ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has played a vital role in connecting the  Indigenous Cultural Community (ICCs)/Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to government agencies through virtual provincial leveling sessions

During the breakout session with government agencies in different regions, IPs and ICCs in Iligan City were able to air their concerns and sentiments. Among the concerns raised during the forum is the provision of livelihood support.

In response, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Lanao del Norte Provincial Fisheries Officer Noel M. Saldajeno shared that their agency offers scholarships to IPs/ ICCs who are senior high school graduates or graduating students, not more than 25 years old at the time of the examination. 

Interested applicants may contact BFAR Lanao del Norte office at 09652149743 for more details.

On the other hand, April Grace M. Racines of the Department of Agriculture Region 10 shared that their agency offers Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program. It is a special project of DA with NCIP that provides assistance to  ICCs and IPs in the form of agricultural and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities.

“Mainly ang 4Ks program, ang intervention ani, didto magbase sa request na ginahatag o ginasend dinhi from ICCs or IPO and others were endorsed from NCIP offices,” said Racines.

[Mainly the 4Ks program, this intervention is  ased on the request given or sent here from ICCs or IPOs and and others were endorsed from NCIP offices.]

The provincial leveling session is in line with the efforts of NCIP in partnership with the National  Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict  (NTF-ELCAC) to carry out the whole-of-nation approach in addressing peace and security concerns. (LELA/ PIA ICIC)