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MMA 231
4. To recognize the inherent right of the ICCs/IPs/TPs to self-governance and selfdetermination and to respect the integrity of their values, practices and institutions.
Consequently, the Regional Government shall guarantee the right of indigenous
peoples to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development and establish
the means for the full development/empowerment of the ICCs’/IPs’/TPs’ own institutions
and initiatives and, where necessary, provide the resources needed therefore.
5. To protect the rights of the ICCs/IPs/TPs to their ancestral domain to ensure their
economic, social and cultural well being. The Regional Government shall recognize the
applicability of customary laws governing property rights or relations in determining the
ownership and extent of ancestral domain.
Sec. 4. Recognition of Rights. – The Regional Government shall recognize and promote
the rights of ICCs/IPs/TPs as defined in, but not limited to, the 1987 Constitution, the Organic Act
[RA 9054], the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act [RA 8371], the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the International Declaration on Human Rights. Said rights
shall include, among others, the following:
1. The right to practice and revitalize their own cultural traditions, indigenous beliefs and
customs, including the free exercise of their religions.
2. The right to use their own commonly accepted justice systems, conflict resolution
institutions, peace building processes or mechanisms and other customary laws and
practices within their respective communities and as may be compatible with the
national legal system and other internationally recognized human rights.
3. The right to be free from any form of discrimination.
4. The right to self-governance and self-determination, including, the right to determine
and decide their own priorities for development, and to maintain and develop their own
indigenous political structures.
5. The right to participate fully, if they so choose, at all levels of decision-making in matters
which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by
them, and to participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies,
plans and programs for regional and local development. Consequently, the Regional
Government shall ensure that the ICCs/IPs/TPs shall be given mandatory
representation in policy making bodies and other local legislative councils.
6. The right to an informed and intelligent participation in the formulation and
implementation of any project, government or private, that will affect or impact upon the
ancestral domains and to receive just and fair compensation for any damages which
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