The National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said that the unauthorized use of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) photos for donations is a violation of Republic Act No. 8371 or the "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act."
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This is the act that recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of IPs and Indigenous Cultural Communities.
In a report posted by Tagkawayan Teleradyo on its Facebook account, Vincent Garcia from NCIP Region IV-A and Tagkawayan, Quezon Mayor Carlo Eleazar met to discuss the importance of implementing guidelines and regulations when accepting individuals, groups, or organizations who wish to visit or conduct charitable activities to the IP communities.
Using the photos of IPs to collect donations for such activities without their or the authorities' consent is prohibited, reminded Garcia.
"Dapat makipag-uganayan ang mga grupo sa lokal na pamahalaan, dapat may consent ang mga katutubo sa mga gawaing ito, at kailangan alam ito ng NCIP dahil pinu-protektahan din natin ang kanilang integridad upang hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang kultura tradisyon (The groups must coordinate with the local governement and the IPs must give consent first in order for them to do the activities. The NCIP should also be notified as we also protecting their integrity in order to avoid their culture and tradition from being compromised)," Garcia said in the report.
Garcia emphasized that the set guidelines are also for the protection of IPs' natural way of living.
According to the report, Mayor Eleazar also sought assistance from NCIP, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and Tourism & Culture Office to conduct activities that will further bring awareness regarding the existing regulations for the benefit of the IPs.