Our Guiding Principles

Our approach is rooted in a deep respect for indigenous wisdom and a commitment to genuine partnership. These five guiding principles are the foundation of every program we undertake and every relationship we build, ensuring our work is effective, sustainable, and true to the aspirations of the communities we serve.

Holistic and Integrated

FISTCOP recognizes the profound interconnectedness of ancestral lands, self-governance, social justice, human rights, and cultural integrity. For Indigenous Peoples, these are not separate issues but intertwined elements of their identity and well-being. A threat to one impacts all others. Therefore, our programs are designed to be holistic, addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that communities face in an integrated way.

Community-Driven and Participatory

We believe that sustainable development is self-determined development. FISTCOP acts as a catalyst and a facilitator, not a director. Our role is to enable Indigenous Peoples to define and achieve their own priorities. All of our programs are genuinely driven by community needs and are built upon the foundation of traditional wisdom, fostering authentic self-reliance and ensuring that the community maintains ownership of its development journey.

Dual Strategy

FISTCOP operates with a pragmatic dual strategy. We function as both a strong advocate for better government enforcement of the IPRA and for necessary policy reforms. Simultaneously, we act as a direct implementer of support services, especially in areas where governmental mechanisms are insufficient or compromised. This approach allows us to fill the critical vacuum created by the “incomplete implementation” and “institutional weaknesses” that often hinder the progress of IP rights.

Proactive Engagement

Rather than merely reacting to violations after they occur, FISTCOP prioritizes pre-emptive action. We focus on proactive legal and community organizing efforts to empower Indigenous Peoples before external pressures become overwhelming. By building capacity, raising awareness, and strengthening community institutions ahead of time, we aim to prevent rights violations and create a stronger negotiating position for communities facing development pressures.

Cultural Integration

Our approach involves actively integrating and elevating traditional knowledge systems (IKSPs) and customary laws in all our efforts. We believe that culture is not an obstacle to development but a source of strength and resilience. By reinforcing indigenous concepts of ownership, communal property, and customary practices in governance and enterprise, we help reinforce cultural identity and advance the goal of genuine self-determination.