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