On 19th July 2023, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) conducted an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) Summit at the Camelot Hotel in Quezon City.
Representing NCIP were Chairperson Capuyan together with 6 Ethnographic Commissioners, Executive Director Mervyn Espadero, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors; while 97 IPMRs represented their respective Local Government Units (LGU); also present, as resource persons, were Attorney Prisco Rivera Jr. from the Civil Service Commission and Philippine Councilors’ League Executive Director Helario Caminero.
The intent of Summit is to create a National IPMR League to attain a sustainable network of IP Representatives in advancing regional, provincial, local, and national plans for peace and development in Ancestral Domains/Ancestral Lands (ADs/ALs).
Commissioners Jeorge Largado delivered opening remarks calling for unity and love for community among IPMRs to start peace and development in their communities; while Commissioners Gaspar Cayat and Simplicia Hagad imparted their respective messages highlighting the unity, solidarity and teamwork in the pursuit of sustainable development. Likewise, NCIP Executive Director Mervyn Espadero lead the direction setting underscoring the value of unblemished, clean and honest public service.
During the summit, Ancestral Domain Office (ADO) Director Cesar Ortega presented the 11 Building Blocks and reiterated the protection of Ancestral Domains for the good and interest of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). After the presentation, Chairperson Capuyan underscored the importance customary laws and traditions to fully operationalize 11 Building Blocks.
Office on Empowerment and Human Rights Director Reynaldo Dingal, also, discussed Salient Point of Administrative Order No. 1, S. 2021 to IPMRs – emphasizing that the authority of IPMRs emanates from the Indigenous Political Structures of communities.
Part of the program was the Ulat sa Katutubo where in reports on accomplishments, projects, programs, and future activities were provided to attendees; Hon. Elpidio A. Quines Sr. presented for Luzon, Hon. Jennelyn Largado-Sacadan for Visayas, Former Commissioner Cosme Lambayon and Hon. Jimmy Guinsod for Mindanao.
With regard to securing civil service eligibility for IPs, Atty. Rivera discussed Constitutional Provisions, Barangay Official Eligibility, and Sanggunian Member Eligibility. The CSC will also conduct further assessment to align the CSC guidelines with IP customary laws and traditions.
Clarifications on IPMR selection, qualifications, and functions were made to create better resolution from CSC.
PCL Exec. Dir. Caminero conducted an orientation on capacity building for the Philippine Councilors League – Legislative Academy to supplement academic endeavor among IPMRs.
Also, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) exhibit was established in the venue to promote the ICCs/IPs rights
To cap the summit, NCIP provided Project Epanaw Coffee Table Books (CTB), 2022 Annual Accomplishment Report (AAR), and 11 Building Blocks Posters to participants and to resource persons, as well.
#NCIP #NCIPPArasaIP #IPMRSummit
