Army helps organize IP community in Tapaz, Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): Army helps organize IP community in Tapaz, Capiz

In order to win the respect and trust of Panay Bukidnon, the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) is helping organize the indigenous peoples’ (IPs) community in Tapaz, Capiz.

61st IB Commander Christopher Sab-it reported that the organization of IPs in Tapaz, Capiz stemmed from the series of consultative meetings they held with them last week in the town’s covered gym.

The consultative meetings were supported by 301st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Arnold Quiapo and Community Development Officer Jornelito Española of the National Commission on Indigenous People in Capiz.

Datu Ramon Bayaan, a Manobo tribal leader from North Cotabato, was also present to share their best practices in Mindanao. Merlyn Delfin of NICP-Iloilo also shared their experiences in organizing the IPs in Calinog.

Sab-it said IPs formal organization in Tapaz aims to ensure their representation in the municipality and in the society as a whole. Giving the IPs the voice to air their concerns will also help the government set policies and programs that are responsive to their needs, he added.

The tribal leaders of IPs in Tapaz have selected an interim working group composed of seven leaders who will craft their organization’s by-laws.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=496251