Marcos transfers NCIP to Office of the President

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the transfer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to the Office of the President from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Executive Order No. 71 dated October 22, and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin authorized the transfer.

"Consistent with the state policy to further promote and recognize the right of the ICCs/IPs within the framework of national unity and development, the NCIP may be transferred to OP," the order, which takes effect immediately, read.

Created under Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, the NICP is the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of ICCs and IPs, including the recognition of their ancestral domains and rights.—LDF, GMA Integrated News