A Study on the Contribution of NGOs and POs in the Advancement of Indigenous Peoples Rights and Interests

Abstract

The indigenous peoples, also called the national minority, is one of the sectors of the Philippine society that is often neglected, discriminated against, and exploited by some members of the mainstream population. They harbor such kind of treatment due to their distinct culture and ways of life that is considered by many as backward. Even the government, once viewed them as a drag to national development. Now, however, their human dignity and their place in national development are already being recognized. Thus, such laws as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, has been made to enshrine the different rights that are entitled to them. The legislation of this, however, did not ensure that the rights provided therein are truly being promoted and advanced. A great number of the indigenous peoples still remain to be victims of human rights violations while many of them are still unable to exercise their political and socioeconomic rights. Further, the government remains inept in providing these people even with just the basic goods and services that they need. Due to this, some entities have to act in order to make up for the dysfunctions of the government. These entities include non-govemment organizations (NGOs) as well as peoples organizations (POs) that help to provide the needed goods and services of this particular sector as well as in raising their awareness regarding their rights so that they can more effectively promote and advance them. This research therefore, is a study on how NGOs and POs contribute in the promotion and advancement of the rights and interests of the indigenous peoples.