By Nikka Garriga
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—Lawmakers are finalizing the framework of a proposed law that seeks to establish a national scholarship program for the country’s indigenous communities.
House Bill 1347 (HB) aims for the formation of a Nationwide Scholarship Program for Indigenous Peoples, said author Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco.
“Education is one of the basic keys for sustainable economic development of the marginal sector of our society who are in need of government assistance and social services,” Syjuco said.
Indigenous peoples' groups remain the” most vulnerable and marginalized citizens” in the country due to their lack of access to basic social services and limited livelihood opportunities which often lead to economic, social, and political exclusion.
The House Committee on National Cultural Communities is now deliberating on the bill and its chairman, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr. already supported the proposal and an allotment of P200 million for its implementation.
Should it be passed into law, the Indigenous Peoples Scholarship Program will be under the supervision of a National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
The amount necessary for its effective implementation will be charged to the NCIP’s appropriation as per the current General Appropriations Act.
As of 1998, the total population of indigenous peoples in the country was around 12 and 15 million, according to NCIP.
***
loQal.ph (http://loqal.ph/) is a website owned and operated by Filquest Media Concepts, Inc. It works under the principle of giving voice to the voiceless, empowering Filipinos and uplifting the image of the Philippines by highlighting its unique culture. To do this, the loQal.ph team produces stories, video, photos and other multimedia content types to inspire and celebrate Filipino achievements, ideas, products and places.
1 comment