IP EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT. National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Lee Arroyo gives her message to leaders of indigenous peoples (IPs) at the closing of the Regional Indigenous Peoples Empowerment Summit (RIPES), which was held in Naga City from Oct. 14-15, 2019. RIPES coincided with the celebration of IP Month this October. (Photo courtesy of 9ID, Philippine Army)
LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 30 leaders of indigenous peoples (IPs) groups in Bicol were reoriented on their basic rights after attending the Regional Indigenous Peoples Empowerment Summit (RIPES) conducted early this week in Naga City.
Major Ricky Aguilar, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division, in an interview on Thursday, said the two-day summit focused on lectures about insurgency, peace, and order, community development, farming, entrepreneurship, agri-preneurship, and education.
The tribe leaders learned about the four bundles of rights ---the right to ancestral domain, right to self-governance and empowerment, right to cultural integrity, and right to social justice and human rights.
“IPs became one of the most vulnerable sectors of society in terms of Communist Terrorist Group's (CTG) infiltrations,” Aguilar said.
Being an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Elsa, a member of the Manide tribe from Capalonga town in Camarines Norte province, said the event was an eye-opener for them.
According to her, she only finished Grade 7 because her parents who are copra makers could not afford to send her to school.
As a member of the IP community, Elsa knew the importance of education, which she dreams of providing to her children. She felt fortunate to be chosen as their tribe's councilor.
National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Lee Arroyo, in her message, underscored the importance of the event in informing and educating the IPs about their entitlements and privileges.
"Ini po gabos simbag po ini duman sa apat nindong diretso. Bako lang an AFP, kami nagkaburunyog, nagkasararo, nagtatarabangan na may saro kaming papadumanan asin an samong thrust para sa improvement, sa ikakarahay kan mga tribo sa komunidad, (This is in response to your four bundles of rights. Not only the AFP, we harmonize, unite and help each other towards one goal and our thrust is for the improvement, for the betterment of the tribes in the community)," she said.
Major General Fernando Trinidad, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) commander, said that through the summit, IPs were allowed to learn about national security and made aware of the services of the government which are intended exclusively for them.
With the continuous effort of the government to bring them the services they need especially with the full implementation of Executive Order No. 70, the JTFB believes that it will leave no room for communist terrorists' ill motives.
The order unifies all government agencies in planning and implementing programs and projects for the communities in resolving insurgency.
The Army in Bicol said it is intensifying its focused military operations to stop the CTG from spreading harm, conducting extortion activities, and recruiting innocent civilians to join its useless cause.
Along with it is the continuing call for armed guerillas to follow the footsteps of their former comrades who already surrendered to the government and are now enjoying a more peaceful life with their families and friends.
Right now, with the RTF-ELCAC, more government agencies can assist rebels who will decide to return to the fold of the law.
Surrenderers can also enroll in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which gives educational, livelihood and housing assistance as well as remuneration for surrendered firearms.
The holding of the empowerment summit was in celebration of the Indigenous Peoples' Month this October. (PNA)
