NPC meets with NCIP-CAR to harmonize watershed programs for the IPs

Earlier this month, NPC-Watershed Management Department met with the National Commission on Indigenous People – Cordillera to harmonize the two agencies’ programs and projects that affect the indigenous peoples (IPs) and communities in the region.

Being steward to watershed areas in the north like the Upper Agno River and San Roque, NPC serves the IPs through its livelihood and forest programs; while the NCIP is the agency that protects and promotes the interest and well-being of the IPs.

The meeting was attended by a small delegation from both agencies headed by Mr. Emmanuel Umali, Department Manager for Watershed Management of NPC and Atty. Atanacio D. Addog of NCIP-CAR. It was agreed that both parties will forge the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement and will cover, among others the inclusion of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan to NPC’s Universal Charge-Environmental Charge Petitions and the awarding of watershed projects to IPs through the community participation modality of procurement.