In a landmark gathering, over 330 Indigenous Peoples leaders, women, and youth from across the Philippines will participate in the Indigenous Peoples Consultative Body (IPCB) Summit on December 4-6, 2024, at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay. Organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the summit aims to strengthen the IPCBs and empower Indigenous communities through dialogue and capacity-building workshops.
The event “Pagpapalaganap at Pagpapatibay ng Lokal na Katutubong Sanggunian (IPCB) at Kasanayan ng mga Kinakatawan ng Katutubong Kababaihan at Kabataan,” with the theme: “Pagpapalakas ng Katutubong Pamayanan Ambag sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” aims to strengthen the role of Indigenous Peoples’ Consultative Bodies (IPCBs) and empower Indigenous Peoples women and youth.
The summit delves into the progress and challenges in implementing IPCB guidelines through workshops and discussions leading to strategic planning underscoring the importance of IP representation, Indigenous Political Structures, and IP advocacies with local government units.
The IPCB is one part of a comprehensive strategy to address historical injustices that have disadvantaged Indigenous Peoples since the colonial era. Established under Section 50 of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, it provides a platform for Indigenous Peoples leaders, elders, women, and youth to be convened by the NCIP and be advised on Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples’ (ICCs/IPs) needs, concerns, interests, and aspirations.
This summit builds on the progress made since the IPRA’s enactment, including the recognition of ancestral domains and mandatory Indigenous representation in local legislative councils, the strengthening of the free, prior, and informed consent process, and other programs and activities geared to empower ICCs/IPs and strengthen IPCBs in the country.
The NCIP invites stakeholders, policymakers, and media representatives to join this landmark event as it sets the future for the IPCB and its role in advancing Indigenous rights in the Philippines.
