The Akbayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday filed four measures aimed at strengthening the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups affected by displacement and development.
Collectively seen as part of a broader inclusion and justice agenda for these communities and filed on the 28th anniversary of the landmark Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), the bills include the Bakwit Welfare Act (House Bill No. 5703), the Katutubong Iskolar Act (HB 5704), the National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act (HB 5705), and the Katutubong Guro Act (HB 5712).
These measures were principally introduced by Akbayan Representatives Dadah Kiram Ismula, Chel Diokno, and Perci Cendana, as well as Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene ‘Kaka’ Bag-ao.
The first bill, HB 5703, seeks to formally recognize and protect the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or bakwits arising from armed conflict, disasters, or development projects.
Under the measure, the State must prevent arbitrary displacement, ensure access to humanitarian aid, and penalize officials or private entities found responsible for forced or illegal displacement.
The bill also establishes an Internally Displaced Persons Assistance and Compensation Board (IDPACB) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development to oversee reparations, livelihood aid, and resettlement programs.
HB 5704, meanwhile, institutionalizes the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ (NCIP) Educational Assistance Program, granting financial support to IP students from elementary to tertiary levels to make mainstream education more accessible to IP youth.
Scholarships would range from P7,500 for elementary pupils to P30,000 per semester for college students. Applicants must be bona fide members of recognized Indigenous groups and have a household income not exceeding P250,000 annually.
The third measure, HB 5705, proposes to declare Oct. 29 as a special non-working holiday nationwide to honor the contributions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. If passed, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples would lead nationwide celebrations highlighting IP heritage, rights, and issues through cultural events, educational campaigns, and public awareness drives.
Lastly, HB 5712 establishes a Teacher Education Scholarship and Return Service Program for Indigenous Peoples to increase the number of culturally competent teachers in IP communities.
The program offers full scholarships, allowances, and equipment grants to IP students pursuing education degrees in state or private universities. Upon passing the licensure exam, scholars will be integrated into the Department of Education’s teaching service and assigned to schools serving Indigenous areas.
Each scholar will be required to render one year of service for every year of scholarship received, ensuring that trained educators return to uplift their own communities.
In their explanatory notes, the lawmakers said they hoped these bills would help address the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous and displaced populations: from armed conflict and climate disasters to systemic barriers in education and representation.
According to the NCIP, indigenous peoples remain among the poorest and most marginalized sectors in the Philippines, often displaced by mining, infrastructure, and agribusiness projects. Meanwhile, disasters and conflict continue to displace thousands of families annually, with limited access to redress or durable resettlement.
‘Twenty-eight years after the passage of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, the government still has much to do to strengthen the rights and recognition of our Indigenous communities. Akbayan’s Katutubo Bills are a step toward ensuring that our Indigenous Peoples are truly valued,’ Ismula said.