Empowering Indigenous Youth: Advocating for IP Rights in BARMM
COTABATO CITY (June 7, 2024) — The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA), led by Minister Melanio U. Ulama, successfully concluded a 2-day event titled “Empowering Indigenous Peoples’ Youth as Advocates and Defenders of IP Rights” in Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, on June 4-5, 2024.
The advocacy initiative, orchestrated by the Special Public Assistance and Legal Aid Division (SPALAD), witnessed enthusiastic participation from IP youths belonging to the Sama tribe.
Organizers siad the event was aimed at cultivating leadership skills among indigenous youth, molding them into agents of peace within their respective communities. It also served as a platform to nurture and empower the youth, positioning them as the torchbearers of tomorrow’s leadership.
The training and workshops held during the event were deemed essential for IP youths, equipping them with the necessary tools to assist their community members in navigating the intricacies of justice.
The resource persons briefed the participants on the rights accorded to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Bill of Rights outlined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The attendees actively engaged in discussions, identifying key issues and challenges faced by IPs/ICCs (Indigenous Cultural Communities) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
They also collectively formulated advocacies aimed at tackling these pressing concerns head-on.
Additionally, practical sessions were conducted, focusing on the drafting of legal documents such as affidavits and resolutions, further enhancing the participants’ capacity to advocate for their rights effectively.
Barangay IPMR Supian T. Sairi extended his heartfelt appreciation to the MIPA for their unwavering commitment to the recognition and protection of IP rights.
He emphasized that the event underscored the Bangsamoro Government’s steadfast dedication to valuing every member of the community, irrespective of their tribal affiliations.
The local legislator urged the participants to continue advocating for the welfare of the Sama tribe, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed comprehensively.
This gathering solidified the resolve of indigenous youth to safeguard their cultural heritage and rights. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
