PIA Press Release
2008/05/30
By Rose B. Palacio
Davao City (30 May) -- Contrary to some reports, the government's implementation of the "Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) or Republic Act number 8371, is not anti-lumads.
The law provides the rights of the lumads or Indigenous Peoples (IPs), to protect their ancestral lands and ancestral domain as the government recognizes and promote the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples within the framework of national unity and development, said National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XI Director Roque N. Agton, Jr. during a media forum on RA 8371 held last week at the Yellowfin Resto, Ecoland, Davao City.
Director Agton urged tribal leaders to initiate constant dialogue to unite tribal cultural communities and let them understand government's programs which are geared for their own benefit.
It was learned that other tribal leaders are seeking support and justice to the deceptive manipulation of other outside elements that affected indigenous people, even outside region eleven.
Outside elements and rebel groups have manipulated the "lumads" just to get what they want from government or sometimes make use of the IPs as patibong to get what they (outside elements/groups)want.
Director Agton said that NCIP are looking into the complaints of cultural communities. Hindi naman kami nagpapabaya at inaasikaso naminang kanilang mga reklamo sapagka't tungkulin naming ang pakinggan at aksyunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, he said.
Under the law, NCIP is here to promote and enlighten the cultural communities on IPRA because the government ensures their protection and ensure their economic, social and cultural well being, Director Agton said. Other speakers during the forum include: Lilibeth Malabanan, MD, TMSD chief; Atty. Ariel Montaña, regional legal officer; Atty. Geroncio Aguio, Chief Administrative Officer; and Engr. Elvie Jabines, Engineer 111, NCIP XI. (PIA)
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