The Speaker of the House of Representatives has backed proposals to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and expand institutional representation for Indigenous Peoples (IP), saying vulnerable communities must receive faster government support during calamities and other crises.
The statement was made after a meeting with officials of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), who briefed him on the need to establish a dedicated quick response system for IP communities affected by disasters and emergencies.
“Kailangan nating siguraduhin na walang sinuman ang maiiwan, lalo na ang ating mga Indigenous Peoples na kadalasan ay nasa malalayong komunidad at mas vulnerable kapag may kalamidad o sakuna,” Dy said.
“Mahalaga ang mabilis, maayos, at organisadong pagtugon para agad makarating ang tulong sa kanila,” according to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
According to the NCIP, indigenous communities are among the sectors most exposed to risks during calamities, especially those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. However, the commission noted that there is currently no specific legal framework mandating a focused quick response mechanism for IPs.
Dy acknowledged the concern, saying many IP communities experience delays in receiving relief goods, social services, and other forms of government assistance during emergencies due to distance, lack of data, and coordination gaps.
As an immediate step while proposed legislation is being studied, the Speaker recommended that the NCIP begin collating and consolidating the names and profiles of IPs nationwide for submission to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The Speaker said a reliable database would help government agencies identify IP beneficiaries more efficiently and ensure that they are prioritized when assistance is distributed during calamities and disasters.
“Habang pinag-aaralan natin ang institutional mechanisms, maaari nating simulan agad ang mas maayos na koordinasyon at data gathering para mas mabilis silang maabot at matulungan kapag may krisis,” he noted.
During the meeting, the NCIP also raised the need to strengthen consultative mechanisms to ensure broader IP representation in policymaking at both local and national levels.
He expressed support for the proposal, stressing that Indigenous communities must have a stronger and more sustained voice in discussions that affect their welfare, ancestral domains, culture, and future.
“Hindi sapat na minsan lamang natin sila pinakikinggan. Kailangang may tunay at tuluy-tuloy na representasyon ang ating mga Indigenous Peoples sa policymaking process dahil mahalaga ang kanilang pananaw, karanasan, at kontribusyon sa ating bansa,” Dy said.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to support measures that promote inclusion, protect vulnerable communities, and improve disaster preparedness and response systems across the country.