NCIP selects tribal tribal people’s rep to MP prov’l board

By Juliet B. Saley

SABANGAN, Mountain Province -- Alfredo Ramon of this municipality was selected Indigenous Peoples (IPs) mandatory representative in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. 

Provincial National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Officer Tomas Tawagen said Ramon was selected from among IPs representatives of ten town of the province.

Other selected IPs representatives include Ferdinand Charaychay in Barlig, Tomas Tanggacaan in Bauko, Ben Marrero in Besao, Esteban Ngoddo in Bontoc, Cornelio Tawaran in Natonin, Antonio Cayyog in Paracelis, Primo Somilao in Sadanga, Jaime Dugao in Sagada, and Hanzel Dominguez in Tadian. 

The creation of IPs mandatory representative in local legislative councils is pursuant to Section 16, Chapter IV of Republic Act 8371 on the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) of 1997 which provides that Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) have the right to participate fully, at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them as well and maintain, develop their indigenous political structures. 

NCIP Administrative Order No. 001,s. 2009 also provides the national guidelines for the mandatory representation of IPs in local legislative councils under, and the term of office of the IPs mandatory reps shall be for a period of three years from the date of assumption to office. 

The powers, duties and functions of IPs mandatory representatives shall be the same as that of the regular member of local legislative council as provided in the Local Government Code of 1991 and other applicable laws. 

However, IPs representatives shall focus on the representation of the collective interests of ICCs/IPs; ensure support for the sustained constitution and operations of the Indigenous Peoples Consultative Body (IPCB) in their respective areas of jurisdiction; and maintain the development and practice of ICCs/IPs traditional leadership titles and structures, justice systems, conflict resolution institutions, and peace building mechanisms and processes that are compatible with the national legal system and with internationally recognized human rights. 

Compensation, benefits and other emoluments of the IPs representative shall be the same with that of the regular members of the concerned legislative bodies as prescribed in the Local Government Code of 1991 and other applicable laws.