The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will soon open a regional office in the Negros Island Region (NIR) to boost service delivery to an estimated 140,000 indigenous peoples in Negros and Siquijor.
The Commission en banc approved the establishment of the NCIP-NIR during its meeting at Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City on Tuesday, May 26.
“This is an important step to strengthen programs and services for indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the region,” the NCIP said in a statement.
The move responds to “the growing need for closer, faster, and efficient service” for indigenes in the NIR, covering programs such as ancestral domain protection, cultural preservation, social justice, and other key services for ICCs/IPs.
Following the approval, NCIP will carry out complete documentation, including the organizational structure, staffing pattern, and operational details of the new regional office.
“This will be in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the evaluation and allocation of corresponding funds,” it added.
Technical, legal, and budgetary requirements must be submitted to the DBM to ensure immediate approval of required funds for the office’s operation. Further announcements will be made once the DBM has completed and approved the required budget and relevant documents.
Six commissioners voted in favor of the approval: Commissioners Marie Grace Pascua, Alex Centena, Purisimo Tiam, Rhodex Valenciano, Alberto Lagamon, and Datu Marcelo Alejo Jr. *PNA
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