For the first time in its history, an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) is joining the Angeles City Council.
This after Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. initiated the creation of one plantilla position for Sanggunian Member in Supplemental Budget No. 4.
The Supplemental Budget No. 4 was approved by the City Council, headed by Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, on September 17, 2024.
Lazatin welcomed the said development as he wants to preserve the unique biodiversity of the Aeta community in Barangay Sapangbato which relies on the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities who live in direct contact with nature.
Relative to this, Lazatin also initiated the selection of another position for barangay councilman in Barangay Sapangbato to represent indigenous people.
“Isang magandang balita po ito para sa ating mga kapatid na Aeta dahil kabilang na po sila sa boses sa ating konseho na maglalayong mas mapangalagaan ang kanilang mga karapatan, kultura, at adhikain,” Lazatin said.
Carlos Salvador, who was elected by the city’s Aeta clan in Barangay Sapangbato, will take the position of IPMR in the city council while Jun Jun Tolentino was elected as Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Sapangbato pursuant to Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997.
RA 8371 mandates the representation of IPs in all policy making bodies and other local legislative councils, and to enjoy the same privileges as the regular members of the legislative bodies.
The council will welcome the IPMR as its 13th member, and the Department of Budget and Management approved the city council’s appropriation ordinance for classification of newly-created position for Salvador’s new office and staff.
According to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), IPMR representatives are tasked with creating a legislative agenda in partnership with the community they represent.
Furthermore, IP consultative bodies advance grassroots representation by providing a platform for IP elders and leaders.
To recall, Mayor Lazatin initiated the selection of IPMR in the city council in 2023 to strengthen the indigenous peoples’ capacity to advocate for its rights.
Lazatin ordered City Councilor Atty. Arvin “Pogs” Suller to help then the Aeta community in Barangay Sapangbato in creating an IPMR in the city council.
During the general assembly in 2023, the elders and leaders of the Aeta communities in Sitio Target, Sitio Babo and Sitio Bliss started to craft and present the local guidelines for the IPMR.
Meanwhile, the NCIP aided them to validate and document the selection process with the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.