The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI on Aug. 16, held the groundbreaking and time capsule laying ceremony for the proposed three-storey regional building at the Davao Regional Government Center in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City.

In a report posted on the NCIP Region XI official Facebook account, the said building is expected to be completed after one year.

The land area measures 5,000 square meters, the commission added,

NCIP Region XI Regional Director Mumar Mamukid said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Davao Region that the indigenous people served as an inspiration for the construction of the new regional office.

Present at the event were representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Commission on Audit, Department of Science and Technology, FFJJ Construction, and Davao City local government unit.

The NCIP is the agency responsible for the protection of rights and promotion of interests of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines.

The commission was created after late former President Fidel V. Ramos signed the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 into law on Oct. 29, 1997.