Sociological aspects of

Cultural Minorities
The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago located in South-East
Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands. The country is divided into
three major island groups: Luzon in the north, including the capital,
Manila, the largest group; the island grouping in the middle, the Visayas,
the smallest; and Mindanao, in the south. Its climate is mainly hot and
humid, with tropical forests covering much of its mountainous regions.
The Philippines is inhabited by more than 175 ethnolinguistic nations,
the majority of whose languages are Austronesian in origin, Han
Chinese, Japanese, Indian , then European (mostly Spanish) as well as
a small number of Americans. There are more than 170 languages and
dialects, the 8 major dialects are Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo),
Ilocano, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray. The language
being taught all over the Philippines is Tagalog and English.
The main ethnic and regional groups are: Tagalog (28.1 percent),
Cebuano (13.1 percent), Ilocano (9 percent), Bisaya/Binisaya (7.6
percent), Hiligaynon Ilonggo (7.5 percent), Bikol (6 percent) and Waray
(3.4 percent). To give you some idea how diverse and fragmented the
Philippines is ethnically other groups make up 25.3 percent of the
population.
 Minorities Etiquette
• any hill tribes fear photography. Don’t photograph anyone or
anything without permission first.
• Show respect towards religious objects and structures. Don’t
touch anything or enter or walk through any religious structure
unless you are sure it is okay. If in doubt ask.
• Don’t interfere in rituals in any way.
• Don’t enter a village house without permission or an invitation.
• Error on the side of restraint when giving gifts. Gifts of medicine
may undermine confidence in traditional medicines. Gift of
clothes may encourage them to abandon their traditional
clothes.
Lowland ethnolinguistic nations
Bicolano
The Bicolanos are a predominantly Roman Catholic ethnic group that
originates from the Bicol Region in Southern Luzon. They are the fifth-
largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. There are several Bikol
languages of which there is a total of about 3.5 million speakers. The most
widespread Bikol language is Central Bikol comprising Naga, Legazpi,
Daet and Partido dialects (Virac is sometimes considered as a separate
language). They are known for their cuisine heavily using chili
peppers and coconut milk.
Gaddang
The Gaddang number about 25,000. They are known to have inhabited the
upper Cagayan Valley, particularly Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya since before
the Spanish arrived. Their language is distantly related
to Ibanag and Yogad; it is also spoken by ethnically-related highland
Ga'dang in the provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province.
Ibanag
The Ibanags are a predominantly Christian lowland ethnic group
numbering around half a million people and who primarily inhabit
the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela in the Cagayan
Valley of northern Luzon. They speak the Ibanag language, which
is distantly related to Ilocano.
Ivatan
The Ivatans are a Filipino ethnolinguistic group predominant in the islands
of Batanes of the Philippines. Their ethnogenesis is unclear; their origins
remain untraced among scholars, but they are known to be an Austronesia
group, related to neighboring Ilocanos on purely linguistic basis.
The culture of the Ivatans is partly influenced by the environmental condition
of Batanes. Unlike the old-type nipa huts common in the Philippines, Ivatans
have adopted their now-famous stone houses made of coral and limestone,
designed to protect against the hostile climate.
Sambal
The Sambal people are a Filipino ethnolinguistic group living primarily in
the province of Zambales and the Pangasinense
municipalities of Bolinao and Anda. The term may also refer to the general
inhabitants of Zambales.
In 1950s, hundreds of Sambal from the northern municipalities of Zambales,
migrated to and established a settlement in Quezon, Palawan; this settlement
was named Panitian. The residents call themselves Palawenyong Sambal or
simply Sambal.
Subanon
Subanon or Subanu is a Subanon word meaning "from the river." The term is
derived from the root soba or suba .Subanon are also known in the Anglicized
form as "Subanen". The Subanon people are the largest lumad on the island
of Mindanao.This ethnic group were the aborigines of western Mindanao
particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula areas which are divided into different
provinces such as Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga
Sibugay, Basilan, Misamis Occidental and extended to the province
of Misamis Oriental. The Subanon people speak the Subanon language.
Visayan
The Visayans are an ethnic group native to the whole Visayas, to the
southernmost islands of Luzon and the northern and eastern coastal parts
of Mindanao. They are speakers of one or more Visayan languages, the most
widely spoken being Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Waray-Waray. Other groups
speak smaller languages such as Capiznon, Kinaray-
a, Aklanon, Masbateño, Romblomanon, Surigaonon and Butuanon. They
comprise the largest ethnic group in the nation, numbering at around 33
million as of 2010.
Highland ethnolinguistic nations
Batak
The Batak is a group of indigenous Filipino people that resides in the
northeast portion of Palawan. There are only about 450 Batak remaining
according to a 1990 census. Also called Tinitianes, the Batak are considered
by anthropologists to be closely related to the Ayta of Central Luzon,
another Negrito tribe.
Batak have for centuries combined a hunting-gathering lifestyle with seeding
of useful food plants, kaingin, a slash and burn farming method, and trading. It
is believed that they may have had trading relations with Chinese merchants
as early as 500 AD.
Bugkalot
The Bugkalot are a 2,500-person tribe that lives in the southern Sierra Madre
and Caraballo Mountains, on the east side of Luzon Island in the Philippines,
primarily in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija.
Bugkalot men, more often than women, visited distant places. They acquired
knowledge of the outside world, amassed experiences there, and returned in
order to share their knowledge, adventures, and feelings in a public oratory in
order to pass on their knowledge to others. The Ilongot men received acclaim
as a result of their experiences. Because they lacked external experience on
which to base knowledge and expression, Bugkalot women had inferior
prestige.
Molbog
The Molbog are concentrated in Balabak island and are also found in other islands of
the coast of Palawan as far north as Panakan. The word Malubog means "murky or
turbid water". The Molbog are probably a migrant people from nearby North Borneo.
Judging from their dialect and some socio-cultural practices, they seem to be related
to the Orang Tidung or Tirum an Islamized ethnolinguistic nation native to the lower
east coast of Sabah and upper East Kalimantan.
Molbog livelihood includes subsistence farming, fishing and occasional barter trading
with the Moros and neighbouring ethnolinguistic nations in Sabah. In the past, both
the Molbog and the Palawanon Muslims were ruled by Sulu datus, thus forming the
outer political periphery of the Sulu Sultanate. Intermarriage between Tausug and the
Molbog hastened the Islamization of the Molbog. The offsprings of these
intermarriages are known as kolibugan or "half-breed".
Lumad
The Lumad are the un-Islamized and un-Christianized Austronesian peoples of Mindanao. They
include groups like the Erumanen ne Menuvu', Matidsalug Manobo, Agusanon Manobo, Dulangan
Manobo, Dabaw Manobo, Ata Manobo, B'laan, Kaulo, Banwaon, Bukidnon, Teduray, Lambangian,
Higaunon, Dibabawon, Mangguwangan, Mansaka, Mandaya, K'lagan, Subanen, Tasaday, Tboli,
Mamanuwa, Tagakaolo, Talaandig, Tagabawa, Ubu', Tinenanen, Kuwemanen, K'lata and
Diyangan. Considered as "vulnerable groups", they live in hinterlands, forests, lowlands and
coastal areas.
The Lumad are a group of Austronesian indigenous people in the southern Philippines. It is
a Cebuano term meaning "native" or "indigenous". The term is short for Katawhang
Lumad (Literally: "indigenous people"), the autonym officially adopted by the delegates of the
Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) founding assembly on 26 June 1986 at the
Guadalupe Formation Center, Balindog, Kidapawan, Cotabato, Philippines. It is the self-ascription
and collective identity of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao.
Bukidnon

The Bukidnon are one of the seven tribes in

the Bukidnon plateau of Mindanao. Bukidnon means 'that of the mountains or
highlands'despite the fact that most Bukidnon tribes settle in the lowlands. The
name Bukidnon itself used to describe the entire province in a different context (it
means 'mountainous lands' in this case) or could also be the collective name of the
permanent residents in the province regardless of ethnicity.
The Bukidnon people believe in one god, Magbabaya (Ruler of All), though there
are several minor gods and goddesses that they worship as well. Religious rites are
presided by a baylan whose ordination is voluntary and may come from any sex.
The Bukidnons have rich musical and oral traditions which are celebrated annually
in Malaybalay city's Kaamulan Festival, with other tribes in Bukidnon (the Manobo
tribes, the Higaonon, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Umayamnom, and the Tigwahanon)
The Bukidnon Lumad is distinct and should not be confused with a few indigenous
peoples scattered in the Visayas area who are also alternatively called Bukidnon.
Higaonon
The Higaonon is located on the provinces of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Misamis
Oriental, Camiguin Rogongon in Iligan City, and Lanao del Norte. The Higaonons have
a rather traditional way of living. Farming is the most important economic activity.
The word Higaonon is derived from the word "Higad" in the Higaonon dialect which
means coastal plains and "Gaon" meaning ascend to the mountains. Taken together,
Higaonon, means the people of the coastal plains that ascended to the mountains.
Higaonons were formerly coastal people of the provinces as mentioned who resisted
the Spanish occupation. Driven to the hills and mountains these people continued to
exist and fought for the preservation of the people, heritage and culture.
The culture of the Higaonon tribe can be best described as one of peace, for solving
the internal conflicts of other ethnic groups. They practice an ancient ritual called
tampudas hu Balagun (“treaty of the green vine branch”); literally, it means cutting the
vine and symbolically, cutting disputes between ethnic groups. The Bunkatol Ha
Bulawan Daw Nang Ka Tasa ha Lana (“Treasured Unity of Love and Peace”) is a code
of conduct they faithfully follow, a sacred bond that unites their community.
Mamanwa

The Mamanwa is a Negrito tribe often grouped together with the Lumad. They
come from Leyte, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao provinces in Mindanao;
primarily in Kitcharao and Santiago, Agusan del Norte though they are lesser
in number and more scattered and nomadic than the Manobos and Mandaya
tribes who also inhabit the region. Like all Negritos, the Mamanwas are
phenotypically distinct from the lowlanders and the upland living Manobos,
exhibiting curly hair and much darker skin tones.
These peoples are traditionally hunter-gatherers and consume a wide variety
of wild plants, herbs, insects, and animals from tropical rainforest. The
Mamanwa are categorized as having the "negrito" phenotype with dark skin,
kinky hair, and short stature The origins of this phenotype (found in the Agta,
Ati, and Aeta tribes in the Philippines) are a continued topic of debate, with
recent evidence suggesting that the phenotype convergently evolved in
several areas of southeast Asia.
 Manobo
Manobo simply means “people” or “person”; alternate names include
Manuvu and Minuvu. The term may have originated from “Mansuba,” a
combination of man (people) and suba (river). Manobos are concentrated
in Agusan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao Del
Sur.
The Manobo usually build their villages near small bodies of water or forest
clearings, although they also opt for hillsides, rivers, valleys, and plateaus.
The communities are small, consisting of only 4-12 houses. They practice
slash-and-burn agriculture.
Known for their intricate casting, the Ubo fashion fine weaponry and
jewelry that they believe possess souls, making it harder for the maker to
part with them. Agriculturally, they practice swidden, a slash-and-burn
farming, oft planting and harvesting rice, root crops, and vegetables for
consumption.
Manobo
believe in multiple deities headed by a central figure, Diwata (God); they're
animist, they also believe in ancestral spirits and unseen beings inhabiting
the animate and inanimate objects found throughout their environment. In
civic matters, the political leader and Datu (Filipino chieftain) of the village
attains his position by virtue of wealth; speaking ability and knowledge of
customary law, known as fendan. The primary obligation consists of
settling disputes among members of a family, neighbors, and the
community. When a fine is set and/or imposed by the Datu, the accused
has to pay it to the aggrieved party; if he's unable to, then he will become
servant to the one who pays for him, otherwise known as dok.
 Republic Act No. 8371
The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997

AN ACT TO RECOGNIZE, PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE

RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS CULTURAL
COMMUNITIES/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, CREATING A
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES,
ESTABLISHING IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Key Provisions
Right of Empowerment and Self Governance
SECTION 13. Self-Governance. — The State recognizes the inherent right of ICCs/IPs to self-
governance and self-determination and respects the integrity of their values, practices and
institutions. Consequently, the State shall guarantee the right of ICCs/IPs to freely pursue their
economic, social and cultural development.
SECTION 14. Support for Autonomous Regions. — The State shall continue to strengthen and
support the autonomous regions created under the Constitution as they may require or need. The
State shall likewise encourage other ICCs/IPs not included or outside Muslim Mindanao and the
Cordilleras to use the form and content of their ways of life as may be compatible with the
fundamental rights defined in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and other
internationally recognized human rights.
SECTION 15. Justice System, Conflict Resolution Institutions, and Peace Building Processes. — The
ICCs/IPs shall have the right to use their own commonly accepted justice systems, conflict resolution
institutions, peace building processes or mechanisms and other customary laws and practices within
their respective communities and as may be compatible with the national legal system and with
internationally recognized human rights.
SECTION 16. Right to Participate in Decision-Making. — ICCs/IPs have the right to participate fully, if
they so choose, at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and
destinies through procedures determined by them as well as to maintain and develop their own
indigenous political structures. Consequently, the State shall ensure that the ICCs/IPs shall be given
mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.
SECTION 17. Right to Determine and Decide Priorities for Development. — The ICCs/IPs
shall have the right to determine and decide their own priorities for development affecting
their lives, beliefs, institutions, spiritual well-being, and the lands they own, occupy or use.
They shall participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies, plans and
programs for national, regional and local development which may directly affect them.
SECTION 18. Tribal Barangays. — The ICCs/IPs living in contiguous areas or communities
where they form the predominant population but which are located in municipalities,
provinces or cities where they do not constitute the majority of the population, may form or
constitute a separate barangay in accordance with the Local Government Code on the
creation of tribal barangays.
SECTION 19. Role of Peoples Organizations. — The State shall recognize and respect the
role of independent ICCs/IPs organizations to enable the ICCs/IPs to pursue and protect their
legitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.
SECTION 20. Means for Development/Empowerment of ICCs/IPs. — The Government shall
establish the means for the full development/empowerment of the ICCs/IPs own institutions
and initiatives and, where necessary, provide the resources needed therefore.
Rights to Ancestral Domain
Chapter III, section 7 of the Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997 covers the 8 Rights to Ancestral
Domain. This chapter focuses on the identification and protection of the entitlement of the
Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC), and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as the proper
owners of their ancestral land. The following rights are listed below:
This was implemented in order to stop the historical injustices experienced by the IPs.
Despite the implementation of the law since the year 1997, the IPs of the Philippines still
persistently experience injustices. The IPs are struggling fighting for their rights because
they feel like the government has continued to neglect them.
The main criticism concerning R.A. 8371 is that it is ambiguous. One of the issues it
encountered was that it is inconsistent and conflicting with the Philippines’ constitution (2).
This has become the case because of the doctrine of jura regalia, which means that "all
lands of the public domain belong to the state" (2). The next problem encountered was that
the ancestral domain rights’ legal characterisation as "private but communal" differentiated
from the Philippines’ civil law's idea of co-ownership of real property. This meant that areas
in ancestral domains is shared by the members of the community, but that does not mean
that they are considered as co-owners of the said property according to the New Civil Code
(2)
Section 57 of chapter VIII of the Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997 which states that:
Natural resources within Ancestral Domains - The ICCs/IPs shall have priority rights in
the harvesting, extraction, development or exploitation of any natural resources within
the ancestral domain. A non-member of ICCs/IPs concerned may be allowed to take
part in the development and utilization of the natural resources for a period of not
exceeding twenty-five (25) years: provided, that a formal and written agreement is
entered into with the ICCs/IPs concerned or that the community, pursuant to its own
decision making process, has agreed to allow such operation: provided, finally, that the
NCIP may exercise visitorial powers and take appropriate action to safeguard the rights
of ICCs/IPs under the same contract (1)
is also viewed as problematic (2) because being given
the right to be prioritised in terms of development, exploitation, extraction, or
harvesting of natural resources belonging in ancestral domains does not necessarily
mean that an IP member is given the right of ownership of the said natural resources
(3). Section 57 does not really reject the jura regalia, also known as the Regalian
Doctrine or the Doctrine of Discipline expressed in the 1935, 1973, and 1987
Philippine Constitutions (4). According to the constitutions mentioned, the Regalian
Doctrine expresses that "all lands of the public domain, as well as all natural resources
enumerated therein, whether private or public land, belong to the State." (4). Most
argue that the IPRA is flawed because it violates this (4). Instead of protecting the
rights of the IPs, Section 57 strengthens argument that all natural resources found in
ancestral domains belong to the State (3)
Social Justice and Human Rights
This chapter in the IPRA was written to recognize the indigenous people’ right to
the same privileges and protections also afforded by the State to its citizens.
The law reemphasizes that all ICC/IPs are legally entitled to fundamental
universal human rights and that the State should actively create an inclusive
environment with this in mind.
Among these rights include;
Equal Protection and Non-discrimination of ICCs/IPs
Patterned after international standards set by the Charter of the United Nations,
Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the equal protection clause in
the Philippine 1987 Constitution, this section places the State as duly
responsible for the execution of the IPs’ human rights. The State is then called
to acknowledge the ICCs/IPs position as a vulnerable group that have been
historically excluded from socio-economic opportunities and to guarantee that
the IPs enjoy equal protection by the law.
Rights During Armed Conflict
As signatory to the Geneva Conventions, the State is expected to respect and to ensure
respect for the Conventions in all circumstances including local and international armed conflict.
The State through the NCIP is empowered to ensure all civliians including IPs'/ICCs' safety in
circumstances of emergency and conflict.
This being said, areas under Ancestral Domains and members of indigenous tribes require
special regulation beyond that of the Convention as legally recognized IPs/ICCs are given the
freedom to govern their territories by their own laws. Through the IPRA, the State must not;
a) Recruit children of the ICCs/IPs into the armed forces under any circumstance;
b) Conscript or recruit ICC/IP individuals against their will to the armed forces, and in particular
for use against other indigenous peoples;
c) Relocate ICC/IP communities to special centers for military purposes;
d) Force ICC/IP communities, families or individuals to abandon their lands, territories, or
means of subsistence; and
e) Require indigenous individuals to work for military purposes under discriminatory conditions.
These provisions protects IP autonomy as well as requires the State to work alongside tribes
through an integrated emergency program which includes relief and rehabilitation efforts for IP
victims of armed violence. Special emphasis is placed the impact of armed conflict of
indigenous children' mental well being and development in high risk conflict areas.
Freedom from Discrimination and Right to Equal Opportunity
Unlawful Acts Pertaining to Employment
Basic Services
The law guarantees indigenous peoples’ right to basic social services as provided by the State. As a
vulnerable group, special attention is given for the "immediate, effective and continuing improvement
of their economic and social conditions.
Examples of services that fit this provision include social security through the Republic of the
Philippines Social Services System, housing, vocational training and employment support through
various efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development as well as complete health
coverage through the PhilHealth "No Balance Billing" from government hospitals.
Women, Children and Youth
The law also emphasizes that these rights are also to be afforded to indigenous women and children.
The provisions should not result in "the diminution of rights and privileges already recognized and
afforded to these groups under existing laws of general application.“ The government through NCIP
must provide support to organizations which are geared towards empowering women and the youth
to involve themselves in community/nation building.
In accordance to the customary laws of each tribe, the government must provide mechanisms that
facilitate deeper understanding of indigenous culture for women and youth while their human dignity.
The law ensures the full realization of women's and youth rights but requires all mechanisms and
programs to be culturally sensitive and relevant to the ICCs/IPs needs.
An example of the programs geared towards the execution of this particular provision in the IPRA is
the culturally sensitive day-care program for both IP children and their mothers which NCIP mentions
in its first administrative order.
Cultural Integrity
Attempts to implement these rights regarding cultural integrity are most recently captured by the
celebration of National Indigenous People's Month on October to November 2014. This was
said to be the biggest gathering of Philippine indigenous peoples by far. Headed by the
chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Felipe M. De Leon, Jr.,
showcased were the traditional cuisines, rituals, musical performances and other elements of
culture.
This gave way for indigenous peoples to interact and learn from one another's culture. It was
held in three different venues, from Oct. 22 to 23 at the Baguio Convention Center in Baguio
City in Luzon in expected attendees were from groups: Gaddang, Isinay, Tinggian, Itneg,
Ibanag, Yogad, Itawit, Malaweg, Kasiguran, Ivatan, Itbayat, Bugkalot, Isnag, Kalinga, Ifugao,
Ibaloy, Kankanaey, Balangao, Bontok, Applai, Ilocano, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Tagalog, Sambal,
Pampangan, Ayta, Agta, Mangyan, Palawani, Molbog, Jama Mapun, Tagbanua, Pala’wan,
Agutaynen, Bicolano, Batak and Cuyunon; from Nov. 6 to 7 in Zamboanga City in Mindanao
aimed to highlight the groups: Yakan, Subanen, Manobo, Higaonon, Bagobo, Mandaya,
Mansaka, B’laan, Sangir, Ata Manobo, T’boli, Teduray, Arumanen, Mamanwa, Maranao,
Magindanao, Iranun and Tausug and from Nov. 10 to 11 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in
Visayas for the groups: Ati, Panay Bukidnon, Waray, Abaknon, Hiligaynon and Cebuano.
It was organized by the Subcommission of Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts, a
subcommission of the NCCA, along with the local governments, government agencies,
nongovernmental organizations and private companies with the theme of "Katutubong Filipino
para sa Kalikasan at Kapayapaan" ["Native Filipinos for Nature and Peace"].
 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1414

FURTHER DEFINING THE POWERS,

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF
THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT ON NATIONAL
MINORITIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
 Key Provisions
the Constitution mandates that the State shall consider the customs, traditions, beliefs
and interests of national minorities in the formulation and implementation of State
policies.
it is the policy of government to extend to the national minorities equality in stature,
dignity and opportunity with all other citizens.
The Presidential Assistant on National Minorities has been actively involved for many
years in this continuing endeavor.
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to
integrate into the mainstream of Philippine society certain ethnic groups who seek full
integration into the larger community, and at the same time protect the rights of those
who wish to preserve their original lifeways beside that larger community.
Sec. 3. Powers, Functions and Duties. Implementation of the above-stated policy is
hereby vested in the Office of the Presidential Assistant on National Minorities,
hereinafter referred to as PANAMIN, under the Office of the President, which shall act
for and in behalf of the President in all matters pertaining to National Minorities and
shall have the following powers, functions and duties:
 (b) Establish and maintain ethnographic research centers and museums as may be necessary
for the purpose of preserving artifacts and other evidences of the lifeways of National Minorities;
(c) Design, implement and maintain settlements and development projects among the National
Minorities in furtherance of the herein declared policy of government;
(d) Act as the agency through which National Minorities can seek government as well as private
assistance and serve as the instrumentality through which assistance from both the government
and the private sector, local as well as foreign, may be given to the National Minorities. For this
purpose, PANAMIN is hereby authorized to give grants-in-aid out of its appropriation or other
funds from whatever source to cooperating government agencies, tribal groups and/or private
organizations formed or existing for the benefit and welfare of National Minorities for whatever
activities or programs which are in line with PANAMIN's basic objectives;
(e) Provide legal assistance of whatever nature, medical aid, relief and any all other forms of
help to the National Minorities;
(f) Undertake action projects as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Decree;
Sec. 6. Certification of Minorities. The PANAMIN shall have the exclusive authority to issue
certifications attesting to bona fide membership in a tribal or ethno-linguistic group considered as
National Minorities within the purview of this Decree for purposes of establishing qualifications for
appointments in government and for other benefits as provided by law.
 National Commission in Indigenous People
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is the agency of the
national government of the Philippines that is responsible for protecting the rights of the indigenous
peoples of the Philippines. The commission is composed of seven commissioners. It is attached to
the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Mandates
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) protects and promotes the interest and
well-being of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/ Indigenous Peoples (IPs) with due regard
to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions, and to the recognition of their ancestral domains
as well as their rights thereto.
Legal basis
Republic Act No. 8371 (October 29, 1997), “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997”, provided
for the creation of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). It merged/ integrated
the Office for Northern Cultural Communities (ONCC) and the Office for Southern Cultural
Communities (OSCC) as organic offices of the NCIP.
Executive Order No. 379 (October 26, 2004) provided that the NCIP shall be an attached agency
of the Department of Land Reform (renamed back to Department of Agrarian Reform by Executive
Order 456).
Executive Order No. 726 (May 23, 2008), provided that the NCIP shall be placed under the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Global Competitiveness
 What is Global Competitiveness?
Competitiveness is defined as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine
a country’s level of productivity. The level of productivity, in turn, sets the level of prosperity
that can be reached be an economy.
The 12 Pillars of Competitiveness
First Pillar: Institution

The quality of institution has a direct link to a nation’s level of competence. Efficient management of both
Private and government institution is the basis of business environment. Good business ethics and corporate
Governance guarantee success. Physical security and independent judiciary provide the fundamental
Protection of property rights.

The quality of institution has a strong bearing on competitiveness and growth. It influence decisions and the
Organization of production and plays a key role in the ways in which societies distribute the benefits and bear
The costs of development strategies and policies.

Example: Establishment, organizations, foundations ,federations. Etc.

Second Pillar: Infrastructure
The stability of the economy is significant for the overall competitiveness of a country in today’s global economy.
The economy cannot survive without healthy monetary indicators and affordable interest rates.

Extensive and efficient infrastructure is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of the economy,
As is an important factor determining the location of economic activity and the kinds of activities or
Sectors that can develop within a country. Well-developed infrastructure reduces the effect of distance
Between regions, integrating the national market and connecting it at low cost to markets in other countries
And regions. In addition, the quality and extensiveness of infrastructure networks significantly impact economic
Growth and reduce income inequalities and poverty in a variety of ways. A well- develop transport and
communications infrastructure network is prerequisite for the access of less-developed communities to core
economic activities and services.

Infrastructure also is the basic physical and organizational structure and facilities needed for the operation of a
society or enterprise.
Ex. Buildings,roads,and power supplies
Third Pillar: Macroeconomic
Environment
A macro environment is the condition that exists in the economy as a whole, rather than in a particular sector
or region. In general, the macro environment includes trends in gross domestic product (GDP), inflation,
Employment, spending, and monetary and fiscal policy.

The stability of the economy is significant for the overall competitiveness of a country in today’s global economy.
The economy cannot survive without healthy monetary indicators and affordable interest rates.
Fourth Pillar: Health Educations and
Training

A healthy workforce is vital to a country’s competitiveness and productivity. Quantity of basic education and state
of public health determine the nation’s well being. This pillar points to the fact that a nation lacking in basic
education and Health cannot be productive nation.

Workers who are ill cannot function to their potential and will be less productive.
Fifth: Higher Education and Training

Quality higher education and training is crucial for economies that want to move up the value chain beyond
Simple production processes and products. High level of education technical skills are crucial for the growth
Of the economy. Successful nations invests more in higher education and skill development. Higher educational
Facilities and on-the-job training can only assure growth as a nation moves up the ladder. In particular, today’s
Globalizing economy requires countries to nurture pools of well educated workers who are able to perform
Complex tasks and adapt rapidly to their changing environment and envolving needs of the production sytem.
Sixth Pillar: Goods Market Efficiency

Countries with efficient goods markets are well positioned to produce the right mix of products and services given
their particular supply-and demand conditions, as well as to ensure that these goods can be most effectively traded
in the economy.

A successful economy has to market its products and services worldwide. Growth depends on open markets.
Domestic and foreign competitiveness demands good marketing efficiency. Market efficiency also depends on
demand conditions such as customer orientation and buyer sophistication or difficulty.
 Seventh Pillar: Labor Market Efficiency

The efficiency and flexibility of the labor market are critical for ensuring that workers are allocated to their most effective
Use in the economy and provided with incentives to give their best effort in their jobs.

Productivity depends on the quality of labor. A nation with a large scale of unemployment is an unhealthy nation. The
Working environment has to assure meritocracy and gender parity. Job market has to be efficient and flexible.
Eight Pillar: Financial Market
Development

The financial economic crisis has highlighted the central role of a sound and well-functioning financial
sector for economic activities. The financial banking system has to support business by channeling the
resources saved by its people. Efficiency, stability, reliability and credibility of the financial system are
crucial for the economy. An efficient financial sector allocates the resources save by nation’s citizens, as
well as those entering the economy from abroad, to their most productive uses.
Ninth Pillar: Technological Readiness

Technology is increasingly essential for firms to compete and prosper. In today’s world, technological
Readiness can only ensure quality and quantity of production and service. The technological readiness
pillar measures the agility with which an economy adopts existing technologies to enhance the
productivity of its industries, with specific emphasis on its capacity to fully leverage information and
communication technologies in daily activities and production processes for increased efficiency and
enabling innovation for competitiveness.
Tenth Pillar: Market size

The size of the market affects productivity since large markets allow firms to exploit economies of scale.
Large markets without barriers allow faster growth. Both domestic and foreign markets are considered
for the market size. Even if some recent research casts doubts on the robustness of this relationship,
there is a general sense that trade has a positive effect on growth, especially for countries with small
domestic market.
Eleventh Pillar: Business
Sophistication

Business sophistication concerns two elements that are intricately linked: the quality of a country’s
overall business networks and the quality of individual firms’ operations and strategies.

This measures the sophistication in business practices that improve efficiency of production in goods
and services. These factors are especially important for countries at an advanced stage of
development when to large extent, the more basic sources of productivity improvements have been
exhausted. The quality of country’s business networks and supporting industries, as measured by
the quantity and quality of local suppliers and the extend of their interaction is important for variety of
reason.
Twelfth Pillar: Innovation

Innovation can emerge from new technological and non-technological innovations are closely related to know-
how, skills and working conditions that are embedded in organizations and are therefore largely covered by the
eleventh pillars of GCI.

A high competitiveness needs technological innovation. Advanced countries invest more in developing
technologies. But other nations too can improve their productivity by making incremental improvements. The
final pillar of competitiveness focuses on technological innovation. Although substantial gains can be obtained by
improving institution, building infrastructure, reducing macroeconomics instability or improving human capital,
all these factors eventually run into diminishing returns.