Newly assumed NCIP-9 regional director recognizes rights, welfare of IPs

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, January 9--- The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP-9) gives great importance in recognizing the rights of possession and ownership of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in their ancestral domains that have been identified and delineated according to the law.

In the ZDS Online News interview with Julius Mabini, the recently appointed regional director of NCIP-9 who replaced Marita Minao, revealed that he will fully implement the programs, activities and projects (PAPs) of their office.

It can be recalled that Mabini, the former NCIP provincial director assumed as the new OIC-Regional Director after he was appointed by Chairperson Jenifer Pia Sibug-las on December 20, 2023 to manage the affairs of NCIP-9.

Mabini said that he will also implement Indigenous Representation in the Local Legislative Council (LLCs) so that the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) have the right to fully participate in decision-making and create their own indigenous people structures.

"This year, we will try to have IPMRs that can sit in the barangays, towns and provinces so that they can bring the voice of the IPs to the local legislative councils. We also hope that they will complete their documents so that the selection of IPMRs can be done smoothly," said Mabini.

As the person in charge of the office, Mabini said that he will also convene a regional summit for IP leaders in the region so that they can comprehensively discuss the Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997 or the IPRA Law and at the same time, they will create sets of officers for IP leaders.

He also said that as the sitting RD, he will render his sincere service to the ICCs and IPs where he will also always implement his slogan "Putulin ang Mali, Panatilihin ang Tama" to promote good governance.

The head of NCIP-9 also urged the tribes not to hesitate to approach their office saying the NCIP was created by the national government to protect and promote the interest and well-being of ICCs/IPs. (gcc/The Pagadian Times)