THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No.
61
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VLLLAR JR.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution has very wisely given the highest priority to the protection and
promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural communities to ensure their economic, social and
cultural well-being.
Thus, in its declaration of principles and state policies, the Constitution in Article 2,
Section 22, provides that “the State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural
communities within the framework of national unity and development.” In its article on the
national economy and patrimony, the Constitution in Article 12, Section 5 provides that “the
State shall protect the rights of the indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands” and
expressly authorizes Congress to provide “for the applicability of the customary laws governing
property rights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral domain.” In its
provisions on education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports, the Article 14, Section
17 of the Constitution provides that “the State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of
indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and
institutions” and “shall consider their rights in the formulation of national plans and policies.”
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In light of the above provisions, it is imperative that the government should adopt policies
and programs for indigenous cultural communities. But to ensure that these policies and
programs be based on facts and an enlightened judgment, it is necessary to have a continuing indepth study of the indigenous cultural communities, who should also participate in such study.
This is the reason for the proposed creation of a center for studies on indigenous cultural
communities.
In view of the foregoing considerations, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.