Section 7: Right to Determine and Decide Own Development and Right to Develop
as Peoples. The ancestral domains of the ICCs/IPs is the foundation of their right to selfdetermination. As such the ICCs/IPs shall have the right to decide their own priorities for
development affecting their lives, beliefs, institutions, spiritual well-being and the lands they
own, occupy and use. Towards these ends, the ICCs/IPs shall participate in the formulation,
implementation and evaluation of plans, policies and programs for national, regional and local
development which may affect them.
The NCIP shall take special measures to guarantee the right of ICCs/IPs to pursue their
economic, social and cultural development at their own choice and pace and to ensure that
economic opportunities created by the government are extend to them based on freedom of
initiative and self-reliance.
Section 8. Tribal Barangays. The ICCs/IPs living in contiguous areas or communities
where they form the majority may form or constitute a separate barangay in accordance with the
Local Government Code. In consultation with the ICCs/IPs the NCIP, in close coordination with
the DILG shall formulate measures to ensure the implementation of the principle of Equivalent
Free Voting Procedure in such barangays in order to effectively recognize indigenous political
systems, leadership structures and governance in such barangays. The NCIP shall undertake
studies and propose legislative measures to ensure the applicability of traditional socio-political
structures and processes for local governance in ancestral domains/lands and geographic areas
occupied by ICCs/IPs.
Part II: Role of Peoples Organizations
Section 1. Right to Organize and Associate for Collective Actions. The NCIP shall
recognize the vital role of IPOs as autonomous partners in development and shall fully support
the development and empowerment of indigenous peoples organizations, or associations to
pursue and protect their legitimate and collective interests and aspirations.
In consultation with the Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs), the NCIP shall prepare
guidelines for strengthening the capability of the members which shall be culture sensitive and
shall cover, among others, the following:
a) Awareness and knowledge of IPRA and its IRR;
b) IPs’ holistic and sustainable development framework;
c) Research and documentation skills particularly in taking the testimonies of elders by way of
individual and group interviews;
d) Community Organization to include traditional leadership, community and cooperative value
system, socio-political structures and self advocacy;
e) Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) to include but not limited to
customary laws, traditions and practices; sustainable resource management systems and
practices; family and community life value systems;
f) Conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-building processes;
g) Project management; and
h) Networking and development work partnership with other POs, NGOs and GOs.
Section 2. Registration Requirements for Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPO).
For the purpose of acquiring legal personality, indigenous peoples’ organizations may register
with the NCIP.
The application for registration shall be filed with the concerned NCIP Provincial Office
with the following attachments:
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