SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

First Regular Session

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'16 JUL20 P3:09

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SENATES.B. No. 661 RIvCKi ̂ 'n ' :

In troduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. A qu ino IV

AN ACT RECOGNIZING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS WITHIN THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, ESTABLISHING THE

GUIDELINES FOR THE ACCREDITATION, MANAGEMENT, AND EVALUATION OF IP SCHOOLS, APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY GOVERNMENT FUNDS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE,

INCENTIVES, AND SUPPORT THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Explanatory Note

In the Philippines, the 95 distinct groups of Indigenous Peoples remain among the most vulnerable sectors of society affected by displacement, conflict and poverty. During the recent Pahiyas Festival in Quezon, a young Badjao girl begging for money captured the public's attention shedding light on the issues that IPs continue to face, challenged by instability, living on the fringes of mainstream society.

As a multicultural nation, we must endeavor to develop as an inclusive society that celebrates and promotes diverse identities that exist across the archipelago.

In accordance with RA 8371, the Indigenous People's Rights Act, which recognizes the States duty to promote the "strong expression of the ICCs/IPs for cultural integrity by assuring maximum ICC/IP participation in the direction of education , this bill seeks the creation of an Indigenous Peoples Education Council (IPEDC).

Under the Department of Education, the IPEDC will oversee, control, manage and supervise all IP Schools. The IPEDC will aim to give IP communities ownership of their education so that it may be developed in the context of their cultures, customs, traditions, interests and beliefs and may be used as an instrument for their maximum participation in national development and in ensuring their involvement in achieving national unity.

The IP curriculum shall ensure that learning takes place within the ancestral domains of an IP community and uses culturally appropriate learning standards and methods. Moreover, this bill seeks for the creation of an IP School Regional Accreditation Body