(Photo courtesy of PIA)
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 9 has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) rights, preserving cultural traditions, and ensuring communities have a voice in development projects affecting their ancestral lands.
NCIP-9 Regional Director Adolf Ryan Lantion emphasized that Indigenous communities must be consulted before implementing projects within their ancestral domains, including mining, forestry activities, and infrastructure development.
Under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), project proponents must secure free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from affected communities as a safeguard against unauthorized development.
“The word ‘consent’ has only seven letters, but it carries enormous weight. Some communities may not yet be ready for development, and that is their decision,” Lantion said.
He clarified that NCIP neither automatically supports nor opposes mining activities, stressing that the agency respects the decisions of affected Indigenous communities.
“We are neither pro-mining nor anti-mining. Whatever the community decides on, we respect. We have to consult the community and wait for its decision,” he said.
Lantion said the agency continues implementing programs focused on ancestral domain protection, self-governance, education, social justice, human rights, and cultural preservation.
These initiatives include identifying and delineating ancestral lands, supporting Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in local legislative councils, and providing educational assistance to Indigenous learners.
He also highlighted the importance of respecting traditional clothing, textiles, dances, and other cultural expressions, particularly when featured in public events or social media.
“Respect is the key. Know what you are wearing and understand its cultural significance,” Lantion stressed.
According to the regional director, certain Indigenous garments and cultural practices carry sacred meanings or restrictions that must be understood to avoid misrepresentation or disrespect.
He further urged the public to avoid stereotypes that portray Indigenous communities as disadvantaged or less capable simply because their traditions, lifestyles, and priorities differ from mainstream society.
Lantion emphasized that genuine empowerment requires recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their ancestral lands, respecting their cultural identity, and ensuring meaningful participation in decisions affecting their communities.
NCIP-9 said it would continue strengthening consultations, educational support, and cultural preservation programs to promote the rights and welfare of Indigenous communities across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
