MARAWI CITY – The Federation of Indigenous Sectoral Tribal Councils of the Philippines, Inc. (FISTCOP) is proud to announce the official launch of its comprehensive website, now live at fistcop.org (hypothetical). The new site will serve as FISTCOP’s digital storefront, providing a transparent and in-depth overview of the organization’s identity, mission, and programs. It is designed to be a central hub for Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, partners, civil society, and the public to access vital information, find resources, and discover clear pathways for engagement.

The website is a direct extension of FISTCOP’s core mission: to bridge the critical gap between the legal recognition of IP rights and their actual realization on the ground.

A Gateway to Empowerment and Knowledge

Visitors to the new website will find dedicated sections that detail FISTCOP’s holistic and community-driven approach. Key features include:

• IP Rights Protection: This section provides a thorough exploration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) and its four mutually-reinforcing bundles of rights. It offers detailed information on FISTCOP’s specific programs, including technical assistance for Ancestral Domain/Land Titling (CADT/CALT) applications, advocacy for policy harmonization, and facilitation and monitoring of Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.
• Economic Development & Livelihood: Showcasing FISTCOP’s strategy to counter economic marginalization, this section details proposed initiatives for community-based sustainable livelihoods. These include programs for regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming, support for traditional craft and cultural industries, and the development of community-based eco-tourism. All programs are founded on the principle of integrating indigenous knowledge systems and values.
• Cooperative Movements: Highlighting FISTCOP’s role in fostering self-reliance, this area explains the power of cooperatives as vehicles for social and economic justice. It details the unique legal ability of IP Cooperatives to integrate Indigenous Traditions, Customs, Knowledge Systems, and Practices (ITCKSP) into their official Articles of Cooperation. The site outlines FISTCOP’s support mechanisms, from technical assistance in registration to capacity building in governance and management.
• A Comprehensive Resource Library: The website serves as a vital information hub, offering public access to essential documents. The library contains the full text of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and relevant international instruments like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It will also house FISTCOP’s publications, annual reports, case studies, and a multimedia gallery showcasing its work.

Building a Digital Community: FISTCOP on Social Media

To foster wider engagement and real-time dialogue, FISTCOP is also launching its official social media presence:

• Official Facebook Page: For the latest organizational news, success stories, and official announcements, follow us at facebook.com/FISTCOP.PH (hypothetical). This will be our primary channel for broadcasting information to our partners and the public.
• Community Facebook Group: To create a space for discussion and networking, we invite IP members, advocates, and partners to join our official Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/FISTCOP.Community (hypothetical). This group will serve as a forum for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and building solidarity among stakeholders.

FISTCOP invites everyone to explore the new website and connect with us on social media. We believe these digital platforms will be powerful tools for amplifying IP voices, fostering collaboration, and accelerating the journey toward genuine self-determination for all Indigenous Peoples across the Philippines.