BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Today, Aug. 9, 2023, we join our indigenous brothers and sisters in marking two significant occasions: the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the National Indigenous Peoples Day.

With the theme, “Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination,” this year’s celebration focuses on the indigenous youths’ role as catalysts for change — as advocates for their communities’ rights, particularly when it comes to making decisions that are deeply significant and culturally appropriate for their respective communities.

Indigenous youths harness technology to develop sustainable solutions for the Philippines and the world, focusing on self-determination and addressing pressing crises. They are developing new skills to contribute to a more peaceful future for both our people and the planet.

Philippines’ unique culture

The Philippines has over 100 ethnolinguistic groups, encompassing the tapestry of our indigenous peoples. 

Hence, Republic Act No. 8371, also known as “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997,” was enacted to recognize and promote all the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples within the framework of our 1987 Constitution. 

Under the law, Indigenous communities are organized groups living in communal territories, sharing language, customs, traditions, and cultural traits. They retain social, economic, cultural, and political institutions but may have been displaced or resettled outside their ancestral domains.

Being different is an advantage

I am aware of what it means to belong to a minority because I am a proud Maranao and a member of the indigenous group. However, I perceive this uniqueness as an opportunity — a strength — rather than a disadvantage. 

I firmly advocate transcending one’s limitations and leveraging one’s uniqueness on a global platform. This promotes our rich cultural heritage while fostering strong, globally interconnected relationships.

That is why, whenever I am on regional travels, I make sure that I immerse myself in the local community to know and appreciate their culture and heritage.

Last June, when I attended the Ifugao State University (IFSU) Commencement Exercises, their theme, “Empowered leaders: Pioneering innovation, promoting internationalization, inspiring excellence, and securing sustainable development,” struck a chord in me. The rich natural resources of the Cordillera, coupled with their expertise in agriculture and information technology, have empowered the young Ifugaos to innovate and offer creative and distinct ways to help achieve our socioeconomic goals. This is evident with the IFSU ranking high in the Global Top 100 Innovative Universities last May, a testament to their ability to use their acquired knowledge and expertise to bring about positive changes for their community.

Thus, I encouraged the graduates to adhere to true excellence, which encourages peers to become excellent. I believe it is important to embrace and use the communities’ innate resources to contribute to achieving sustainability – the heart of our agenda for prosperity.

I was then honored to be adopted as a daughter of Ifugao, with the native name “Malinnay” meaning “beautiful, charismatic, influential leader.” Later, I was likewise adopted as a daughter of the Municipality of Mayoyao, with the native name “Majagun” reflecting the characteristics of “a kind, generous, courageous warrior.” These further fueled my desire to represent these communities and my own, as a Maranao, to the best of my abilities.

There are plenty of reasons to be proud of our brother and sisters belonging to indigenous groups.

In fact, in July, during the Mindanao State University commencement exercises in General Santos City, I met Brent Lloyd Licayan who graduated magna cum laude. Brent is the third member of the T’boli tribe to graduate magna cum laude at MSU-GenSan. The first was his mother. During our discussion, I encouraged this brave native of South Cotabato to continue being proud of his indigenous roots, and to be a voice for his community.

Government's support to the ICCs/IPs

Under Republic Act No. 8371, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has been tasked with the responsibility to safeguard and enhance the interests and well-being of the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, considering their beliefs, customs, traditions, and institutions. 

Thus, for FY 2023, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. provided ₱1.488 billion to support NCIP’s programs on ancestral domain/land recognition, its sustainable development and protection plan formulation, culturally appropriate, responsive,and gender-sensitive socioeconomic and ecological development protection services, IP Education and advocacy services, and other services/programs.

In the ₱5.768 FY 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) transmitted to the House of Representatives on Aug. 2, 2023, the allocation for the NCIP was increased to ₱1.55 billion. This is ₱62.1 million, or 4.17 percent higher than the ₱1.48 billion allotted under the 2023 GAA, and ₱82 million, or 5.59 percent more than the 2023 NEP. 

For the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the amount of ₱80.6 billion was allotted, comprised of the BARMM Annual Block Grant, Special Development Fund, and BARMM Shares in National Taxes, as well as the Local Government Support Fund, which has an allocation of ₱16.6 billion. In addition, some ₱5.3 billion has also been appropriated for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program for infrastructure development in BARMM.

Beyond Budget, I believe that cherishing cultural observances serve as a profound reminder of the necessity to acknowledge the identity, lifestyle, and rights of indigenous communities over their ancestral lands, territories, and natural resources. The diversity of our ethnic and indigenous groups is a powerful weapon for advancing our agenda for prosperity. However, the realization of indigenous rights depends on current decisions, representation, and international initiatives to combat climate change, promote peace, and digital cooperation. Therefore, the government continues to lay the foundation for future-proofing the economy and ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all, especially our youth who are change-makers and to whom the future of our nation belongs.

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the current Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)