The IP Champions’ 10-Point Policy Roadmap is crafted by Indigenous leaders and advocates from the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples of Tëduray, Lambangian, Mënubu Dulangan and Arumanën Në Mënuvu communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the Ayangan, Kalanguya, Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Bago, Isnag, Applai and Kalinga communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region to amplify the political participation and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. This strategic framework outlines key recommendations spanning representation, recognition, and rights, with a resolute focus on inclusivity, self-determination, and promoting indigenous knowledge and perspective. The roadmap envisions an enriched future where indigenous voices resonate in governance and policy, fostering a harmonious tapestry of heritage and advancement.

 

While the initial draft of this roadmap was first presented to government stakeholders on August 9, 2023, in commemoration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the final version was unveiled during the culminating forum of the 3-year IP Champions project in Manila on October 24-25, 2023. This project represents a collaborative initiative between International IDEA and IAG, generously supported by the European Union.

 

Join us in championing this cause, as we pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future for all Indigenous communities!

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1. Respect and recognition of Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) to enhance political representation and participation

Recognition and empowerment: Strengthen and enact policy mandating Local Government Units (LGUs) to respect, recognize and empower Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) within their jurisdictions. This policy directive shall encompass self-governance rights, Indigenous leadership recognition, and meaningful engagement in decision-making processes and developmental planning anchored in the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and other international legal frameworks recognizing indigenous peoples' rights.

Guidelines for collaboration: Develop comprehensive guidelines for collaborative roles, responsibilities, and mechanisms between LGUs, IPS and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs). These guidelines will foster effective communication, informed consent, and conflict resolution, ensuring a harmonious partnership that respects and advances Indigenous Peoples welfare and interests in local governance and development.

 

2. Ancestral Domain Protection and Management

Facilitation of the delineation and issuance of CADT to ICCs/IPs: Create a streamlined and effective procedure for the delineation and issuance of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), and pending delineation awards incorporating the knowledge of indigenous communities, government entities, and pertinent stakeholders. Expedite boundary conflict resolutions, simplify processes and allocate appropriate funding support to ensure the attainability of Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) in ancestral domains.

 

3. Ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)

Robust enforcement of FPIC procedures: Formulate all-encompassing and uniform directives for the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) across diverse sectors and scenarios including policy formulation and development. Creation of guidelines that facilitate Indigenous research and educational development and recognize the role of Indigenous Peoples Structures in the issuance of consent.

The directives should clearly delineate the necessary stages, timeframes, and assigned roles to acquire and uphold FPIC by all stakeholders.

 

4. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP)

IKSP in all levels of education:  Mandate the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in curriculum development across various subjects in basic and higher education ensuring cultural integrity and gender sensitivity learning materials reflecting indigenous worldviews and values as reflected in tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

IKSP in development programs: Develop and implement policies that mandate the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in the planning, design, and execution of services, projects and programs across relevant agencies and development institutions ensuring the inclusion of indigenous perspectives.

 

5. Empowering Indigenous Peoples Engagement and Recognition of Indigenous Perspectives in Climate Action

Inclusion of IP role and perspectives in climate action: Adopt and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and active Indigenous people's participation in government and non-government initiatives for climate action, disaster response, food security, resilience, and well-being.

 

6. Addressing Human Rights Violations and Abuse

Upholding human rights:   Continuing education and information campaign on human rights and human rights mechanisms and strengthening community-based dialogues and conversations towards effective interventions and enforcement of accountability on human rights abuses.

Addressing human rights abuses and historical injustices thru transitional justice and reconciliation:   Utilize tools for transitional justice and reconciliation to address issues and adopt alternative dispute resolution and the indigenous tribal justice system.

 

7. Fast-Tracking the Enactment of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Code in BARMM

Recognition of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the BARMM IP Code: Fastrack the enactment of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Code as one of the priority legislative agenda of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

 

8. Establishing Cordillera Regional Autonomy

The Cordillera Autonomous Region Organic Act.

Accelerate the enactment of an Organic Act for the Cordillera Autonomous Region that has benefitted from an extensive consultation with Indigenous Peoples and multi-cultural stakeholders in the region, for the exercise of the right to self-determination and autonomy.

 

9. Empowering Indigenous Peoples' Youth and Women

Strengthening Indigenous Youth and Women's political engagement and empowerment: Ensure the representation, participation and capacitation of Indigenous women and youth in regional and national bodies with the enactment of legislative measures and provision of relevant support. Address the multiple forms of gender-based discrimination and violence.

 

10. Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Sustainable Livelihoods.

Food Sovereignty and sustainable livelihoods. Ensure the respect of Indigenous peoples' rights to healthy and culturally relevant food and livelihood ecosystems that promote diversity, harmony and balance with nature and spiritual beliefs.