NCIP’s 11 Building Blocks for Addressing Ancestral Domain Claims

Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong yesterday attended an NCIP-led event at Teacher’s Camp named Healing, Reconciliation and Operationalizing the 11 Building Blocks in the Ancestral Domain in Support to the Whole of Government/Whole of Nation Approach by Empowering the FRs, IP Youth/IP-EPs and IP Leaders.

Spearheaded by NCIP Chairman Allen A. Capuyan, representatives from several line agencies of government as well as IP groups and community leaders were also present.

The event enabled IP groups and their LGUs to present their progress regarding the implementation of the 11 Building Blocks, a framework introduced by the NCIP that would help address ancestral domain disputes peacefully.

Later on the program, a symbolic signing of Peace Covenant was done by all the concerned participants.

In his speech, Mayor Benjie claimed that the City of Baguio has been experiencing serious problems in relation to ancestral domain disputes. However, he was exhilarated that finally there is a framework (the 11 Building Blocks) that would recognize, protect, and promote the rights of indigenous people. Since 2019, the mayor has included Resolution of IP Land Claims as a part of his administration’s core agenda.