DILG, Comelec, NCIP ink MOA on indigenous peoples' rights to vote

By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan

Tuesday 10th of July 2012

QUEZON CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to ensure the participation of country’s indigenous peoples in electoral processes particularly in next year’s May 13 national and local elections.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Comelec chairman Sixto S. Brillantes Jr., and NCIP chairperson Brigida H. Pawid forged the agreement at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila to boost the implementation of Comelec Resolution 9427, which provides for the registration of members of the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) or indigenous peoples (IPs).

“This is a significant development in government’s effort to promote and protect the rights of our indigenous peoples by enhancing their participation in governance,” Robredo said.

Following the promulgation of Resolution 9427, certain local government units in 14 regions were identified as pilot areas for purposes of registration.

The identified pilot areas include: for Region I the municipalities of Sugpon, Alilem, Cervantes Quirino, and Sta. Cruz, all in the province of Ilocos Sur; Region II Kayapa, Nueva Ecija; Region III , Capas, Tarlac; Region IV-A Gen. Nakar, Quezon; Region IV-B; Mindoro (Oriental and Occidental); Region V, Buhi, Camarines Sur; Region VI, Valderama, Antique; Region IX, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, and Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur; Region X, Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental; Region XI, Malita, Davao del Sur and Talaingod, Davao del Norte; Region XII; Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Region XIII, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; ARMM, South Upi, Maguindanao, and CAR , Bakun, Benguet.

Robredo explained the agreement will cover the registration, voters' education, and voting of IPs in the identified pilot areas in connection with the 2013 elections.

DILG will also provide through its attached agencies and local government units logistical support such as police assistance and transportation of machines and personnel to the pilot areas, while the Comelec will conduct the actual registration of IPs, as well as establish polling places in the pilot areas.

On the other hand, NCIP will provide manpower in the ground, who will form part of the team that will conduct registration, voters education and voting, as well as assist in the information dissemination of the electoral activities for IPs in the pilot areas. (DILG/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)