02 April 2024 | To promote Indigenous Culture studies and to raise awareness about the different Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
The partnership aims to pursue collaborative research projects in the future and to establish an Indigenous Peoples’ corner within the premises of the PUP Library, respectively.
As part of the partnership, NCIP shall facilitate the process of acquiring Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) from concerned ICCs for the research and field visitations to be conducted. Other collaborative projects were also discussed during the signing such as the formulation of a framework for the provision of scholarships to IP Youth seeking admission at PUP, participation of NCIP in the 120th Founding Anniversary celebration of PUP in October, and the participation of PUP in the lecture series of the NCIP Indigenous Peoples Research and Development Program (IPRDP).
Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las and Executive Director Mervyn H. Espadero signed the MOU and MOA for and on behalf of the NCIP. Correspondingly, the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development, Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, inked the partnership for PUP.
To cap the event, PUP University Library Director Ms. Marcela R. Figura, RL, MLIS, led the ocular inspection of the proposed areas for the establishment of Indigenous Peoples’ corner. Two (2) sets of Coffee Table Books and copies of NCIP Annual Accomplishment Reports were turned over to PUP as initial reference materials.
Also in attendance in this important milestone are the personnel of the NCIP Office of Education, Culture, and Health (OECH) led by Director Engr. Mary Grace P. Buasen and Education and Culture Development Division (ECDD) Chief, Ms. Jordine Rose R. Ocon. Also present to witness the momentous event are the key officers and faculty members of PUP.
