DPWH, NCIP set guidelines on infra projects in ancestral lands

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) have agreed to set guidelines to fast-track infrastructure projects and at the same time protect the ancestral domain claims of indigenous peoples.

In a statement on Saturday, the technical working group of the DPWH and the NCIP agreed to formulate procedures and documentary requirements in processing road right-of-way (RROW) claims for the compensation of indigenous peoples’ properties which are affected by DPWH projects.
Under the draft guidelines, the DPWH would consult the NCIP to determine the authenticity and legitimacy of ancestral domain claims of indigenous peoples.
The NCIP meanwhile would inform the technical working group on the processes of accrediting indigenous peoples, in the filing of ancestral domain claims and ancestral domain titles.
It would also prioritize the issuance of certification precondition of national government projects and assist in determining conflicting claims over project-affected ancestral lands.
The agreement will be effective for a period of two years and subject to renewal as may be necessary and upon agreement by the DPWH and the NCIP.
“As much as we want to facilitate swift implementation of vital infrastructure projects across the country, it is in our utmost priority to protect the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples or indigenous cultural communities,” DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said in a statement.
“With this undertaking, we hope to craft a streamlined guideline on RROW acquisition based on advice and expertise of NCIP and hopefully implement projects that will only provide positive impact on IPs’ rights on land, territory, resources, livelihood and culture,” he said.   /muf