PIA Press Release
2008/05/24
Davao City (24 May) -- The rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities, ancestral domain, ancestral lands should be protected and respected within the framework of national unity and development, thus said National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XI Director Atty. Roque N. Agton, Jr. during a media forum on Republic Act 8371 Thursday (May 22) held at the Yellowfin restaurant, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland Davao City.
Consultation and dialogue between tribal leaders and any group or group of persons, including corporations who want entry on any ancestral domain especially those which would ultimately affect the tribal communities, is a must.
IPs are peace-loving people but NCIPs admitted that there are those who remained skeptical about foreigners who wants entry in their ancestral lands. The IPs want to preserve their cultural heritage and protect their lands.
In an explanation on procedures for those who wish to enter ancestral lands, the NCIP said that proper dialogues will have to be sustained until a "win-win situation" and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) or understanding will be settled that should be agreeable between the two parties.
This MOA should be submitted to the NCIP legal division for further study and review prior to the endorsement to the NCIP regional director.
A media forum was called upon seeking media's help in disseminating correct information for the benefit of the tribal communities, the lumads, and IPs.
Participating during the discussions included NCIP ranking officials: Atty. Ariel Montaña, regional legal officer; Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, Chief, Administrative office; Engr. Elvie Jabines, Engr 111; Lilibeth Malabanan, MD; and Melody Balicat, legal officer.
Tribal leaders or elders who have been identified by the cultural community will be authorized by the community to sign while the NCIP regional director will submit recommendation to the central office, Manila for further study and approval of the entry of any corporation.
Ancestral domain comprises lands, coastal areas and natural resources occupied or possessed by IPs through their ancestors, while ancestral lands are those occupied by individuals, families and clans who are members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) and IPs since time immemorial through their predecessors.
As the NCIP officials call on the media practitioners to help them disseminate and widened correct information for the tribal communities, the media also requested simple materials that could be easily understood for discussion on the air with the assistance of qualified NCIP representative to explain on the IPRA law.
Director Agton lauded the cooperation of Davao media in responding to government's call for proper dissemination of information on NCIP program, projects and various laws especially the laws on the rights of IPs. (PIA)
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