IP communities pledge full support to BTA extension until 2025

 Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) Minister Melanio Ulama presides the meeting with the IP tribal leaders and organizations on June 16, 2021 in Cotabato City. 

COTABATO CITY – Indigenous peoples’ (IP) tribal leaders and organizations from across the Bangsamoro region expressed their strong support to the extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) until 2025.

In a meeting initiated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs (MIPA) on Wednesday, June 16, Minister Melanio Ulama said IP tribal leaders and organizations unite in their positions to support the BTA extension. 

Esther T. Gunsi, IP tribal leader from South Upi, Maguindanao said community members have to be adequately educated about the importance of extension even if the members of the community are supportive of the move.

“I need to go down to the ground to educate the IP community on why we need to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority…on behalf of my community, we are a hundred percent committed to supporting the BTA extension.”

Ulama resonated with the previous call by saying that an extension is needed in order to fully implement the ministry's programs and projects for the IP communities.

“Napakalaking oportunidad sa ating mga katutubo na mabigyan ng isang ministry sa Bangsamoro Government.  Ito’y palatandaan lamang na kinikilala tayo at hindi pinapabayaan ng regional government,” he said.

Ulama also mentioned that the Indigenous Peoples Code is one of the priority codes soon to be voted into law by the BTA within this term.

As stated in Article IX, Section 3 of Republic Act No.11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights. (BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)