DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) participated in the 2nd Mindanao Development Forum: Sustaining Strategic Partnership for Mindanao Peace and Development here.
The discussion focused on the government’s development priorities for Mindanao, said NCIP chairperson Allen Capuyan in an agency’s Official Facebook Page post.
“The event also aimed to foster collaboration between the Office of Development Assistance (ODA) with the community, private sectors, and the NCIP, all working towards aligned priorities,” he said.
Capuyan added that the forum sought to explore innovative strategies, promote meaningful dialogue, and forge powerful partnerships, all with the shared goal of unlocking the full potential of Mindanao.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), as a government agency, is tasked with promoting, coordinating, and facilitating the active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect socioeconomic development in Mindanao.
As part of the presenters in Sub-Group 7: Peace, Security, Governance and Institutions, Capuyan highlighted the significance of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in Mindanao.
He emphasized the Four Bundles of Rights, encompassing the 36 Specific ICCs/IPs Rights outlined in the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA), manifested and formulated within the comprehensive framework of the 11 Building Blocks.
He recommended the establishment of the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO) and recognition of the Ancestral Domain Defense System (ADDS), as also proposed the implementation of Healing and Reconciliation (HeRO) activities as a response mechanism to address Indigenous Peoples' Rights Violation (IPRV) within the ancestral domain.
During the breakout session, Capuyan stressed the urgency for the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA) to expedite the process and implementation of the IP Code in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“This measure aims to officially recognize the ICCs/IPs in their ancestral domain within the region. The call for prompt
action arises from the pressing issue faced by the Teduray ICCs/IPs, whose rights to the ancestral domain are not respected by the local community,” the NCIP chief said.
He added that the NCIP faces an obstacle in the form of a temporary restraining order (TRO), hindering the delineation process for the Teduray ICCs/IPs to secure their rightful claim to the ancestral domain.
In recognition of the NCIP's tireless efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of ICCs/IPs in the Philippines, Capuyan presented the Epanaw Coffee Table Books (CTBs) titled "Pagkilala," "Paggalang," and "Pagtaguyod" to Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. chairperson Charlito Z. Manlupig, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Presidential Assistant lawyer Wilben Mayor, Institute on Autonomy and Governance Executive Director lawyer Benedicto Bacani, and Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Christoph Wagner. (JBG/PIA XI/Story and photos by NCIP)
