especially around agriculture, hunger, and Indigenous rights.



“This is more than a courtesy visit,” said Pangilinan. “Ito ay isang pagkilala na kahit magkaiba tayo ng pinanggalingan sa pulitika, iisa ang hinahangad natin: ang makakain ang bawat Pilipino, ang mapanatili ang kabuhayan sa lupa, at ang mapakinggan ang boses ng mga katutubo.”



Pangilinan has long advocated for the rights of farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous communities, citing their critical role in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.



“Napakalalim ng karanasan ng mga kapatid nating Blaan sa lupa at kalikasan. Kung gusto nating solusyunan ang food crisis, hindi natin sila puwedeng kalimutan. Kailangan silang isama, pakinggan, at palakasin,” the senator emphasized.



For Jen, facilitating the meeting was about putting farmers and Indigenous peoples at the center of national conversation—regardless of political colors.



“Walang mas mahalaga sa ngayon kundi ang pagkain at kabuhayan. Bilang isang Blaan at magsasaka, gusto kong marinig ang plano ni Senator Kiko at makita kung paano siya makakatulong sa amin,” Jen shared.



The gathering in General Santos is also a step toward building new bridges in an increasingly polarized political landscape.



“Ang gutom ay hindi pula, hindi dilaw, hindi berde. Wala itong kulay. Ang solusyon din dapat, walang kulay,” Pangilinan said.



The meeting concluded with discussions on sustainable farming, ancestral domain protection, and direct farmer support systems like the Sagip Saka Act—authored by Pangilinan to link farmers and fishers directly to institutional markets without middlemen.



As the senator continues to push for concrete solutions to the food crisis, yesterday’s event serves as a strong reminder that unity in purpose can transcend political boundaries.