government, particularly the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP),
relies on estimates based on outdated figures. More than a decade has passed since the
recognition of the rights of ICCs/IPs through the passage of the landmark legislation
and trailblazer that is IPRA but there is still a dearth of information and disaggregated
data on the exact population of our indigenous brothers and sisters.
This bill seeks to remedy this absence by formally including the ethnicity and
ethno-linguistic variable in our national census. Furthermore, it requires that there be
enumerators or census data gatherers who are trained by the NCIP on the different
ethno-linguistic groups all over the country and the proper manner of asking culturallysensitive questions pertaining to ethnicity. It is only through this knowledge that we
can effectively make policies that will truly promote their welfare and address their
pressing needs. In view of the following, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
Senator