19 April 2024 | Maximizing the opportunity to promote the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 and the NCIP initiatives in support of Indigenous Youth development, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in partnership with the Philippine Consulate, United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), Junior Chamber International (JCI) North Jersey, Women’s Federation for World Peace International, and the International Women Artists (IWA) hosted a parallel event to the ongoing 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The event entitled “Advancing Indigenous Peoples Rights: Exploring the Impact of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 ” aims to share with the international community the legislative practices of the Philippines that foster the recognition, protection, and promotion of the rights of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, particularly that of Indigenous Youths.

During the event, Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las together with the Ethnographic Commissioners of NCIP provided a detailed discussion on the 4 bundles of rights of the ICCs/IPs as stipulated in the IPRA. Subsequently, programs and projects of the NCIP that focus on the development of Indigenous Youth were highlighted in view of the theme of the 23rd session of the UNPFII.

Further, Bae Rurelyn Bay-Ao shared her story and experiences being an Indigenous Youth in the Philippines. She also shed light on the challenges and adversities faced by IP youth in the country, as well as the assistance extended to her by the Philippine government.

The event was held in the Kalayaan Hall Annex of the Philippine Center in New York and was stream live through different media platforms. Further, present to show support to NCIP is His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, Permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.