The legislative building of the Palawan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Photo by Izza Reynoso)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – Palawan’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) or provincial board disclosed on Wednesday that the local head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) would be summoned to shed light on complaints raised by members of the Cuyonon Tribe over the commission’s alleged failure to address pressing concerns.
NCIP-Palawan director, lawyer Jansen Jontilla, is set to be invited by the committee on Indigenous and Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) for an inquiry on the validation of their "Gabay" or the "IPs Political Structure" document, SP Board Member Winston Arzaga said.
In his privileged speech on Tuesday, Arzaga said he received a complaint from the Cuyonons over the local NCIP's alleged failure to promptly address their request for the Gabay document, which would serve as a guiding framework for the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Palawan.
"The Cuyonon Tribe or Cuyonon Indigenous Peoples Community urgently reached out to me, expressing their frustration with the NCIP's lack of response to their repeated requests for the immediate validation of their Gabay or IPs Political Structure," he said.
Arzaga noted the potential ramifications of the NCIP's supposed negligence, specifically in the selection of the Cuyonon Tribe's representative to the SP as the provincial IPMR.
Board Member Ariston Arzaga likewise voiced his disappointment in the agency's handling of the issue.
He specifically drew attention to the substantial delays in electing IPMRs in different barangays, along with the failure to furnish them with the required certificates of affirmation.
"It has been an extended period since our IPMRs were elected in the barangays, but many of them have yet to assume their positions and receive Certificates of Affirmation. This neglect is detrimental to the indigenous sector. They deserve the attention they require," he said.
Both board members agreed that the primary objectives of the hearing are to redress the grievances raised by the Cuyunon Tribe and assess the steps taken by the NCIP in resolving the persistent issue. (PNA)
