THE Bangsamoro Parliament on Tuesday approved the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples’ Act (BIPA) of 2024 during a special session, with 63 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions.
The law provides a comprehensive framework to address the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
It explicitly recognizes IPs’ ownership of ancestral domains, referred to as fusaka ingëd, encompassing lands, forests, rivers, and natural resources historically utilized by the community.
The BIPA also mandates the creation of the Fusaka Inged Development Office (FIDO) under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) to coordinate the socio-economic development of ancestral domains. Additionally, an Indigenous Peoples’ Council will serve as a consultative body to amplify the voices of registered tribes.
“This is an enhanced version of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), designed to meet the specific needs of the Bangsamoro’s Indigenous communities,” said
Committee on Indigenous Peoples Affairs Chair Ramon Piang. The law seeks to address historical injustices, reduce socio-economic marginalization, and improve access to education, healthcare, and employment for IPs.
Speaker Pangalian Balindong emphasized that the BIPA aligns with the Bangsamoro government’s vision of inclusive governance and development, ensuring no group is left behind.
The law’s passage follows extensive consultations with indigenous groups, civil society organizations, and local leaders.
It is considered a landmark measure in the region’s peace process and is among the priority legislation mandated during the transition period under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
