10 August 2023 | National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) conducted consultation meeting with representatives of Australian Embassy at the NCIP Central Office – Conference Room in Quezon City; the meeting was made possible through the efforts of NCIP’s Foreign Assisted Programs and International Relations Office.

The meeting aimed to consult stakeholders in the design of Australia’s Human Development Initiative, to strengthen social protection and extend gains in gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) program. Under the initiative, focus on enabling policy environment and sub programs as entry points for Australia’s development cooperation, particularly on Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

Further, Chairperson Capuyan underscored the importance of operationalization of 11 Building Blocks Framework of resilient, responsive, and relevant, Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) within their Ancestral Domains/Lands (ADs/ALs) as a possible collaborative framework to provide evidence-based and transformational strategies for the GEDSI program.

Ms. Georgina Harley-Cavanough, First Secretary of Australian Embassy appreciated the presentation and expressed the support of Australian Government with Philippine Government in implementation of GEDSI related programs for ICCs/IPs.

To conclude the meeting, the chairperson distributed Project Epanaw Coffee Table Books (CTBs), 2022 Annual Accomplishment Report, poster of 11 Building Blocks.