The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) have signed a partnership agreement to jointly deliver agricultural support and empower Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed Wednesday, formalizes cooperation under the DA’s Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program to roll out farming and fisheries initiatives tailored for IP communities.
“This MOA is proof of government working as one,” said DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro. “It strengthens our coordination so we can better serve IPs with programs that match their needs.”
The 4K Program seeks to boost food production and improve livelihoods in ancestral domains through support in four key areas: social preparation, production and livelihood aid, marketing and enterprise development, and overall program management.
Under the deal, DA leads planning, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring IPs take meaningful part and their traditional knowledge and practices are respected. NCIP will guide community consent processes, protect IP rights, endorse eligible groups, and help with cultural sensitivity and community concerns. Both agencies will consult communities, map data, provide technical help, and safeguard shared information and indigenous knowledge.
As of August 2026, the 4K Program has reached 256 ancestral domains spanning 31,239 hectares, assisted 461 IP organizations, funded 1,464 subprojects, and trained 58,103 participants.
