Lundag aspires to be 3rd

barangay with IP rep

LUNDAG, Pilar, Bohol (PIA)—With them comprising some 90% of the barangay population, the Eskaya indigenous peoples here may soon get earn a representative to bring in their interest in the local laws and policies in the barangay.

Thus shares Epifanio Carias, Eskaya tribal chieftain, during the recent Serbisyo Caravan Alang sa Eskaya IPs in Lundag, October 24 as co-organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

In fact, Carias, who was picked by the tribal council to succeed former barangay tribal leader Dionisio Escabusa, is considered for the position as the eighth member of the Lunday Barangay Council, as soon as the NCIP starts implementing the indigenous people’s mandatory representative (IPMR).

When that happens next month, Lundag would be the third Bohol barangay with an IP sitting as a co-equal of the elected barangay councilors.

The first two are Taytay in Duero in tribal chieftain Hilario Galambao and Biabas Guindulman in Gabriel Tayag according to NCIP Bohol Field Officer Emmilou M. Gonzaga, at the recent Kapihan sa PIA.

To date, there are four barangays in Bohol with a population dominated by Eskaya: BIabas Guindulman, Taytay Duero, Lundag in Pilar and Cantaub in Sierra Bullones.

Section 16 of the IPRA says indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples 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.

As a consequence to this, the State shall ensure that the ICCs/IPs shall be given mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.

Furthermore, Section 17 also delves on the IP 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.

This is the gist of the IPMR.

And should the IP sit as mandatory representative in the barangay council, he shall also receive the same rights and privileges afforded to all members of the local council, Gonzaga said.

Carias, who along with his member Eskaya were the primary beneficiaries of the AUDIO Bohol and PhilHealth Yakap Information and Service Caravan.

Philhealth campaigned on the expanded Konsulta in Taman ng Kalusugan and its free out patient services, laboratory tests, consultation services and medicines as well as cancer detection tests, registration and ID printing.

National government agencies and local government partners brought to the Eskaya community frontline services like the Philippine Statistics Authority’s national ID registration, updating and verification, Social Security System’s membership frequently asked questions and membership registration and date updating.

The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute brought in IEC materials, farming techno-guides, fruit tree seedlings and the DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources brought in inland fishery technologies and materials.

For the caravan’s online services, the Department of Information and Communication technology provided online access through satellite internet, while Barangay Lundag also shared internet access.

Other agencies joining the service caravan include Capitol’s Medical Outreach Unit, EdCOM, Ari sa Bohol, PAGIBIG Fund, AFPs 47th IB, Civil Service Commission, Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as local government unit information officers.

The special event marks the 28th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). (PIABohol)

IN THE BAG. The NCIP, with AUDIO and PhilHealth brought government frontline services to the Eskaya community in Lundag Pilar, and rendered medical and social services to empower the Eskaya to prpotect and conserve their culture and heritage. (PIABohol)

IN THE BAG. The NCIP, with AUDIO and PhilHealth brought government frontline services to the Eskaya community in Lundag Pilar, and rendered medical and social services to empower the Eskaya to prpotect and conserve their culture and heritage. (PIABohol)