Protecting Indigenous rights in the Philippines

The Philippines has an estimated 14–17 million Indigenous People, belonging to 110 ethno-linguistic groups. In the Bangsamoro and Cordillera regions of the Philippines, Indigenous people experience social discrimination, economic marginalization and political disempowerment, which are worsened by the pandemic and an ongoing armed conflict that imperils their land rights.

The Indigenous Peoples Champions for the Philippines project, launched in 2021, empowers local champions through capacity development, supporting them in making meaningful advocacy interventions. It envisions all participants as future leaders who collaborate with institutions for the protection of Indigenous rights, shaping a future that is more inclusive of Indigenous perspectives and customs.

Throughout the project, Indigenous Peoples Champions gain access to representatives from various levels of government, known as Institutional Champions. In 2023, the project brought Indigenous Champions together with Institutional Champions for dialogue forums in which the former presented advocacy briefs, culminating in a 10-point policy road map that calls on Institutional Champions to work with Indigenous representatives to implement inclusive policies that impact local people.