HANS KOECHLER POLITICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

A Resolution Appointing the Hans Koechler Political and Philosophical Society, Inc. (HKPPS),

with the support of the Foundation for Social Justice (FSJ),

as the Focal Group in Formulating and Implementing Actionable Plans

for the Furtherance of the Rights and Welfare of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples

Whereas, the 1986 Philippine Constitution stipulates the policy of the state to recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous communities in preserving and developing their cultures, traditions, and institutions;

Whereas, in order to realize the said policy, the Philippine Government enacted the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997;

Whereas, since its inception, little has been done by the concerned government institutions in realizing the provisions of the said Act;

Whereas, in order to promote the rights and welfare of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples,  it is deemed imperative to create a wide alliance of Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ groups, non-governmental organizations and advocates;

Whereas, the said alliance shall be formed and convened under the leadership of a focal group that shall harmonize all the efforts of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ groups, non-governmental organizations and advocates;

Whereas, the said focal group shall formulate and implement actionable plans primarily on the issues of land and education of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples;

Whereas, we, the individuals who appended their signatures below, appoint the Hans Koechler Political and Philosophical Society, Inc. (HKPPS), with the support of the Foundation for Social Justice (FSJ), as the focal group in addressing the primary concerns of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples;

Whereas, we, the same individuals who appended their signatures below, voluntarily commit ourselves to be members of the said focal group, and in our own personal capacity, shall formulate and implement actionable plans, specifically, for the furtherance of the rights and welfare of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples;

Wherefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the Hans Koechler Political and Philosophical Society, Inc. (HKPPS), with the support of the Foundation for Social Justice (FSJ), shall act as the focal group in formulating and implementing actionable plans for the furtherance of the rights and welfare of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples, primarily on the issues of land and education.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 8 September 2007