VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR ANCESTRAL DOMAINS

VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR ANCESTRAL DOMAINS

My dear countrymen, necessity might be the mother of invention, but I think that persistence is the father. That is what I thought when I finally found a way to contact volunteer lawyers who could help Indigenous Tribal Peoples (ITPs) acquire Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) for their ancestral lands. As it is supposed to be, the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is supposed to be providing the lawyers to the ITPs so that they could acquire their CADTs, but that does not seem to be happening.

Based on available data, there are supposedly about 590 ancestral domains that have been “recognized” by the NCIP, but apparently, it does not automatically mean that “recognition” would mean the issuance of a CADT. According to Microsoft Copilot, START QUOTE: to claim an ancestral land in the Philippines, several steps and requirements must be fulfilled, including a cadastral survey. Here's an overview of the process:

1.   Community Organization: The indigenous community must organize and form a Community Service Center (CSC) to initiate the claim.

2.   Filing of Application: The community applies for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

3.   Documentation: The community must gather and submit necessary documents, including proof of occupation and possession since time immemorial, genealogical records, and other relevant evidence.

4.   Cadastral Survey: A cadastral survey is conducted to delineate the boundaries of the claimed ancestral domain. This involves field validation and the production of maps and technical descriptions

5.   Community Delineation Team (CDT): A CDT is formed to assist in the survey and documentation process.

6.   Public Consultation: Public consultations are held to ensure transparency and to address any concerns from other stakeholders.

7.   NCIP Review: The NCIP reviews the application, survey results, and supporting documents.

8.   Decision and Issuance: If the application is approved, the NCIP issues the CADT, formally recognizing the community's rights to the ancestral domain END QUOTE

As it is supposed to be, the NCIP is supposed to be providing the money and the other resources so that the ITPs could complete all these eight steps, but that does not seem to be happening. As a result, many of their claims have not been processed, and their CADTs have not been issued. To be honest, having a volunteer lawyer is just one hurdle, because these eight steps will require a lot of money that the ITPs do not have.

Fortunately, I got a reply from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) National Center for Legal Aid. A kind person from that center suggested that I contact their Bukidnon chapter, because I told them that it is the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon that needs help. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because now I know that the best way to approach the IBP is through their provincial chapters. That is good, because there is an Aeta tribe in Zambales also needing a CADT. Your friend, IKE SENERES/12-19-24/visit my blog senseneres.blogspot.com

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