CHAPTER IV RIGHT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE AND EMPOWERMENT

SEC. 13. Self-Governance. - The State recognizes the inherent right of ICCs/IPs to
self-governance and self-determination and respects the integrity of their values, practices
and institutions. Consequently, the State shall guarantee the right of ICCs/IPs to freely pursue
their economic, social and cultural development.
SEC. 14. Support for Autonomous Regions. - The State shall continue to strengthen and
support the autonomous regions created under the Constitution as they may require or need.
The State shall likewise encourage other ICCs/IPs not included or outside Muslim Mindanao
and the Cordilleras to use the form and content of their ways of life as may be compatible
with the fundamental rights defined in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and
other internationally recognized human rights.
SEC. 15. Justice System, Conflict Resolution Institutions, and Peace Building Processes. -
The ICCs/IPs shall have the right to use their own commonly accepted justice systems,
conflict resolution institutions, peace building processes or mechanisms and other customary
laws and practices within their respective communities and as may be compatible with the
national legal system and with internationally recognized human rights.
SEC. 16. Right to Participate in Decision-Making - ICCs/IPs have the right to participate
fully, if they so choose, at all levels of decision making in matters which may affect their
rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them as well as to maintain and
develop their own indigenous political structures. Consequently, the State shall ensure that
the ICCs/IPs shall be given mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local
legislative councils.
SEC. 17. Right to Determine and Decide Priorities for Development. - The ICCs/IPs shall
have the right to determine and decide their own priorities for development affecting their
lives, beliefs, institutions, spiritual well-being, and the lands they own, occupy or use. They
shall participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies, plans and
programs for national, regional and local development which may directly affect them.
SEC. 18. Tribal Barangays. - The ICCs/IPs living in contiguous areas or communities where
they form the predominant population but which are located in municipalities, provinces or
cities where they do not constitute the majority of the population, may form or constitute a
separate barangay in accordance with the Local Government Code on the creation of tribal
barangays.

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SEC. 19. Role of Peoples Organizations. - The State shall recognize and respect the role of
independent ICCs/IPs organizations to enable the ICCs/IPs to pursue and protect their
legitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.
SEC. 20. Means for Development/Empowerment of ICCs/lPs. - The Government shall
establish the means for the full development/ empowerment of the ICCs/IPs own institutions
and initiatives and, where necessary, provide the resources needed therefor.