18 April 2024 | To convey the insights and experiences of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of the Philippines to the United Nations, NCIP joined multiple UNPFII side events.

With the continuing 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), side events that tackle specific pressing issues were placed, providing venue for the forum participants to voice out their opinions, insights, and/or experiences. Further, the outcomes of the side events serve as a reference for the crafting of policies that uphold the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples.

In connection, NCIP actively participated in the following side events: 1.) Advancing Human Rights, Social Equity, Shared Prosperity, and Sustainability in Just Transition; 2.) Paving the Way for Future Generations: Reclaiming Indigenous Rights and Collaborating with State Governments for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Relations; 3.) Understanding what is needed to protect our Indigenous Knowledge systems: A conversation of the Revitalize the Roots Initiative; 4.) Enhancing Indigenous Youth Rights to Self Determination: Contributions from the Indigenous Fund; 5.) Identity Fraud and Indigenous Self-Determination – Perspective of Abenaki Youth; and 6.) Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination from the Indigenous Navigator on Autonomy, Customary Law and Indigenous Peoples’ Own Institutions.

In the involvement of NCIP on the side event about Advancing Human Rights, Social Equity, Shared Prosperity, and Sustainability in Just Transition, Commissioner Gaspar A. Cayat asked for an Indigenous Community Model on Renewable Energy. Also, Bae Rurelyn Bay-Ao shared a message that underscores her experiences and identity as an Indigenous Youth in the Philippines. Subsequently, on the side event about Understanding what is needed to protect our Indigenous Knowledge systems: A conversation of the Revitalize the Roots Initiative that was attended by Commissioner Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano, he emphasized the critical role of governments and the urgency to strengthen the Indigenous Knowledge, Systems, and Practices (IKSP) preservation and protection efforts.

Through these kinds of engagements, representation of the ICCs/IPs of the Philippines to the global governing bodies is attained, ensuring the recognition and promotion of their rights as natives of the country.

Also present during the side events are the other members of the NCIP delegation led by Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las.