By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Photo by: Reigh John Bench Almendras /The LANCE
The National Service Training Program (NSTP) in collaboration with the Letran Psychology Society (LPS), conducted the last event of its 2024 Lecture Series entitled ‘Lupa ng Araw: Crusading Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to Ancestral Lands and Their Role in Environmental Protection’ on Nov. 26 at the Student Center (SC) Auditorium.
The event highlighted the significance of the promotion of indigenous peoples’ (IP) rights amidst booming modernization, as it challenges the implementation Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of the Philippines.
The panel of speakers featured Mr. Cris Dominique Soltes from 4th year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Mr. Pascual A. Patting Jr., Chief Officer of Human Rights Division - Office on Empowerment and Human Rights of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and a ‘royal-blooded’ representative of Aeta-Hungey tribe from Capaz, Tarlac.
In his thesis presentation about the vulnerability of IPs in Tarlac due to the construction of the New Clark City, Mr. Soltes highlighted the significance of collaborative response of youth in promoting IP rights through research.
“Kaya sana, in choosing your thesis, huwag niyong kalilimutan ang IPs. Kailangan nila tayo bilang tagapagtaguyod ng kanilang karapatan.” Mr. Soltes stated.
Representing the NCIP, a government-mandated agency responsible in promoting IPs’ rights and welfare, Mr. Patting Jr. elaborated the flow of process in IP communities, and pointed out the process of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) which pertains to inclusion of IPs in land-related discussions by the government that can affect their lives.
“Malaking hamon ang FPIC ngayon dahil matagal na proseso siya, but we are trying our best na ipatupad ang mandato ng IPRA.” he stated.
A representative from Aeta-Hungey tribe considered to possess ‘royal-blood’ due to their lineage as a descendants of the first inhabitants of their community, highlighted the pride everyone must see in IPs, encouraging students to visit Capaz, Tarlac to experience the environment and culture they possess.
“Ang lupain namin, napakalawak.. hindi kami nagkakasasakit dahil sa mga dasal namin sa anito.. bumisita po kayo sa amin kapag kayo ay may oras upang makita ninyo ang yaman ng aming lugar.” they stated.
The program, as shared by NSTP Chairperson John Renzo M. Espinosa, is a way of calling students to promote IP rights and considering IP as a research topic to explore.
In its closing remarks, the NSTP Department shared its initial plan for a wide call for volunteers in 2025 with partner organizations outside Letran-Manila with dates and details to announce once furnished.