Effectivity of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) policies and programs implemented in relation to RA 8731 as perceived by the indigenous peoples in Boracay and its implications

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the Level of Effectivity of NCIP Policies and Programs Implemented in relation to RA 8731 as perceived by the IP's of Boracay as well as its implications towards IP Rights provided under RA 8731. RA 8731 is a law enacted to recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples in the Philippines. The law further created the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples whose mandate is to sit and act as the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and programs to recognize, protect and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs. Notwithstanding the passage of RA8731, reports have revealed injustices among Indigenous People in terms of their Political, Economic, and Cultural rights due to inefficient use and non-exclusive control of their Ancestral Lands and other resources within such lands. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples implemented policies and programs for the protection of the IP’s political, economic, and cultural rights as embodied in the “Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development & Protection Plan (ADSDPP)”.This is in line with the mandate of the law to recognize and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs within the framework of national unity and development, respond to the strong expression of the ICCs/IPs for cultural integrity, recognize, respect, and protect their rights to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions.