PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM

REGION: VI
PROVINCE: ANTIQUE
MUNICIPALITY: CALUYA

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN:

Orientation on RA 8371 (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997)
and 2030 Agenda: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Brgy. Imba, Caluya, Antique
August 10, 2019

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP),

International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169 and other international treatises
clearly defined the rights and privileges of the Indigenous Peoples.

The above mentioned international legal framework as strengthened by the

enactment of Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of the Philippines (IPRA Law) or R.A. 8371 of
1997 which further defined the major rights of IPs as follows:

Rights to Ancestral Domains and Lands

Rights to self – determination and empowerment

Rights to Social Justice and Human Rights Rights to Free, Prior and Informed Consent Rights to Cultural Integrity

Last 10 August 2019, Municipal Link John Calimotan together with LGU Link Ella
Brabonga and Sherlyn Lucena went to Brgy. Imba, Caluya, Antique and conducted the
Information and Education Drive primarily focused on the Orientation on RA 8371 and United
Nations 2030 Agenda among the Indigenous Peoples of the said barangay.

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 Brgy. Imba is currently the only
recognized community/ barangay in the Island
Municipality of Caluya with the existence of
the Indigenous Peoples who were dominantly
from the tribe of Coyunin.

Based on their stories, “Coyunin” was

the term used to call to the people from Cuyo,
Palawan who transferred from Cuyo to the
Island of Caluya. Others are saying that their
great great grandparents were from Cuyo,
Palawan who transferred to Caluya Island for
the reason of escape. According to them, during those times, people in their place are forced
to look and bring one “tisa”/ clay made hollowblocks to be used in the construction of their
church (which the Church still exists until now). If they could not make it, they are usually
being beaten or spanked.

During the Assembly of

the Indigenous Peoples in Imba,
it was also found out that it’s not
only Tribe of Cuyonin who are in
residence in the barangay but
also Tribe of Takbanwa and
Batak who are from Coron,
Palawan.

The Meeting started with

an Opening ritual and personal
reflection and was convened by
the Tribal Leader Ricky Magan.
The barangay officials were present are also acknowledged as well as the guest. ML John
Calimotan , introduced his colleagues during the meeting.

The objective of the

meeting was first discussed for
the audience or the participants
to understand why they were
called for an assembly. As
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program continues to work on its
one of the lenses which working
with is the Indigenous Peoples, it
is just but proper to increase
awareness and strengthen their
capacities on their rights as
stated in the Law and as human
beings.

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 During the session, some
stories were heard but their
status quo or their current
situation as IPs in the community
was highlighted. The assembly
exclaimed that they are currently
in quest of their real identity and
due recognition as Indigenous
Peoples. Though, they are
enlisted as IP community but
continued discrimination
happens.

The members of the community of IPs were

also explained on how they became
Indigenous Peoples based on the definition stated
in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. It
was just a starter type of orientation. They have
also envisioned their group to form an association
duly accredited by an agency such as DOLE,
SEC, LGU or DSWD that would better give them
opportunities and help them fight for their rights.

A short orientation on the United Nations 2030

Agenda or the Goals that were set by the members of
the United Nations including the Philippines to be
reached by 2030 was also made. It was a big challenge
for everyone. But, they believe that working hand in
hand is a way to stand still and let NO ONE LEFT
BEHIND.

Prepared by:

JOHN C. CALIMOTAN, RSW

Project Development Officer II/ Municipal Link
IP Advocate/ UN_SDG Implementer
Caluya, Antique

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