By Anthony A. Araos
The Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR), without a doubt a “gift” made possible by the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) or Republic Act 8371, was designed to allow representation of ethnic Filipinos in legislative bodies. It is surely a vital position. The goal of this landmark measure was to give IPs a “voice” in lawmaking bodies across the country. IPRA framers were certainly aware of the IPMR’s role in protecting and promoting the welfare of the men and women in indigenous communities.
Let us all appreciate the 12 months of the year for what we are, though a time to give a well-deserved attention-some are saying, for IPs this is the time because of the IP October Month celebration. Still, there are those (like me) who would prefer to celebrate it throughout the year.
But if you’re after more “traditional” calendar trimmings or stick to “old school” thinking, the celebration should be in your October list.
Nonetheless, we really must consider the IPMR post as a “gift” because of a recent development at Barangay Pinsao Proper in Baguio City. Roger Sinot took his oath of office as the village’s IPMR. After complying with the requirement set forth by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Sinot was sworn into office by Punong Barangay Raymond Lacsamana. Obviously, the barangay council made an excellent choice. Sinot is known for acting swiftly and decisively to get things done and rightly so.
It now appears, Sinot is ready for the job. “We shall advance to an era of accelerating change for all the betterment of the people,” he said in an exclusive interview. “Indigenous communities are entitled to be pilot beneficiaries of development programs aimed at providing assistance in basic needs,” he added.
There were other matters that signify his genuine concern for others. Sinot’s name became closely associated with his burning desire to serve the people, most especially the poor.
Yet, there are in so many places in the Cordilleras where countless individuals continue to daydream for the appointment of IPMR’s in their localities.
The law has been there for several years. Lean back. It says “mandatory.” No need to figure out its meaning. This means there is no need to hold elections to fill up IPMR seats. Why? The inaction of certain quarters?
The IPMR mechanism offers holistic and strategic learning opportunities in governance that go above and beyond.
“We are all IPs at the (Ifugao) Sangguniang Panlalawigan, so there’s no need for an IPMR,” a common answer I received from board members to the query on the absence of one in the province’s highest, most powerful and influential law-making body. Sorry, I don’t buy it!
Undoubtedly, poverty incidence is high in Ifugao, principally in remote IP communities. Inaccessible basic services continue to hound impoverished IP folks. Overflowing plates of food at the table at meal time is a big joke. Just as important, I also want to cite the Baguio City Council model but its an overkill. Well, the above-mentioned argument has not been holding true for obvious reasons. This reminds me of the ageless saying “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”
This is the kind of information that the public needs to know to understand the conditions of poverty-stricken IP communities and it will be a big plus in addressing longstanding problems.
By encouraging local and legislative bodies to quickly fill-up IPMR positions, we help foster an inclusive community where solidarity thrives, allowing ethnic folks to share their voices in key concerns affecting them. Such moves provide security, comfort and stability.
There is a call to push forward the common good among ethnic Filipinos. It is high time to turn the IP sector into an instrument of change and creation by harnessing the IPs’ skills and talents. I look forward to the appointment of more IPMR’s in the Philippines which will benefit society.
The government should do everything possible to attain this aspiration. What does this “IPMR empowerment” mean in the political landscape? I’m strongly exhorting this point because everything else is evident in realities on the ground. About six million Filipinos make up the so-called cultural minority groups or tribal Filipinos, which collectively comprise 12 percent of the total population. This figure includes four million Muslims.
To the IPMRs: Help the national government drive growth with your time, dedication and energies. Stand up for the well-being of your so-called “constituents” in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Remember you have a mandate to serve them dutifully and faithfully well at all times. I’m (even if not an IP myself) with you in advancing the cause that IPs pursue a life well-lived, as they continue a vital role in national development. Thus, my stance that appointing IPMRs pays off!Today’s IPMR must actively and resolutely endeavor to weed out poverty, hunger and inequality of opportunities in order to change the IP’s future.**
