BUTUAN CITY – To enhance the services for the indigenous people (IP), the Agusan del Norte provincial government has approved an amendment to its IP Code requiring the establishment of assistance desks for tribal residents in key government offices.
“The amended IP Code now requires police stations, public hospitals, and rural health centers to provide assistance desks for the IPs in the province,” the Provincial Information Office (PIO) said in a statement Wednesday.
Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante approved the amendment on Sept. 16, PIO said, adding that the amendment also mandates municipal halls and other government centers to afford assistance desks in ensuring efficient services to IP residents.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan by Board Member Randy Catarman, the Provincial IP Mandatory Representative of the province, has been credited for advocating the amendments.
“I am thankful to the leadership of Gov. Amante and Vice-Gov. Corvera for this legislation. This will certainly benefit the thousands of IP residents in the province,” Catarman said.
He also recognized the support of SP colleagues and the National Commission on Indigenous People of Agusan del Norte on the amendments. (PNA)
