NCIP, DOJ-PPA partnership expands culturally responsive rehabilitation services for IP communities
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — More indigenous peoples (IP) in Caraga, including persons under the parole and probation system, are expected to benefit from culturally appropriate rehabilitation services and stronger protection of their rights following the country’s first-ever partnership between the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA).
The collaboration will ensure that IPs receiving community-based rehabilitation interventions receive services that recognize their culture, traditions, and ancestral domain rights while promoting their successful reintegration into society. It will also strengthen the capability of justice sector personnel through cultural sensitivity and human rights training.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen inclusive governance, uphold human rights, and ensure equitable access to government services, NCIP Caraga and DOJ-PPA Caraga formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during the Kapihan sa PIA hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on July 16 at SM City Butuan.
The MOU was signed by NCIP Caraga Director Ordonio P. Rocero Jr. and DOJ-PPA Caraga Regional Officer-in-Charge Lovella Casas Libertad and supports the administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a more inclusive and people-centered justice system while strengthening the implementation of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.
Libertad described the agreement as the first of its kind in the country.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is the first of its kind in the country. It reflects our commitment to ensure that indigenous peoples under the parole and probation system are accorded the respect, recognition, and protection guaranteed under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. Through this partnership, we are bringing government services closer to our Indigenous communities while promoting cultural understanding among justice sector personnel,” she said.
Rocero welcomed the initiative, saying the partnership provides an opportunity for NCIP to expand its services beyond Indigenous communities.
“We support the undertaking of the DOJ-PPA because this is another venue where we can extend our services not only to IP but also to persons restored to liberty,” Rocero said.
Under the agreement, NCIP and DOJ-PPA will integrate cultural sensitivity orientation, human rights education, and IPRA awareness into rehabilitation programs for probationers and parolees, as well as personnel development activities across Caraga. The partnership also ensures that rehabilitation interventions recognize and respect the customs, traditions, and cultural identity of the IP.
NCIP Caraga will conduct cultural sensitivity training, information and education campaigns, advocacy activities, and educational sessions for DOJ-PPA personnel and clients to deepen awareness and appreciation of IP rights.
Libertad said the collaboration could strengthen rehabilitation programs by providing culturally responsive, rights-based interventions for Indigenous Peoples under community corrections, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive justice system in the region.
The pioneering agreement reinforces mandates of both agencies to promote restorative justice while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the indigenous peoples, advancing the government’s commitment to inclusive public service and sustainable community development. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
