NBDB selects Lupâ Kamaasan for the 2025 Publication Grant

Lupâ Kamaasan: Tau Sug System of Land Ownership and Cultivation, co-authored by Mr. Francis N. Reginio — SPJRD Managing Editor, Social Science faculty of the AB English Language program, and a certified author, editor, and designer under the National Book Development Board (NBDB) — has been officially selected for funding under the 2025 NBDB Publication Grant.

Out of 238 submissions received this year, the NBDB selected only 20 submissions, making the inclusion of Lupa Kamaasan: Tau Sug System of Land Ownership and Cultivation a significant and prestigious recognition. Led by Prof. Muktar Mohammad Tahil and Asst. Prof. Nelson Dino of Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), the book examines Lupâ Kamaasan, a traditional Tau Sug land system that harmonizes Islamic principles and adat (customary law) in the Sulu Archipelago. It traces the system’s evolution from pre-Islamic landownership practices to the reforms introduced by Sultan Abu Bakr, illustrating how Lupa Kamaasan fosters private ownership, communal stewardship, and the ethical use of land as a divine trust. Through historical and legal analysis, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how the system functions as both a socio-legal framework and a socio-economic structure that promotes fairness, communal welfare, and sustainable agriculture. Practices such as pagzakat (charity) and lupâ pagsawsawhan (crop-sharing) further demonstrate the integration of religious ethics with longstanding adat traditions guided by the taumaas (elders).

This recognition by the NBDB stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and scholarly importance of indigenous knowledge systems and practices. It highlights the need to promote, preserve, and give wider awareness to local traditions that embody deep cultural wisdom. In an era where indigenous practices are often overshadowed by modern systems, this scholarly work underscores that these traditions are not merely remnants of the past but vital frameworks that continue to shape identity, governance, and social cohesion within communities.

Mr. Reginio’s initiative, together with the contributions of Prof. Tahil and Asst. Prof. Dino and the editorial guidance of its editor, Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan, SPJRD Chief Editor, AB English Language Program Head and NBDB Certified Author and Editor, reflects a shared dedication to advancing indigenous knowledge. Their collective work demonstrates not only strong academic commitment but also a deep respect for Tau Sug cultural heritage. They help uplift perspectives that have long been overlooked, bringing forward traditions that deserve broader recognition and understanding.

The publication of this book is expected to inspire further research, enrich academic discourse, and foster a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Tau Sug people. It serves as a reminder that recognizing and valuing indigenous knowledge systems and practices is essential in building inclusive, culturally grounded, and socially just land governance.

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Article by: Ashlee Jane S. Inso
PubMat by: Kevin Lawrence Flores