Bontoc IPMRs cited for peace initiatives resolving tribal feuds

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in this capital town were cited recently for their role in resolving tribal and land conflicts among others. 

The provincial National Commission on Indigenous People office also commended town officials here for their full support to IPMRs coinciding during their 3rd quarter meeting with them.

The NCIP-provincial office headed by director Wilson Kalangeg awarded certificates of recognition to Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey and the Sanggunian Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen on Oct. 12, 2018.

Kalangeg, a lawyer said it was noteworthy that in Bontoc, the municipal IPMR is receiving the same benefit with that of SB members while the barangay IPMRs are receiving the same benefit of barangay kagawad.

Odsey said the presence of the IPMRs in the meeting was a manifestation of their commitment of their responsibilities in their respective communities.

Kabluyen added IPMRs have significant roles in the community regarding customary practices.

SB members Alsannyster Patingan said despite modernization, customary practices should be respected and observed.

He added that the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) should never be set aside as the community needs the wisdom and guidance of the elders.

SB member Viola Okko cited need to preserve customary practices as these contribute in balancing and maintaining brotherhood bond of villages. 

Coinciding with the celebration of the Indigenous People (IP) Month in October of every year, punong barangays and IPMRs were informed about provisions of IPRA, the four basic rights of Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), and other programs of the NCIP discussed by Juan Falinchao.

Engr. Carlito presented the legal basis of IPMR; the powers, functions, duties and mandates of IPMR and   the compensation and benefits of IPMRs which should not be subject to availability of funds.

In the same occasion, IPMRs in Bontoc proved that they continue to uphold customary laws and practices in their respective villages.

This was reflected in the reports of municipal IPMR Tomas F. Longatan  with IPMRs of Alab Oriente, Balili, Bayyo, Bontoc Ili, Caneo, Caluttit, Dalican, Gonogon, Mainit,  Poblacion, Talubin and Samoki when they reported their accomplishments on Oct. 12.

The IPMRs of Alab Proper, Guina-ang, Maligcong and Tocucan were not present due to important matters they attended to.

Among the highlighted accomplishments of the IPMRs were their involvement in resolving conflicts either within the community members or to neighboring and other community such as land disputes; practice of customary rituals in wedding, death, thanksgiving, community traditional practices and others; attendance to barangay council meetings and training; and participation in community activities such as clean-up drives.

Headed by the Bontoc municipal government through the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan and the NCIP- Provincial Office, the quarterly meeting of the IPMRs is an avenue for the latter to report their accomplishments, discuss IP issues and concerns and strengthen camaraderie among IPMRs in the locality.