CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Federation of Indigenous Sectoral Tribal Councils of the Philippines, Inc. (FISTCOP) has officially secured its legal identity, marking a significant milestone for Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) advocacy across the nation. The organization was formally approved as a non-stock corporation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 10, 2025, under Company Registration Number 20250602046050.

This registration solidifies FISTCOP’s role as a pivotal non-state actor dedicated to bridging the persistent gap between the landmark Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371) and its incomplete implementation on the ground. For decades, despite the law’s progressive framework, IP communities have remained among the most marginalized groups in the country. FISTCOP was established to directly address this challenge.

According to its Articles of Incorporation, FISTCOP’s primary purpose is “to assist, protect and promote the rights of indigenous people and indigenous cultural communities.” This includes safeguarding ancestral domains owned since time immemorial, uplifting the living conditions of its members through sustainable agri-agro industrial projects, and developing people’s participation in socio-economic and cultural activities to foster self-reliance.

As a legally constituted non-profit federation, FISTCOP will now intensify its efforts to:

• Serve as a unified voice for diverse Indigenous Sectoral Tribal Councils.
• Provide direct legal and technical support for the titling of ancestral domains.
• Advocate for the proper implementation of Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Facilitate the growth of IP-led cooperatives as vehicles for economic empowerment.

In compliance with its non-stock status, FISTCOP is not authorized to solicit investments from the public. The organization is committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that any incidental income generated through its programs will be fully reinvested into its mission of empowering IP communities to achieve self-determined development, safeguard their cultural integrity, and secure their socio-economic well-being.