The Center for Peace and Indigenous People's Resources and Development (CPIPRD) of Tarlac State University (TSU) conducted a strategic meeting with key officials from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), led by Atty. Atanacio Addog, NCIP Regional Director. He was joined by Atty. Sharmaine Valenzuela, NCIP Tarlac Legal Officer, and Ms. Marilou Modelo, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Jose, Tarlac.
Representing TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Mr. Ronnie Dungo expressed the administration’s full support for initiatives that empower Indigenous Peoples through research, innovation, and community engagement. His presence underscored the administration’s commitment to deepening partnerships that uphold the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Erwin Lacanlale, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, followed by an opening message from Atty. Addog. In his address, Atty. Addog expressed his appreciation for the partnership with TSU, stating that he is glad to work closely with the university in advancing the welfare of Indigenous Peoples. He stressed that this collaboration holds great promise in producing impactful, community-based research and extension programs that are respectful of IP culture and grounded in ethical standards.
Dr. Maria Elena David, Director of CPIPRD, provided an in-depth overview of the Center’s objectives, current research and extension undertakings, and future directions. She emphasized the Center's mission to serve as a hub for initiatives that promote peace, cultural preservation, and sustainable development among Indigenous communities.
The Department Heads, Instr. Howard Aries Ronquillo & Instr. Remar Salvador, and Mr. Mark Khalifa Balmores, staff of the Center were present during the meeting, demonstrating unified institutional support for the initiatives discussed. The meeting focused on how NCIP can guide and assist TSU’s faculty and students in implementing research and extension projects involving Indigenous Peoples.
Atty. Addog emphasized that all research and extension activities concerning Indigenous Peoples must first be coordinated with the Center. He explained that this is essential to ensure that all necessary guidelines, ethical protocols, and legal requirements are met prior to the conduct of any activity. The Center, in turn, will provide the necessary assistance and coordination with NCIP to facilitate smooth and responsible project implementation.
To formalize this partnership, Atty. Addog proposed the drafting of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will stipulate clear guidelines for research and extension engagements involving Indigenous Peoples. This will help streamline activities and ensure that both TSU and NCIP are aligned in their objectives and responsibilities.
This meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening institutional collaboration in the service of Indigenous Peoples, reinforcing the university’s role in inclusive and community-rooted scholarship.
