Insert Logo

of the
Barangay

Submitted by:

Government Service Monte de Ramos, Guinevere

Conejos, Andrei
Assistance System for Bolante, Rona
Amatos, Abraham
Indigenous Cultural Occeña, Erlyn Jhayne
Communities
(GSAS-ICCs)
Submitted to:
Louella Martina B. Era
PAS 11 Instructor
 1
CONTENT

Title Page 1
Background and Rationale 2
Statement of Policy 3
Guiding Principles 4
Scope and Coverage 5
Definition of Terms 6
Goals and Objectives 7
General Guidelines 8
Specific Guidelines 9-10
Implementation Arrangement 11
Action Framework 12
Roles and Responsibilities 13
Funding 14
References 15
Appendix 16-18
 2
BACKGROUND
AND RATIONALE

Indigenous People are one of the most vulnerable communities in the society. Faced with
different societal issues that rooted from socio-cultural ideas. An apparent threat to the lives of
Indigenous People are discrimination, losing ancestral lands, and health risk. The country has
numerous laws and regulations that prioritizes the welfare of Indigenous Community such as the
Republic Act No. 8371 also known as The Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 that tells how the
State shall recognize and promote all the rights of indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous
Peoples (ICCs/IPs) (Republic Act No. 8371, n.d.)

As the society evolves overtime every aspect of the society develops as well, thus
Indigenous People has become a progressive entity and the adaptation of ICCs to Modernization is
inevitable. Although the IP’s transition to modernity is still an on-going process the policy and
regulations that serves as a guide in a form service offered by the government.

Maoyon, as the scope of this proposal is one of the barangays of Puerto Princesa City,
Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2023 Population Data, Maoyon has a population of 1,450
people. The barangay is known for its diverse demographics, with a notable presence of indigenous
cultural communities, particularly the Bataks and Tagbanuas. According to the Barangay Profile,
both of the IPs covers the 30% of the Barangay’s population respectively. These indigenous groups
have a long and storied history, deeply connected to the land they inhabit. Their cultural practices,
traditional beliefs, and unique way of life contribute to the Barangay Maoyon's identity.

Bataks are one of the indigenous ethnolinguistic groups of Palawan that reside in the
northeastern and central parts of Palawan, particularly in Puerto Princesa City. This group of people
are known for their distinct cultural identity, with traditional practices and beliefs that are deeply
rooted in their connection to nature. It is often noted that the Bataks are reserved and shy, especially
when interacting with outsiders (People and Culture, n.d.). This characteristic may be attributed to
their relatively isolated way of life and their traditional customs, which emphasize respect for others.

The LGU has relocated the IPs to a much closer area to the Barangay Hall. An approximately
1 kilometer from the Barangay Maoyon Hall is a compound called the Batak Community that
encompasses of numerous families of Bataks currently reside during weekdays as most of them has
to go back in the mountains because that is where their mode of subsistence located. Besides from
the basic services the Barangay offers (e.g., health care and education) and although the over half
of the population of the Barangay are IPs there are no program and committee specific or dedicated
to IPs alone.

In an interview with the IPMR’s wife that most of the IPs youth are receiving their education.
The main concern is how most of the Indigenous People has less access to government services
specifically their civil registry due to the natural characteristic of Bataks of being shy they have never
been to the “bayan” thus, not have been able to process their Birth Certificates and has no
government issued identification. Due to this they cannot access other government benefits and
services. It was also stated that there is an individual who offers assistance with an excessive price.
Some of them resorted to this transaction because it was a necessity but is barely accessible.
 STATEMENT OF 3

POLICY

The Government Service Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-ICCs)
shall be guided by the following policy statements.

1. The Barangay shall adopt a comprehensive initiative that aims in addressing the
needs of indigenous communities to enhance their access to government services.

This policy emphasizes the development and implementation of a government

service assistance system by the barangay to cater the specific needs of Indigenous Cultural
Communities (ICCs). The focus here is on enhancing the access of these communities to
various government services. This could involve initiative particularly on civil registry
services. By facilitating the integration of indigenous individuals into civil registries, the
GSAS-ICCs promotes equal access to social services, including healthcare through
PhilHealth and social security benefits through the Social Security System (SSS). The aim
is to bridge any gaps that currently exist in the provision of these services to indigenous
groups, ensuring they receive the same quality of government support as other communities.

2. Recognizing the evolving modernization, this initiative includes dedicated

online/digital transaction assistance for Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).

The Indigenous People Liaison Officer (IPLO) will be available to guide our
indigenous communities through digital processes related to civil registries, and other social
services such as PhilHealth, and SSS, ensuring that the transition to online services is
smooth and that no one left behind.

3. To establish an accessible information desk for Indigenous Cultural Communities

(ICCs) in providing assistance and guidance on government-related inquiries.

This policy calls for the establishment of an accessible information desk specifically
designed to assist ICCs with government-related inquiries. This could be a physical space
within barangay hall or a community center where indigenous people can go to ask
questions, seek guidance, and receive help with various administrative processes. The desk
would likely be staffed by the Indigenous People Liaison Officer (IPLO) that is knowledgeable
about both the specific needs of ICCs and the details of government procedures and
services. The aim is to provide a reliable and culturally sensitive resource for indigenous
communities to get support in navigating the often-complex landscape of government
services.
 4
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES

1. Equality. There will be no Filipinos, especially ICCs left behind. The delivery of Government
Services and Assistance System shall be made available and equally accessible to all
Indigenous Cultural Communities, and biased to those who are not civil registered and have
not yet access the basic services of the government.

2. Transparency. The offered Government Services Assistance System and its information
shall be open and honest to all citizens of Barangay Maoyon.

3. Sustainability. The attainment of ambition to reduce inequalities in giving government

services is through the unified and well implemented policy with the hard work of the
concerned Barangay Officials and Indigenous People Liaison Officer (IPLO) and other
concerned sectors respectively thus the operations GSAS-ICCs including the transactions
must be sustainable.

4. Participatory. This policy will be successfully implemented through IP’s participation and be
part of the decision-making process, where their voice shall be heard and grievances shall
be addressed.

5. Inclusivity. To generate the optimum inclusiveness and equality for all the Indigenous
People of Barangay Maoyon, the Government Service Assistance System will prioritize the
Bataks and Tagbanuas of Barangay Maoyon.

6. Rights. Respects every ICCs rights, customs and cultures in alignment with IPRA law as
well as the benefits bestowed upon them and ownership of what rightfully belongs to them.
Additionally, in respect to their privacy and information to be asked during the registration
process in the civil registry under the R.A No. 10173 also known as DATA PRIVACY ACT
OF 2012.
 5
SCOPE AND
COVERAGE

This policy is a system that provides equal distribution of government services and a more
accessible information for the Indigenous People of Barangay Maoyon. It covers all available
government services such as but not limited to Philippine Statistic Authority and other information
about IPs’ other privileges and legal framework. Giving assistance on the hows and whats of
accessing government services that promotes equal and inclusive government service and answer
inquiries for upholding the values of freedom of information.

• Jurisdiction of GSAS-ICCs

The GSAS will only be available for the identified resident ICCs of Brgy. Maoyon for the
efficient use of funds, personnel (IPLO), and other resources allocated for the GSAS-ICCs.

• GSAS-ICCs Personnel

IPLOs or the Indigenous People Liaison Officer is personnel that must have necessary skills
to effectively give assistance to the ICCs. Their line of work shall only revolve in giving
assistance in digital transactions, information dissemination, and handling documents of the
ICCs.

• Coordinated Government Agencies

The government Agencies involved in the GSAS-ICCs are the agencies that provides civil
registry and necessary government issued document that ICCs need as a requirement to
have access to further services and benefits they can apply to.

• Scope and Delimitation of Information Dissemination

In providing information in the form of an answer to inquiries from the ICCs but is only limited
to the information related to their rights, laws, and benefits available. Also, to only provide
information that is relevant and necessary that the government can provide.
 6
DEFINITION OF
TERMS

1. Attached Agencies - refers to the government agencies that the barangay will be
coordinated with to provide services and assistance to the ICCs.

2. Brgy. Maoyon - is a rural barangay in Puerto Princesa City that is inhabited by mostly
Indigenous People.

3. Civil Registry- refers to the documents that are issued by the government that affects civil
status of ICCs as a member/citizen of this country (e.g., Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate,
Death Certificate, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)).

4. GSAS-ICCs (Government Service Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural

Communities) - a proposed policy that aims to provide government service and information
assistance to Bgy. Maoyon’s Indigenous Cultural Community.

5. Government Services - refers to the services that the government offers such as providing
civil registry, benefits, and other government activities that promotes the welfare of every
Filipino.

6. Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) /indigenous People (IPs) - refers to the

community of Batak and Tagbanua of Barangay Maoyon. A part of the marginalized
community in the country.

7. Inequality - refers to the unequal provision of government services throughout different parts
of the country.

8. IPLO (Indigenous People Liaison Officer) - refers to a barangay personnel that administer
the services and assistance to Bgy. Maoyon’s ICCs.

9. Marginalized Community - a portion of the society or economy that do not receive proper
treatment and services that is offered by the government (e.g., women, PWD, people of
color, indigenous people, and people of lower socio-economic status)

10. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - is a UN Sustainable Development Goal that aims to ensure
equal opportunities and end discrimination on marginalized sector.
 7
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES

Goals:

The Government Service Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-
ICCs) is committed to establishing an inclusive, accessible, and efficient framework that ensures
these communities have equal and facilitated access to essential government services, particularly
in the areas of civil registry and social services.

Objectives:

1. To establish a user-friendly and culturally sensitive policy like GSAS-ICCs that facilitates
easy access to government services for indigenous communities.

2. To enhance the awareness and understanding of indigenous people regarding their civil
registry rights and other beneficial services available to them.

3. To streamline administrative processes and reduce bureaucratic barriers that hinder

indigenous people from accessing government services.

4. To collaborate with indigenous leaders and organizations to promote community

engagement and participation in the GSAS-ICCs.

5. To provide training and capacity-building programs for government personnel (e.g.

Indigenous People Liaison Officer, Barangay Officials) to ensure they are equipped to serve
the specific needs of indigenous communities effectively.

6. To monitor and evaluate the impact of GSAS-ICCs, ensuring that it leads to improved
accessibility, increased participation, and enhanced well-being among indigenous cultural
communities.
GENERAL 8

GUIDELINES

1. This policy is a system that aims for accessible government services and inclusive for all
indigenous cultural communities, respecting their diverse languages, traditions, and
customs. Ensure that all services and other essential benefits are culturally sensitive and
translated into local languages where necessary.

2. Establish accessible service points (e.g. Barangay Hall) within or near indigenous
communities to reduce travel and logistical barriers. Provide multiple channels for accessing
government services, including online, telephone, and in-person options.

3. Collaborate closely with indigenous leaders, community representatives, and local

organizations to ensure their active involvement in policy development and implementation.

4. Conduct awareness campaigns to inform indigenous communities about the available

government services, including civil registry and social benefits. Offer culturally designed
workshops to enhance understanding of government processes and rights.

5. Provide training for government personnel (e.g. Barangay Council, IPLO) involved in serving
indigenous communities to foster cultural competence and sensitivity. Equip government
workers with the knowledge and skills needed to assist indigenous individuals effectively.

6. Simplify administrative procedures and paperwork required for accessing government

services, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

7. Establish a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of the

implementation of GSAS-ICCs. Regularly collect data on policy outcomes, community
satisfaction, and service utilization to identify areas for improvement.

8. Support initiatives that promote the preservation of indigenous cultures, languages, and
traditional practices within the framework of the GSAS-ICCs.

9. Establish coordination mechanisms between different attached agencies (e.g. PSA, DSWD,
PhilHealth, SSS) and relevant stakeholders (e.g. City Government) to avoid duplication of
efforts.

10. Publish periodic reports on the progress, achievements, and challenges of the GSAS-ICCs
to promote transparency and accountability.

11. To ensure the sustainable funding of GSAS-ICCs, the Barangay will conduct a public hearing
regarding the reasonable fees and charges for the services rendered to be enacted and this
will be the Barangay Income Generating Project (IGP).

12. Continuously assess and adapt the GSAS-ICCs based on the evolving needs and feedback
of indigenous communities, aiming for ongoing improvements in accessibility and service
quality.
SPECIFIC 9

GUIDELINES

1. Barangay Maoyon shall take the way to lead and provide leadership aimed at reducing
inequalities in our Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) through implementing
Government Service Assistance System.
2. The following are the specific guidelines that must adhere in order to enact GSAS-ICCs:
A. Establish a system where services and assistance are equitable and accessible to
all Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
B. Fortifying awareness campaign of ICCs engagement in civil registries, legal rights,
and discuss how beneficial it is to their lives.
C. Create the most effective method to eliminate the language barrier among
Indigenous Cultural Communities.
D. Contemplate cultural sensitivity and information confidentiality in the registration
process.
E. Strengthening human resource capacity to be equipped in administering with
essential skills, knowledge and with an attribute responsibility to have an effective
service delivery for ICCs.
F. This system will operate daily, and the processing and request of documents with
attached agencies involved (e.g. PSA, SSS, PhilHealth) will occur once a week.
G. The processing of these government issued documents comes with the collection
of fees and charges which will serve as Income Generated Project (IGP) of the
barangay for a sustainable funding to finance the GSAS-ICCs. Additionally, the
travel expenses will be covered by the barangay.
3. Collaborate with City Government, attached government agencies, and other relevant
partners to:
A. Deliver the services effectively and comprehensively as collective intervention with
emphasis on equal and impartial service and assistance.
B. Monitor the created mechanisms and evaluation system for the betterment of the
implemented policy and to avoid any unconstitutional or improper action.
C. Support the awareness programs to educate and empower ICCs to promote
inclusivity and reduced inequality on the basic services of the barangay.
D. Develop collaborative networks with other stakeholders in order to promote
community engagement and participation and ensure inclusiveness and decision-
making process.
E. Ensure the sustainability of the policy and funding through cost effective
approaches as a long-term project.
4. Operationalizing in accordance with laws and regulation, data privacy act of 2012, Local
Government Agencies Code of 1991, IPRA Law, Anti-Red Tape Act, Barangay Ordinances,
Human Rights Act, Government Agencies (e.g. SSS, DSWD, PhilHealth, PSA) Rules and
Regulations.
5. Utilize digital platforms for online appointments and transactions as what the registration and
requests need.
6. Working with partners for implementation initiatives and disseminate findings for policy
development in align with the goals and objectives of the agency and other stakeholders.
7. Straighten the monitoring and evaluation of mechanisms based on the involving needs and
feedbacks of the target communities.
SPECIFIC 10

GUIDELINES

8. Advocate for the establishment of regulatory mechanisms or measures through setting goals
and objectives policies that reinforce equality on delivering public service encourage of
communities in promoting empowerment and diversity and indigenous communities and
regulation to protect ICCs from discrimination and coercive society.
 11
IMPLEMENTATION
ARRANGEMENT

The Government Service Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-
ICC) implementation arrangement is crucial for effectively addressing the unique needs of
indigenous communities, such as in Barangay Maoyon. At this local level, several key components
come into play to ensure that the GSAS-ICCs is adapted to the specific requirements of the
indigenous communities.

The Barangay Chairman will serve as the chief executive and will be co-chaired by the
Barangay Council Members. The members of GSAS-ICCs unit consist of representatives ideally
part of the indigenous communities includes Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMR),
Indigenous People Liaison Officer (IPLO), and Indigenous Cultural Communities’ Leader/Chieftain.

This organized approach ensures that the GSAS-ICCs is responsive to the specific needs of
the indigenous community in Barangay Maoyon. By actively engaging with local leaders and
community members, providing culturally competent personnel, and tailoring services to meet their
requirements, the program seeks to bridge the gap in accessibility and service delivery for
indigenous cultural communities, ultimately enhancing their well-being and inclusion in government
services.

Figure 1. Composition of GSAS-ICCs Unit

Barangay
Captain

Barangay Council
Members

Indigenous People Indigenous Cultural

Indigenous People Liaison
Mandatory Representative Communities’
Officer (IPLO)
(IPMR) Leaders/Chieftain
ACTION 12

FRAMEWORK

Figure 2. Implementation Process of Government Service Assistance System for

Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-ICCs)

Need
Assessment

GOVERNMENT
Monitoring and SERVICE
Evaluation Planning
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEM FOR
INDIGENOUS
CULTURAL
COMMUNITIES
(GSAS-ICCs)

Resource
Execution
Allocation

The framework consists of a cyclical process with five key action areas that ensure the policy
is responsive, efficient, and effective: It begins with (1) Need Assessment to identify the specific
needs and challenges faced by Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Conducting interviews and
community consultations to gather first-hand information and insights from the ICCs. A
comprehensive understanding of the community's requirements, which will inform the subsequent
planning stage. Next, (2) Planning to develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs identified in
the assessment phase. Planning stage involves setting goals, outlining the steps needed to reach
those goals, determining the resources required, and establishing a timeline. A detailed plan that
integrates community needs, with clear objectives and benchmarks for success. Following planning
is (3) Resource Allocation, to allocate the necessary resources for implementing the plan. This could
include financial funding, human resources, and other material resources. Next, (4) Execution phase
for carrying out and smooth flow of service delivery for indigenous communities. Lastly, (5)
Monitoring and Evaluation to regularly assess the progress of the implementation and the impact of
the services provided.

Overall, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the community's needs, careful

planning, appropriate resource allocation, effective execution, and continual assessment. This
ensures that the services provided are well-targeted, efficiently delivered, and have a tangible
positive impact on the Indigenous Cultural Communities
 13
ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

To establish an inclusive, accessible, and efficient framework within the Government Service
Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-ICCs), The following officials shall
assume the following roles and responsibilities:

1. The Barangay Captain shall:

• Develops and oversees the implementation of policy that ensure ICCs have equal
access to government services particularly in civil registry services, such as birth
registration, CENOMAR, and identification documentation.
• Leads initiatives to improve social services for ICCs, addressing issues like
healthcare, education, and social welfare.
• Coordinates with higher government agencies to bring necessary services to the
community.

2. The Barangay Council Members shall:

• Work with the Barangay Captain to create and support resolutions that prioritize the
needs of ICCs.
• Organize community outreach programs to educate ICCs on their rights to
government services and how to access them.
• Monitor and evaluate the delivery of government services within the barangay to
ensure that they meet the community's needs.

3. The Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) shall:

• Advocate for the inclusion of traditional ICCs practices in the design and delivery of
government services.
• Ensure that all community members understand and can exercise their rights to
government services without discrimination.

4. The Indigenous People Liaison Officer (IPLO) shall:

• Provide translation and mediation services to facilitate clear communication between
ICCs and government service providers.
• Assist ICC members in navigating government systems, including filling out forms,
understanding procedures, and following up on service requests.

5. The Indigenous Cultural Communities' Leaders/Chieftains shall:

• Ensure that the cultural values are considered in having accessible government
services for their community.
• Communicate the community's needs and priorities to the barangay council and
GSAS-ICCs to tailor services appropriately.
• Collaborate with the IPMR and IPLO to disseminate information about government
services and encourage community participation.
 14
FUNDING

The Barangay Maoyon shall provide funds for the overall operation of the GSAS-ICCs. The
provisions on giving the government services and assistance from the overall budget of the
barangay. The funds will be allocated for the personnel, use of office supplies, and other
maintenance expenses. To sustain the consistent giving of services of the barangay the policy will
be an Income Generating Project (IGP) as the barangay will be collecting fees for requesting of the
government issued documents.

To provide an estimated funding annually, the implementation of Government Service

Assistance System for Indigenous Cultural Communities (GSAS-ICCs) amounting 120,000 pesos
would generally cover the expense such as:

Category Description Amount

1. Personnel This includes salaries, benefits, and 90,000.00
training costs for staff responsible for
administering GSAS-ICCs. The
personnel are crucial for the efficient
delivery of services to the community.
2. Office Supplies Essential supplies such as stationery, 10,000.00
printing materials, and other
consumables needed for daily
operations.
3. Maintenance Costs associated with maintaining 10,000.00
Expense office space, equipment, and any
vehicles used for the program.
Includes rent, utilities, repair, and
upkeep.
4. Program Funds allocated for specific activities 10,000.00
Activities under GSAS-ICCs, like community
outreach, training workshops, and
cultural events.
CITIZENS 15

CHARTER

REQUEST FOR CIVIL REGISTRY

(Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, CENOMAR, Death Certificate, and Other Government
Issued ID)
Available on Mondays
People In Required Documents Procedure Time
Charge Duration

Step 1 • IPLO Accomplished request Fill up request form 10

• ICCs form. contains basic personal minutes
information and indication
• Name of what to request. Then
• Age submit to the IPLO
• Date of Birth
• Type of Request

Step 2 • Barangay • Request Letter of The Barangay will 1 day

Council the Barangay. coordinate with LGU
• IPLO (Puerto Princesa City
Hall) for the issuance of
permit for multiple
requests.

Step 3 • IPLO • Issued/approved The IPLO coordinate with 2 days

• Attached/Gov Permit for multiple attached agencies to
ernment request process the request.
agencies (e.g • Documents used for
PSA,PHILHE the request.
ALTH)
Step 4 • Attached/Gov • Requested Document The Requested Document 1 day
ernment to be released. will be available in the
Agencies Barangay through 2
• IPLO options:

1. Government
Agency deliver
the document to
the Barangay
Hall.
2. IPLO directly
claim the
requested
documents.

Step 5 • IPLO • Requested Documents The requested document 20

• ICCs • Claim form is ready to be claimed minutes
from the barangay.
 16
REFERENCES

Republic Act No. 8371. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2023, from Official Gazette:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1997/10/29/republic-act-no-8371/
People and Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2023, from Puerto Princesa: The Official Website
of the City Government: https://puertoprincesa.ph/?q=about-our-city/people-and-culture

Data captured from the Barangay Profile

 17
APPENDIX

Interview with Barangay Captain of Brgy. Maoyon

Photo with IP Barangay Tanod that assisted the group to the Batak Community.

The Batak Community of Brgy. Maoyon

Interview with Brgy. Maoyon IPMR’s wife

 18
APPENDIX

The Batak Community of Barangay Maoyon

Interview with IPMR’s Wife

 19
APPENDIX

Photo of Brgy. Maoyon’s ICCs in their cultural clothes taken from the Barangay Profile