DA, DOST-PAGASA, and NCIP unite to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights in climate adaptation project
In a bid to promote social inclusion and strengthen inter-agency collaboration, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) formalized a tripartite agreement on March 2, 2026, at the DOST-PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City.
This partnership aims to safeguard the rights, ancestral domains, and cultural integrity of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) under the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project.
DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro reaffirmed the department’s dedication to inclusive development. “We are committed to recognizing IPs and their cultures in all phases of our projects. This agreement exemplifies our goal of social inclusivity for a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
The APA Project will directly assist 250,000 people, including 31,250 Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Across five pilot regions—Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN—an estimated 1.25 million farming households will indirectly benefit through agricultural support and climate information services. Women and youth are expected to represent 50 percent and 25 percent of beneficiaries, respectively.
NCIP Chairperson Dr. Maria Grace Pascua highlighted the deep connection of Indigenous communities to their ancestral lands and described Indigenous Peoples as active partners in the project’s agricultural and social transformation.
“This agreement supports the continuation of Indigenous rituals, spiritual ties, and community collaboration. It aligns with NCIP’s priorities, including agency transformation through technology, protection of ancestral domains with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and empowerment of Indigenous communities,” Pascua said.
DOST-PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando affirmed the agency’s commitment to respecting Indigenous rights while delivering culturally sensitive and needs-based climate advisories.
