On 20th 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, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors; while 97 IPMRs represented their respective Local Government Units (LGU); also present, as resource persons, were Department of Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Local Government Supervisor (DILG – BLGS) Director Debbie T. Torres.
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).
Commissioner Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano delivered his message underscoring the importance of IPMR, being the voice of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) to national government to realize the provisions in Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA); also, Commissioner Atty. Pinky Grace P. Pareja gave her message to remind all IPMRs to include intergenerational responsibility in preservation of culture and tradition for future generations.
BLGS Dir. Torres tackled the IPMR Remuneration and other benefits as Kagawad, Orientation on the Seal of Good Governance, and Discussion on the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling. IPMRs were oriented about benefits, core functions, and performance guidelines for the benefit of common welfare of ICCs/IPs in view of good governance mechanisms and practices.
During the summit, Dir. Torres facilitated an open forum about Implementing Rules and Regulation of IPMR selection and other matters in relation to IPMR responsibilities in view of the Local Government Code and other local guidelines.
The highlight of the summit is the selection of Interim National IPMR League Interim Officers; the selected officers took Oath of Office, administered by the NCIP Chairperson.
Chairperson Capuyan, delivered his closing remarks and reminded that IPMRs shall ensure that the rights and interests of ICCs/IPs are properly represented and protected in local legislative bodies, and advocated for inclusive and equitable local governance and sustainable development.
IPMR delegates appreciated NCIP’s support to create a National IPMR League, and committed to heed the call for unity to benefit the communities they represent.
To conclude the summit, Comm. Jennifer Sibug-Las emphasized the powerful voice of IPMRs to initiate change in their respective communities and correct the historical injustices that was once committed to ICCs/IPs.
#NCIP #NCIPParasaIP #IPMRSummit
