Championing Indigenous Empowerment: The Advocacy of Timothy Cruz (“Datu Puti”)
Kronenthal Holdings Inc. (KHI) is built on a philosophy of nation-building that extends beyond infrastructure and investment. At the heart of this commitment is Timothy Cruz, Corporate Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of Business Development of KHI. Also known in Pampanga by his tribal name “Datu Puti”, where he serves as a tribal chieftain and active member of the Tribal Council for Aremdumstrico (AETA REMONTADO DUMAGAT TRIBE).
Timothy’s lifelong advocacy focuses on supporting, educating, and empowering Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) throughout the Philippines. Grounded in Republic Act 8371, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), this work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that Indigenous identity is recognized, protected, and uplifted in a fast-modernizing nation.
A Lifelong Commitment to Cultural Integrity
Through active engagement with tribal leaders, elders, and community members across Luzon, Timothy helps bridge ancestral culture with contemporary support systems. His role emphasizes:
- safeguarding cultural identity and heritage
- educating communities on their rights under RA 8371 (IPRA)
- connecting tribes to programs that support livelihood, education, and representation
These efforts nurture cultural confidence and create pathways for younger generations to grow while honoring their roots.
Supporting Education, Livelihood, and Self-Governance
Aligned with KHI’s broader mission of inclusive development, Timothy’s tribal advocacy focuses on three core pillars:
1. Education & Rights Awareness:
Workshops and community sessions equip IP communities with knowledge of their rights to ancestral domains, cultural preservation, and self-governance under RA 8371.
2. Livelihood & Socio-Economic Assistance
He helps facilitate partnerships that support livelihood training, micro-enterprise development, and preservation of cultural crafts.
3. Strengthening Tribal Leadership
As “Datu Puti,” Timothy participates in regional tribal councils, representing community concerns and fostering unity among various IP groups.
Cultural Immersion and Community Engagemen
Whether attending rituals, assemblies, or traditional gatherings, Timothy ensures that tribal voices are heard and respected. His engagement is not ceremonial it is participatory, hands-on, and rooted in genuine collaboration.
These interactions reinforce a vital message: Indigenous heritage is a living identity, deserving space and representation in modern Philippine society.
Honoring Tradition While Building the Future
As KHI expands its national initiatives across housing, digital access, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics, Timothy ensures that Indigenous voices remain part of the nation’s development narrative.
His advocacy demonstrates that nation-building is not only about structures and systems. It is about people, identity, heritage, and dignity.
Through his dual role as a corporate leader and tribal chieftain, Timothy Cruz (“Datu Puti”) embodies KHI’s commitment to an inclusive, respectful, and culturally grounded future for the Philippines.
Empowerment in Action
Across various community visits, Timothy’s work includes:
Distributing support and resources
Assisting in tribal member documentation
Participating in rituals and cultural rites
Facilitating community dialogues
Helping deliver emergency or welfare assistance
These engagements embody the true heart of his advocacy: showing up for communities, honoring traditions, and standing with them in moments that matter.
