By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—In a gathering of
Indigenous Peoples here, various IP organizations and tribal councils in Region
1 crafted and signed a manifesto of support to the proposed federal form of
government being pushed under President Rodrigo Duterte administration.
According to Atty. Jesus
Agbayani, Provincial Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
in Ilocos Norte said they convened a dialogue among the leaders and members of
the Indigenous Cultural Communities here for them to fully understand the basic
provisions of the federal system of government particularly and how this will
create on impact on the lives of IPs.
“After a thorough study and
exchange of ideas using our customary mode of decision-making, we are of the
view that amendment of revision of the existing form of government is
absolutely necessary to address the sad plight of the IPs and further
strengthen the rights it already conferred to the ICCs/IPs,” said in the
manifesto.
The IP leaders and elders
said they are amenable in the amendment or revision of the constitution
provided there is “full protection and promotion of IP rights and welfare.”
Under Article II, Section 22
of the 1987 Constitution, the state recognizes and promotes the rights of the
ICCs within the framework of national government.
It also guarantees the
recognition, respect and protection of their rights to develop their cultures,
traditions and institutions.
Meanwhile, all local chief
executives from the 21 towns and two cities in Ilocos Norte were also in favor
of the proposed change in government.
With a federal form of
government, provincial leaders are optimistic that economic growth will spread
all throughout the country.
Comments
Post a Comment