BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People Vicky Tauli - Corpuz outlined that  aside from the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), attaining regional autonomy in  the Cordillera is another bright opportunity to protect the rights and bring development to the  IP communities in the region.

Corpuz shared that during her stint as UN Rapporteur, she has seen that autonomous municipalities in Mexico and Equador (even without a region helping them) are really vibrant as they are being run by the IPs themselves. They run their own schools, use their traditional knowledge and even the justice system they use are very extensive.

“We know that there are a lot of stories that autonomy is bad but we need to dis-abuse our minds on some of these false news because as I have said, many of the autonomous municipalities that I saw are managed and governed in a much better way than the other communities,” Corpuz said.  

“Autonomous communities also maintain the highest level of biodiversity and cultural diversity so that’s the other thing about self-governance and that is another opportunity for us and our law recognizes that,” she added.

Corpuz was the keynote speaker during   launching of the IP Month celebration in Cordillera and in  commemoration of the 25th Year of IPRA held at the BIMAAK Hall here last  October 4 led by  the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples(NCIP)-CAR  headed by  Regional Director Atanacio Addog.

 NCIP Commissioner for CAR and Region 1 Gary Cayat, meanwhile   outlined the importance on   focusing more on the gains of the IPRA and in pushing for a whole – of – nation - approach   to further strengthen the protection of IP rights and welfare especially the rights to ancestral domain and lands, self – governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights, and cultural integrity.

“After 25 years,  let us see our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and strength and with a whole – of – nation approach, we will try to reflect  so that our identity and welfare as indigenous people and as Filipinos  in general will be well protected,”  Cayat stressed.

Other guests include National Economic and Development Authority – CAR Director Susan Sumbelling, Technical Education and Skills Development   Director Jovencio Ferrer and Regional Development Council Private Sector Representative on IP Concerns Edna Tabanda. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)