Pursuant to Section 44 (Q.) of R.A 8371, NCIP joins the 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) held in the UN Headquarters, New York, USA.

NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, together with Commissioner Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja, Commissioner Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano, Commissioner Gaspar A. Cayat, Commissioner Jeorge M. Largado, and Commissioner Simplicia P. Hagada with the support from other member agencies of the Philippine delegation, represented the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of the Philippines in the 23rd Session of the UNPFII.

This year’s session focuses on the theme: “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-determination in the Context of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Emphasizing the Voices of Indigenous Youth.” Relative thereto, Indigenous Peoples Youth Member, Rurelyn Bay-Ao of the Ata-Manabo ICCs/IPs of Talaingod was tapped to represent the ICCs/IPs youth of the Philippines.

The session commenced with a traditional ceremonial welcome from Tadodaho Sid Hill, Traditional Chief of the Onondaga Nation. It was followed by the election of Ms. Hindou Omarou Ibrahim as the Chairperson for the 23rd session of the UNPFII and that of the other officers for the 23rd session. Additionally, the provisional agenda for the 23rd session of the UNPFII was approved.

Further, UN General Assembly President, H.E Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, and H.E Ms. Paula Narvaez of Chile, United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) President, addressed the participants and delegates of the 23rd session on Indigenous Issues.  

Also part of the NCIP delegation is Office on Empowerment and Human Rights (OEHR) Director Atty. Catherine Gayagay-Apaling and Foreign Assisted Programs and International Relations Office (FAPIRO) Director Ms. Dahlialyn Dait-Cawed, MNSA.