Sarangani eyes first welfare, development code for IPs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--Officials in Sarangani are pushing for the passage and implementation before yearend of the province's Comprehensive Indigenous Peoples (IP) Welfare and Development Code.

Fulong Fredo Basino, the provincial board's IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), said Wednesday they are set to conduct a series of public hearings and consultations for the IP Code.

Basino said that if passed, the code will be the first ever crafted by a local government unit (LGU) in the entire country.

He said they are targeting to complete the public hearings in all seven municipalities in the province by October.  

These would be facilitated by the Provincial Legal Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, he said.

"This is a landmark measure and we're hoping to be the first ever LGU to implement it," Basino said in a statement.

The proposed code was crafted by the IPMR's office to support the provincial government's flagship Sulong Tribu program, and endorsed by Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Gov. Elmer de Peralta.

Basino said the proposed 40-page IP Code mainly complements the provisions of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA).

He said the code further defines the benefits and protections due to the IP or tribal communities as provided in the Constitution.

"To properly address the poverty problem, more focus should be given on the plight of our IP communities, especially those in the remote areas," he said.

He said studies showed that poverty incidence remains high in areas inhabited by the IPs, including those within the province, home to the B'laan, T'boli, Tagakaulo, Manobo and Ubo tribes.  

Once the IP Code is approved, Basino said they will immediately craft a development masterplan and investment plan for the IPs. (PNA)