a) Ensure that capability building mechanisms are instituted and ICCs/ IPs are afforded every opportunity, if they so choose, to participate in all levels of decision-making; b) Ensure that the Basic Human Rights and such other rights as the NCIP may determine, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations are protected and promoted; c) To assist ICCs/IPs work out an appropriate interface between customary political structures and self-governance with the mainstream machinery for governance including the establishment and administration of tribal barangays and support for autonomous regions; d) To ensure that the basic elements of free and prior informed consent are present and are complied with in all instances when such must be secured; e) To study and establish models for appropriate interface in tribal and non-tribal governance; f) Facilitate the participation of ICCs/IPs in all national and international fora where their effective representation is required; g) Conduct researches on the IP women and youth situation including their basic human rights situation and recommend programs for their development in accordance with indigenous practices; h) Empower ICCs/IP communities through community organizing; and i) Perform such other functions as the Commission may deem appropriate and necessary. Section 7. Administrative Office. This office shall provide the NCIP with economical, efficient and effective services pertaining to personnel, finance, records, equipment, security, supplies and related services. It shall: a) Study and recommend the organizational and functional set up of the Commission, and to upgrade and develop personnel skills through a comprehensive program, taking into special consideration issues of ethnicity and divergence in ethnic origins of the staff and the diversity of cultures of its ICC/IP clientele; b) Develop systematic records management including systems for participating in the electronic communications highway; c) Develop and maintain a personnel program which shall include recruitment, selection, appointment, transfer, performance evaluation and employee relations; d) Administer the Ancestral Domain Fund; and e) Perform such other functions as the Commission may deem appropriate and necessary. Section 8. Legal Affairs Office. The Legal Affairs Office shall : a) Advise the NCIP on all legal matters concerning ICCs/IPs; b) Provide ICCs/IPs with legal assistance in litigation involving community interest; c) Act as the general counsel of the NCIP in all cases, in collaboration with the Office of the Solicitor General; d) Conduct preliminary investigation on the basis of complaints filed by the ICCs/ IPs against natural or juridical persons believed to have violated ICCs/IPs rights. On the basis of its findings, it shall initiate the filing of appropriate legal or administrative action to the Commission; e) Initiate legal or administrative action as the case may be, against any person or government agency believed to be have violated any of the rights of ICCs/IPs; Page 35