The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has intensified efforts to help indigenous peoples and their communities to become more sufficient through “Hapag Katutubo” (indigenous table) Project.

In a news release on Wednesday, NCIP Chairperson Bo-i Jennifer Pia Sibug-las said the project would also help promote IP culture, especially in agriculture.

“Nandito po ang Hapag Katutubo Project, hindi lamang para itaas ang kamalayan ng mga Pilipino patungkol sa mga katutubong Pilipino, bagkus binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para gamitin ang mga katutubong gawi, kaugalian at kultura sa pagtatanim para itataas ang antas ng inyong pamumuhay (We are here, the Hapag Katutubo Project is here, not only to raise the awareness of Filipinos about our indigenous Filipinos, but to give us the opportunity to use indigenous habits, customs and culture in planting, and raise your standard of living),” she said.

The NCIP, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the local government of Tanay, Rizal, launched the project on Tuesday in Brgy. Laiban, Tanay.

The NCIP said the “Hapag Katutubo Project” is anchored in the principles of inclusive development.

The project, themed “Katutubo, Katuwang sa pag-unlad para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”, is a step towards the realization and institutionalization of the convergence between various stakeholders from national government agencies (NGAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academe, and private institutions.

“The goal of the project is to holistically support the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples by increasing their agricultural productivity and the creation of sustainable opportunities for income generation and self-sufficiency,” the NCIP said.

Sibug-las said the project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 8-point Socio-economic Agenda, and promotes Open Government Partnerships as stipulated in Executive Order No. 31 s. 2023.

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. expressed full support for the project, which he said would support the welfare and well-being of IPs and the IP communities nationwide.

“Ang sabi po ng ating Pangulo ay dapat ibigay ang ating (mga) programa at proyekto sa lahat, lalong-lalo na sa pinaka nangangailangan, at iyon po ang dahilan kung bakit ang NCIP at ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng goberyno ay narito ngayon (Our President said that our program(s) and projects should be given to everyone, especially to the most needy, and that is the reason why the NCIP and the various government agencies are here now),” Abalos said. (PNA)