MIPA Empowers Indigenous Youth as Rights Advocates
COTABATO CITY (August 4, 2024) — The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, through its Special Public Assistance and Legal Aid Division (SPALAD), recently concluded a two-day event titled “Empowering Indigenous Peoples’ Youth as Advocates and Defenders of IP Rights” in Kabacan, North Cotabato on July 30–31, 2025. The initiative brought together youth participants from the Arumanen Ne Menuvu tribe.
The program focused on nurturing leadership among Indigenous youth, equipping them to serve as peacebuilders and community advocates. It aimed to strengthen their capacity to support fellow Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in accessing justice and defending their rights.
Participants received orientation on key legislation affecting IPs, including: The Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples’ Act (BIPA), The parliamentary election process for two Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) reserved seats, and And Republic Act 11596, which bans child marriage.
In addition, the youth identified pressing issues faced by Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) within the BARMM region and developed advocacy strategies to address these challenges. They also gained practical skills in legal documentation, including how to draft affidavits and resolutions.
This initiative marks a vital step in cultivating the next generation of Indigenous leaders and rights defenders. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
