The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is committed to protect the rights of Indigenous Cultural Community/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) as to all Filipino in the country; part of the agency’s mandate is to recognize, promote and conserve ICCs/IPs culture and heritage.

This plan to preserve ICCs/IPs culture and traditions are documented in NCIP’s Project Epanaw meaning “journey” aims to inform the public of the richness of our ICCs/IPs’ identity and history.

“Through this project (Epanaw), NCIP seeks to pay tribute and memorialize the identities and rituals of the Indigenous Peoples as well as to highlight the importance of protecting their ancestral domains.” Secretary Allen A. Capuyan, NCIP Chairperson said at the launch.

Phase 1 of the project featured three (3) coffee books which was launched simultaneously at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City and SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on 14 March 2022. The event was in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The first CTB entitled, “Pagkilala” (Recognize) introduces the different ICCs/IPs from the different regions in the country, providing a glimpse of their daily lives, homes and living conditions. “Paggalang” (Respect), the second CTB, captivates readers with ICCs/IPs colorful festivals; sacred rituals and rites; and daily customs.  Lastly, “Pagtaguyod” (Promote) presents Ancestral Domains eco-tourism potential as a mechanism to further increase awareness on ICCs/IPs to protect their wellbeing.

Also, part of the Project Epanaw’s launching was a Photo Exhibit portraying ICCs/IPs in their garments, usage of their hunting weapons and other articles used in their daily lives. The event also initiated the Commencement of Indigenous Peoples Research and Development Program (IPRDP).