On 16 April 2024, as part of the continuing engagement in the 23rd session of the UNPFII, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) convened with representatives from the Tebtebba Foundation, Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA), Consortium Southeast Asia, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPEE), and the Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI).

The main agenda of the meeting was to identify possible areas of collaboration that support the shared aspiration to empower the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). Also, the meeting served as a venue for the discussion of the available mechanisms to promote the recognition and assertion of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples at the international level.
During the meeting, NGOs noted the participation of the Philippine government in the UNPFII as a ‘welcome development for positive change’. Further, they hope for the continued participation of the Philippine government in the future sessions of the UNPFII.

Leading the meeting on behalf of NCIP is Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las together with Commissioner Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja, Commissioner Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano, Commisioner Jeorge M. Largado, and Commissioner Gaspar A. Cayat.