Our Mandates and Purposes

FISTCOP’s work is guided by five core mandates that directly align with the foundational principles of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). These mandates are designed to address the interconnected rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in a holistic and integrated manner.

Advocacy and Representation

FISTCOP’s fundamental role is to serve as a unified voice for diverse Indigenous Sectoral Tribal Councils. This aligns with IPRA’s explicit provision for IP participation in decision-making processes that affect their rights, lives, and destinies , including mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and local legislative councils. This involves collaboration with entities like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Rights Protection and Promotion

FISTCOP is mandated to actively protect and promote the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples. This encompasses safeguarding ancestral domains , upholding self-governance principles, and preserving cultural integrity. A crucial aspect of this mandate involves addressing detrimental external pressures, such as the negative impacts often associated with extractive industries on IP communities. The primary purpose is to assist, protect and promote the rights of indigenous people and indigenous cultural communities.

Empowerment and Capacity Building

A core mandate for FISTCOP involves empowering IP communities by enhancing their capabilities. This includes equipping them to assert their rights effectively, manage their own affairs, and pursue development paths that are self-determined and culturally appropriate. This aligns with the government’s responsibility to “establish the means for the full development/empowerment of the ICCs/IPs own institutions and initiatives”.

Socio-Economic Upliftment

FISTCOP is tasked with improving the living conditions of its IP members. This involves addressing their economic and social needs, consistent with IPRA’s provisions that recognize the right of ICCs/IPs to basic services and to determine their own development priorities. This includes assisting them in the establishment of agri-agro industrial projects and other livelihood facilities, services and enterprises.

Cultural Preservation and Integrity

Central to FISTCOP’s mission is the safeguarding of the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems (IKSPs), and customary laws of IP communities. These elements are inextricably linked to their ancestral lands and form the very essence of their identity.