ASSESSMENT

Based on the required readings (UNDRIP and IPRA) and videos (Alam Mo Ba? Indigenous Peoples' Rights 101
Episodes 1-3) for this course packet, cite at least five new things that you have learned about IP/ICC Rights.

MY DISCOVERIES:

1. I learned that indigenous people have rights to their ancestral domain or the lands they inherited from
their ancestors. They also have the right to live, manage, and develop the area, as well as use the natural
resources from the land. In addition, they have the right to regulate the people coming in and out and
they have the right to claim reservations. Lastly, according to Sec 4-12, Chapter III of the Indigenous
Peoples’ Rights Act, they have the right to have clean water and air in these domains.

2. I learned that IPs/ICC has the right to stay in their territories, except when they have given their free and
prior informed consent, and subject to the Philippines’ power of eminent domain – the right to be
resettled in suitable areas should they be displaced through natural catastrophes; right to claim parts of
reservations; and right to resolve land conflicts by the customary laws of the area where the land is
located.

3. I discovered that the native title is valid. The land may be known based on the testimony of the people
from time immemorial. Time immemorial is the longest time that one can remember. In the case of IP
issues, there are no documents or land titles that can be used as the basis of ownership. That is why the
recognition of the land of Ips is based on old accounts and public knowledge that says that they have
lived in the land for a long time. In addition, I also found out that in 1963, based on the Commonwealth
Act No.141, Amended by RA 3872 of 1964, indigenous peoples who lived and used agricultural public
land from July 4, 1955, are entitled to its title and ownership in accordance with the government
conditions.

4. I learned that IPs have the right to self-governance and empowerment, according to Sec.13-20, Chapter
IV of the Indigenous Philippine Rights Act. It means that IPs have the right to govern themselves and to
decide what they think will be the best for them. Whether it may be from the issue of lands, economy,
culture, and laws that directly affect their lives. Along with these, are the rights of IPs to exercise and
implement their own laws based on their beliefs and culture. Have a voice in things and laws that are
related to their lifestyle. And it includes free, prior, and informed consent.

5.