Held at the St. Ezekiel Moreno Development Center in Barangay San Jose, the three-day training gathers community representatives from Barangays Langogan, Binduyan, and Concepcion to deepen their understanding of the law, human rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and government accountability. With over 70 participants, the event aims to build legal awareness and governance skills among grassroots leaders—equipping them to assert their rights and actively engage in local decision-making on environmental issues.

The sessions cover a broad yet accessible introduction to:

• The Philippine legal system and human rights framework;
• The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA);
• Provisions of the Local Government Code on accountability of public officials;
• Basic procedures in filing complaints and drafting affidavits and petitions.

More than a legal seminar, the training encourages dialogue between communities and local governance structures. It is tailored based on the results of earlier consultations and training needs assessments from ELAC’s eleven project areas across Puerto Princesa, Narra, and Aborlan.

This capacity development effort is just the first in a series of clustered seminars that will reach various project communities throughout 2025. It marks a critical step in empowering people’s organizations to protect their rights and environment through the rule of law.

Access presentation here: BATAS UKOL SA KARAPATAN NG MGA KATUTUBO (Law on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)

For more updates on ELAC’s initiatives to promote legal empowerment and environmental justice, follow us on [www.elacphilippines.org].