Wednesday, 04 June 2025 07:16

SDCA and the National Commission on Indigenous People establishes partnership through MOA signing

On May 28, 2025, St. Dominic College of Asia and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony held at Luigi's Bar. Dr. Gregorio A. Andaman Jr., President of SDCA, represented the institution, while Atty. Josefina S. Rodriguez-Agusti, Regional Director of NCIP Region IV-A CALABARZON, led the NCIP delegation, joined by two of their representatives. This collaboration aims to integrate cooperation on educational programs, develop community initiatives, and strengthen research efforts. The signing was organized to affirm both organizations’ shared goals and plans in line with their mutual commitment to societal development. On May 28, 2025, St. Dominic College of Asia and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony held at Luigi's Bar. Dr. Gregorio A. Andaman Jr., President of SDCA, represented the institution, while Atty. Josefina S. Rodriguez-Agusti, Regional Director of NCIP Region IV-A CALABARZON, led the NCIP delegation, joined by two of their representatives. This collaboration aims to integrate cooperation on educational programs, develop community initiatives, and strengthen research efforts. The signing was organized to affirm both organizations’ shared goals and plans in line with their mutual commitment to societal development.
A ceremony was held for the cosigning of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SDCA and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) last May 28 at GD1, 4th floor, Luigi's Bar. This collaboration aims to integrate cooperation on educational programs, develop community initiatives, and strengthen research efforts. It was organized with the purpose of recognizing both organizations' goals and plans in regard to their mutual concurrence towards societal commitments. The event began with an opening remarks speech from Dr. Gregorio A. Andaman Jr. and was followed by the welcome message by Dr. Nilda W. Balsicas. Subsequently, Dr. Wendell L. Galapate formally introduced NCIP Calabarzon Regional Director Atty. Josefina S. Rodriguez-Agusti in order to collectively discuss the MOA highlights.

The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) is a government agency that adheres to the constitution's Republic Act No. 8371, which pertains to the act to recognize and promote the rights of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) or indigenous people (IPs). They ensure that native Filipinos are protected along with their beliefs, customs, traditions, and institutions. NCIP functions as the organization in which ICCs/IPs can openly seek government assistance and assess their conditions concerning laws and policies relevant to their overall well-being. Some of the programs they have coordinated are Assistance to Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) Formulation, IP Education and Advocacy Services, and more. Aside from their projects, NCIP also pursues partnerships with academic institutions in order to promote indigenous culture and develop collaborative research studies.

After NCIP representative Atty. Josefina S. Rodriguez-Agusti delivered her message; it was consequently succeeded by the MOA signing ceremony itself. Moreover, a round table discussion was initiated for the two parties to further discuss relative matters and celebrate the beginning of the valuable union that aims to unlock opportunities. This remarkable program signifies the notable collaboration between two organizations that are thoroughly purpose-driven and public-spirited. This formal event laid the foundations for the forthcoming plans of innovation, progress, and growth. It is clear that this is only the start of a productive partnership that prioritizes the respective communities they serve.

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