NATIONAL Commission on Indigenous Peoples Davao region (NCIP 11) director Geronicio R. Aguio said they will implement a series of economic programs to improve the lives of indigenous peoples (Ips), or Lumad groups.
He said their program this year under the Integrated Ancestral Domain Development Approach (Iada) aims to address the economic issues of the indigenous groups through culturally-sensitive programs.
Aguio said they have a budget of P3 million for the region that will be used in Paquibato, Davao City and in Compostela Valley.
The Office of the Cabinet Secretary also allotted P50 million for NCIP’s Iada. Of the total amount, Davao region will get P6 million.
Aguio said other sites in Toril, Little Baguio, Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental, Bolton in Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte will also be covered by the budget.
The project seeks to also promote the use of organic agricultural techniques.
“We are planning to also promote the use of organic fertilizer and hopefully they can come up with their own vermicompost,” Aguio said.
He said the project will help address the IP's economic concerns through agriculture and, at the same time, minimize insurgency in rural areas.
“What would they have to rebel for if they see that the government is already addressing their concerns on what to eat,” Aguio added.
NCIP 11 is currently training IP farmers in Kinuskusan, Bansalan in Davao del Sur using the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (Salt).