27 May 2024 | In support to their commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive development across all sectors of society, the World Bank launched its report entitled, “No Data, No Story: Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines”.
The report talks about the status of the Philippine Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in terms of available data on IP population, demography, poverty and inequality, status of Ancestral Domains (AD). The report is divided into three (3) major parts namely Indigenous Peoples Data and Statistics, Relationship between ADs, Lands, and Conflict, and the Indigenous Peoples living conditions and social cohesion. Further, the report underscored the specific roles of the government, funding institutions, and civil society organizations relative to uplifting the lives of Indigenous Peoples.
The report, also, provides a clear picture of IP Population distribution highlighting Northern Luzon and Greater Mindanao Area as the most IP populated areas in the country. Data on the prevalence of poverty among IP communities were likewise tackled during the report launching, providing basis for government agencies to enhance its IP engagement strategies and programs.
Leading the launching is World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, Dr. Ndiamé Diop together with Mr. Carlos Perez-Brito, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist and World Bank Senior Economist, Ms. Nadia Belhaj Hassine Belghith. Representing NCIP during the engagement are Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las and Commissioner Jeorge M. Largado along with the heads and representatives from the different NCIP to wit: Office on Education, Culture, and Health (OECH), Office on Policy, Planning, and Research (OPPR), Foreign Assisted Projects and International Relations Office (FAPIRO), Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns (OSESSC), Ancestral Domains Office (ADO), Legal Affairs Office (LAO), Office on Empowerment and Human Rights (OEHR), Administrative Services (AS), and the Office of the Executive Director (OED).
The event was held at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Nand was attended by leaders and representatives from different government agencies, civil society organizations, international organizations and other concerned stakeholders.
