CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Indigenous Peoples (IP) or ethno-linguistic groups in Ozamiz City and nearby towns in Misamis Occidental were given reorientation on their basic human rights and other social services as provided by the government.
During the IP summit on Saturday (Dec. 15), discussions about Republic Act 8371 or the IP Rights Act (IPRA) were presented, including updates on existing and ongoing government programs for IPs.
The summit was organized by the local government of Ozamiz City, in partnership with the 10th Infantry Battalion and Alpha Company of the 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
The IP Summit was attended by representatives of all IP barangays in Ozamiz City, IP representatives from the 13 municipalities and the three cities of Misamis Occidental, and different national government agencies.
The information provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines did not specify whether the summit is organized yearly. Most of the participants are members of the Subanen indigenous cultural community.
The summit also included testimonials from rebel returnees, who are also Subanen, and information on the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that seeks to contribute towards achieving permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state groups, as well as facilitate the mainstreaming of former rebels. (PNA)
