11 May 2023 | National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Commission En Banc conducted deliberation on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA between NCIP, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in NCIP Central Office, Quezon City.

 

NCIP were represented by Chairperson Allen A. Capuyan, Ethnographic Commissioners, and Bureau Directors; also present, Bugkalot ICC/IP Leaders and Elders; while PSALM and NIA were present via Zoom Meeting.

 

During the deliberation, agreements stipulated in the MOA were clarified by NIA and PSALM to NCIP. Minor revisions were also cited to ensure proper documentation to finalize the MOA.

The MOA is a product of a successful negotiations and consultation between NIA, PSALM and the Bugkalot ICC/IP geared to benefit their interests and wellbeing. Hence, Bugkalot Elders/Leaders signed a resolution allowing Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) to continue in Provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

 

NCIP will never waiver to perform its mandates, upholding the rights of ICCs/IPs to be respected, recognize, promoted, and protected.

 

This activity ensures the attainment of ICCs/IPs Right to develop lands and natural resources under Rights to Ancestral Domains/Lands to uplift the interest and wellbeing of our ICCs/IPs with due regard to belief, customs and traditions, and institutions.