DAET, Camarines Norte—The much-awaited housing units were received by 23 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) families locally known as “Manide” at Sitio Calibigaho, Barangay Osmena, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte recently.

This was the first housing project ever implemented at the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) in the Bicol Region according to Agnes Salvino, Provincial Management Development Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Camarines Norte.

She said that out of 58 targeted housing units, 24 were partially turned over to IP families based on the consensus of the Manide community in the area. The remaining 33 houses are expected be awarded this year.

Each of the housing units was built on a 25- square meter lot with a vacant area at the back where the Manide can build their traditional house or “Butukan”.

The project was a result of the collaboration of the NCIP for the leg work of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), and the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the funding. The local government unit of Jose Panganiban will ensure that the project is implemented and housing units are constructed.

The housing units are already provided with electricity, potable water, and a daycare center. The IP's  are also set tol rehabilitate their tribal hall.

Livelihood programs were also in place, like  honey-bee production, vegetable farming, livestock, and handicraft samong others. Concerned govermment agencies will also assist and support the other needs of the IPs. 

The housing project was realized through the request of the Manides followed by the passing of  a resolution of the Osmena Brgy. Council and later by the Jose Panganiban Brgy. Council.

In 2019 after the final conceptualization of the project, the construction of the housing units inside the titled 22 hectares of CADT of the Manide at Osmena, Jose Panganiban town immedialtely commenced. 

It was intended to address the call of the Manide on their equal rights to basic services under the core of rights to human and social justice services accorded by RA 8371 also known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, Salvino said.

The NCIP works to deliver the four basic rights of the IPs:  the rights to ancestral domain, social justice, and human rights, self-governance and empowerment, and cultural integrity.

NCIP is also eyeing a housing project in Malaya, Labo which has a CADT of 150 hectares that will benefit 34 Manide families in the area.

The NCIP is currently processing the CADT of more than 3,600 hectares of lot in Capalonga covering 9 brgys,  namely: Tanawan, Magsaysay, Old Camp, Mabini, Itok, Lukbanan, Villa Aurora, San Antonio and Mataque which will benefit around 68 Manide IP families.

For the Dumagat tribe IPs, the NCIP is identifying ancestral domain to register as CADT in the barangays of Pinagtigasan and Sampitan in Calaguas Island, Vinzons.

The turn-over ceremony was graced by NCIP Regional Director Agosto Maglunsod, NHA Acting Regional Manager Engr. Cristina Cabangon along with Provincial Administrator Eduardo Padilla representing Gov. Ricarte Padilla,  Mayor Ariel Non, Vice Mayor Casimero Padila, SB Councilors, Municipal IPMR Ronie Abriol, Prov’l IPMR Ricky Noblesala and Agnes Salvino, NCIP Camarines Norte. It was also attended by municipal officials and brgy officials.

Meanwhile, there are lined-up activities for the National IP Month from October 13 to15 in Camarines Norte to be held in Osmena, Jose Panganiban.It will be funded by the LGU-Jose Panganiban, NCIP and Provincial Government of Camarines Norte. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)