NCIP Nueva Ecija Provincial Office
ICCs/IPs Bundles of Rights and 36 Specific Rights
Complete Rights Framework Overview
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) establishes a comprehensive framework that recognizes and protects the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples through four fundamental bundles of rights encompassing 36 specific rights.
Rights to Ancestral Domains/Lands
ICCs/IPs have the right to their ancestral domains, which include lands, waters, and natural resources that they have occupied since time immemorial.
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Right of ownership
Full ownership rights over ancestral domains and lands with legal recognition and protection.
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Right to develop lands and natural resources
Authority to develop and manage natural resources within ancestral territories according to traditional practices.
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Right to stay in territories
Guaranteed right to remain and reside in ancestral lands without forced displacement.
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Right in case of displacement
Rights to compensation, rehabilitation, and return in cases of involuntary displacement.
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Right to regulate entry of migrants
Authority to control and regulate the entry of non-indigenous people into ancestral territories.
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Right to safe and clean air and water
Environmental rights ensuring access to clean and safe natural resources.
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Right to claim parts of reservation (except those reserved and intended for common and public welfare and service)
Ability to claim ancestral lands within government reservations (except those reserved for public welfare).
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Right to resolve conflict
Authority to resolve disputes and conflicts using traditional justice systems and customary laws.
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Right to transfer land/property among members of the same ICCs/IPs, subject to customary laws and traditions of the community concerned
Freedom to transfer land and property within the community according to customary laws.
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Right to redemption of all transferred to a non-IP
Right to reclaim transferred lands when transfers were made under duress or unfair conditions.
Rights to Self-Governance and Empowerment
The IPRA empowers ICCs/IPs to govern their own affairs and participate in local governance.
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Authentication of Indigenous leadership titles
Recognition and validation of traditional leadership structures and certificates of tribal membership.
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Recognition of socio-political institutions
Formal recognition of indigenous political systems and traditional governance structures.
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Right to use traditional justice systems
Authority to implement customary laws, conflict resolution mechanisms, and peace-building processes.
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Right to participate in decision-making
Mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and local legislative councils affecting their communities.
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Right to determine development priorities
Authority to set and decide priorities for community development initiatives and programs.
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Tribal barangays
Right to form or constitute separate barangays in accordance with the Local Government Code.
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Right to organize and associate
Freedom to form organizations and associations for collective action and representation.
Social Justice & Human Rights
The act aims to ensure social justice and human rights for ICCs/IPs, addressing historical injustices and promoting their economic and cultural well-being.
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Equal protection and non-discrimination
Constitutional guarantee of equal treatment and protection against all forms of discrimination.
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Rights during armed conflict
Special protection and rights during times of armed conflict and military operations.
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Freedom from discrimination
Right to equal opportunity and treatment in all aspects of life and governance.
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Right to basic services
Access to essential government services including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
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Rights of women
Specific protections and rights for indigenous women including gender equality and empowerment.
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Rights of children and youth
Special protection and rights for indigenous children and youth including education and welfare.
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Right to integrated system of education
Access to culturally appropriate education that integrates indigenous knowledge systems.
Rights to Cultural Integrity
The state must respect and protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their cultures and traditions.
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Protection of indigenous culture and traditions
Comprehensive protection of cultural practices, traditions, and institutions from external threats.
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Right to establish educational systems
Authority to create and control indigenous educational and learning systems based on traditional knowledge.
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Recognition of cultural diversity
Official recognition and respect for the diversity of indigenous cultures and practices.
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Recognition of customary laws
Legal recognition of traditional laws and practices governing civil relations within communities.
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Right to name, identity and history
Right to preserve and promote indigenous names, identity, and historical narratives.
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Protection of Community Intellectual Rights
Protection of indigenous knowledge, innovations, and cultural expressions from unauthorized use.
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Rights to religious and cultural sites
Protection and access to sacred places, burial grounds, and sites of religious significance.
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Rights to Indigenous Spiritual Beliefs
Freedom to practice traditional spiritual beliefs and protection of sacred places and ceremonies.
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Right to indigenous knowledge systems
Right to develop, practice, and protect traditional sciences and technologies.
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Protection of biological and genetic resources
Control and protection of indigenous plant varieties and biological resources within ancestral territories.
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Right to sustainable agro-technological development
Right to develop sustainable agricultural practices using traditional and modern technologies.
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Right to receive funds for archaeological sites
Entitlement to funding for the preservation and maintenance of archaeological and historical sites.