1st Day NCIP Seminar-Workshop Equips Participants with Tools for Ethical Indigenous Research
The Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) Research Ethics Office (REO), in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), conducts a two-day Seminar-Workshop on Research and Documentation for Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs), Customary Laws, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) at Dream Golftel, starting May 5 until May 6, 2025.
The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of ethical research involving Indigenous Peoples (IPs), with a focus on respecting and preserving their rights, cultural heritage, and community autonomy. The event was graced by Atty. Dexter B. Precioso, RLO IV, who served as the resource speaker.
On the first day, Atty. Precioso delivered a comprehensive discussion on the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), highlighting the four bundles of rights granted to IPs: the right to ancestral domains, self-governance, social justice, and cultural integrity. He also emphasized the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) and Customary Laws, encouraging researchers to approach these topics with cultural sensitivity and ethical responsibility.
Throughout the first seminar, participants engaged in practical sessions designed to provide them with the technical knowledge and research tools necessary for documenting IKSPs while ensuring compliance with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) requirements. These workshops were especially valuable for those undertaking research within indigenous communities, ensuring respect for cultural protocols and legal frameworks.
The event fostered a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of indigenous knowledge and traditions. It also reinforced the importance of conducting research that supports, rather than exploits, the communities it seeks to understand.
