ANTIQUE – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Antique has approved the creation of the Provincial Indigenous Peoples Office (PIPO).
During its regular session yesterday, the SP passed on final reading an ordinance creating the PIPO to respond to the needs of some 38,440 indigenous peoples (IP) in the province.
This office dedicated to IPs also assured them of their maximum participation in the direction of education, health as well as other services.
SP Member Karmila Rose Dimamay said Antique has three IP communities – Iraynon Bukidnon, Cuyon-on, and Ati – which also need to be given priority in terms of better healthcare and livelihood.
He added that the ordinance carries with it a provision for an annual allocation of P3 million for maintenance and other operating expenses.
The office will advise the Office of the Governor on matters relating to IPs.
It will also coordinate with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and all existing IP desks in the province in formulating projects and programs for their sector.
Elpidio Canja, an IP Mandatory Representative in Valderrama town, welcomed the creation of the PIPO.
He said it would help them push for IP representation in the municipal councils of 17 other towns in the province.
Canja said in Valderrama alone, seven of its 22 barangays are certified as 100 percent IP barangays./PN
