NCIP celebrates Indigenous Peoples Month, 15th IPRA anniversary this October

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, October 11 - - The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) commemorates this October, the 15^th Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) anniversary with the theme, “IPRA ay Gabay sa Kaunlaran. Isaisip, Ipabatid at Isakatuparan.”

In a media forum, NCIP Regional Director Salong M. Sunggod expressed his gratitude to the media for being their close partners in its advocacy efforts to bring about an empowered indigenous cultural community,    

Sunggod said RA 8371 otherwise known as IPRA recognizes, protects and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples.

Activities in consonance with the celebration include: Housing assistance program in cooperation with the National Housing Authority and LGU Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur; awarding of Educational Assistance Program to deserving IP students; coconut seeding distribution with the support of the Philippine Coconut Authority, IP community fora; and NCIP staff reorientation program, among others.

Aside from this, Sunggod said “NCIP lends support to Schools of Living Tradition and other IP community schools.” The office also offers legal assistance to the IPs.

“Among the frontline services of NCIP is the ancestral land delineation and titling services to its clientele. We also provide social and cultural support services as well as livelihood and entrepreneur projects,” Sunggod explained. “There are other various services offered by the office,” he added.   

He further said because of the low educational capability of the IPs, they likewise sponsor capability and skills training   to its clientele.

“We are working not only towards the recognition of the rights of our indigenous peoples but also to improve the lives of our IPs, following the mandate of President Benigno C. Aquino III which is “Daang Matuwid.”   

“We are serious in our campaign for “Daang Matuwid” and we will not hesitate to file charges against those erring employees,” he opined.

Sunggod also asked the media to be vigilant and to report whatever alleged irregularities committed by NCIP personnel for proper investigation and action of their office. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)