The presentation of the final draft of the IP Code at Committee level was presented to the forty-six (46) IP
Leaders in an activity entitled “Re-Convening of IP Leaders” with a theme: “IP Leaders Consultation Meeting on the Status of the Draft IP Code” sponsored by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) headed by its Chairperson Guiamel M. Alim.
The activity was conducted at KFI Training Center in Cotabato City this August 29, 2024 from different municipalities of BARMM as far as the municipality of Wa-o, Lanao del Sur represented by the the Higaonon tribes.
In his overview and rationale of the activity, CBCS Chairman Guiamel M. Alim emphasized the role of CBCS as Moro civil society organization as a mere convener of the IP Leaders in communities and those in the government instrumentality and said: “Our role is being a convener and not in any way influencing your decision-making as a Non-Moro IPs.” He further reminded the participants of being lucky enough to be part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region’s territory as: “Other IPs in different parts of the country had been pushing for their right to self-determination for several decades but there was a little or no progress at all. While in your case, despite of few years existence of the Bangsamoro Government, you are now discussing governmental programs and structures as well as enactment into laws for the implementation of your right to self-determination as Non-Moro IPs.”
The IP Code final draft tagged as Parliament Bill No. 273 presented by MP Ramon Piang, MP Froilyn Mendoza and MP Atty Mary Ann Arnado. MP Ramon Piang in his opening message stressed that: “There is no such thing as a perfect law.” How ever he continued that: “We in the committee did all our best. We started with the extensive consultations and all throughout the process. These consultations gained substantial recommendations and position papers which were carefully studied and considered by the Committee Staff and are incorporated in this final draft.” He further stressed that the passage into law of Bill No.273 can and will serve as signal “that we can already start to implement the Ancestral Domain that we had been talking of as the amount of two hundred million pesos (P200 M) budget is allocated for the implementation of the Code.”
On the other hand MP Atty Mary Ann Arnado informed the IP Leaders that the Draft IP Code is seventy-four
(74) pages and in no way can be discussed in detail over a short period of time. She then proceeded with presentation of the salient points of the IP Code Draft which earned substantial interactions, clarifications and recommendations from the participants.
In closing, CBCS Chair Guiamel Alim explained that the reason why they are doing this is because “malapit sa puso namin ang mga IP” and besides he said he believes in the saying that: “coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success” . The participants also expressed their satisfaction of the draft IP Code and convey their gratitude for the CBCS continuing accompaniment of and for the welfare of the Non-Moro Indigenous People. The Members of the Parliament also appealed to the IP Leaders to continue supporting and pushing for the enactment into law of the IP Code as it is now slated to be calendared for deliberation in the plenary session of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
By:
Lolita Uka
M & E Officer – TAP-G Project
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