The UPLB-INREM’s ITMoB project initiated the process of securing Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practice (IKSP) consent from the two offices of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in La Union last week.

Members of the ITMoB team visited the NCIP Sudipen and NCIP Pugo offices with jurisdictions over the municipalities with indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities within the Baroro Watershed last February 2023 for a pre-IKSP conference with NCIP staff and IP Municipal Representatives of concerned areas. The ITMoB team led by its project leader, Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, introduced the project, and the NCIP FPIC Team Leaders, Ms. Salud B. Umaybas-Dalog of NCIP Sudipen, and Ms. Ester L. Marzan of NCIP Pugo, respectively, facilitated the preparation and finalization of the work and financial plan (WFP) for the series of activities in relation to securing IKSP consent. The meetings were successful as the WFP was finalized and signed, and the following activities were already scheduled for April 2023.