Bae Magdalena Suhat-Herbilla is an indigenous woman leader who is defending and protecting their ancestral domain from unlawful intrusion, massive encroachment, and political harassments, particularly of women. She is a peaceful leader and has used mediation, negotiation and dialogue as means in resolving conflicts to recognise their autonomy and right as owners of their own ancestral domain. This enabled her meet heads of many opponents that is threatening her people and their way of life -be it politicians, revolutionary groups, military forces, and policymakers, the Supreme Court and the even the President of the country. She takes the lead in enforcing the rights, duties and responsibilities of her tribe over their ancestral domain. Her most noted work is when she took the lead in filing legal claims for an ancestral domain title which was eventually granted and awarded to the Matigsalug-Manobo tribe in 2003. Through the award of such title, the rights of the Matigsalug-Manobo against displacement, dislocation and marginalisation are protected.

Nominated by:  Christine A. Sumog-oy
E-mail:  Christinesumogoy@yahoo.com,
Phone No.:  +639997110473