The Baguio City Council has expressed its strong support for the Ibaloy community's stance against House Bill No. 621. This legislation seeks to transfer control over ancestral land titles and related processes from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
During a meeting on May 4, the council unanimously adopted a position paper presented by Councilor Maximo Edwin, the mandatory representative for indigenous peoples in Baguio. Edwin highlighted significant concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly since DENR regulates agencies involved in mining and resource extraction.
Concerns Over Indigenous Rights
Edwin noted that while the FPIC requirements have faced criticism for delaying projects, placing ancestral land administration under DENR could ultimately undermine the rights and protections of indigenous peoples.
House Bill No. 621, sponsored by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, proposes a new framework for the administration and adjudication of ancestral lands. This bill aims to amend sections of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997.
The Ibaloy community formally rejected this bill during the Ibaloy Day celebrations in February, emphasizing their commitment to protecting their ancestral lands.
The council's resolution has been forwarded to Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan, who chairs the committee on indigenous cultural communities and IPs.
The proposal raises concerns over conflicts of interest and could weaken indigenous peoples' rights and protections.
Councilor Maximo Edwin