NCIP seeks faster resolution of ancestral land disputes

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is pushing for closer interagency coordination and digital reforms to accelerate the resolution of ancestral land disputes and strengthen indigenous peoples' land rights.

NCIP Secretary Nancy Catamco outlined the commission's initiatives during the Land and Justice Summit 2026 held on 19 October.

Organized by the Philippine Judicial Academy, an institution of the Supreme Court, in partnership with the FAIR Justice Program, the summit focused on improving land administration and dispute resolution through institutional cooperation and technology.

Catamco emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach to address bureaucratic delays and overlapping mandates affecting ancestral domain claims.

“Protecting ancestral domains requires seamless institutional synergy,” Catamco said.

“By leveraging digital innovations and fostering deep coordination with our partner agencies, we can dismantle the systemic barriers that delay justice for our indigenous peoples.”

The NCIP also presented operational improvements intended to make ancestral domain delineation more efficient and transparent.

The discussions covered land tenure security, climate vulnerability, regulatory overlaps and legal challenges affecting marginalized communities.

Joining the NCIP delegation were Commissioner Rhodex Valenciano, lawyer Jonathan Jo of the Office of the Clerk of the Commission and lawyer Shedyler Pormanes of the Legal Affairs Office.

Representatives from the Land Registration Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Senate and other institutions also participated.

The NCIP said it would continue working with government agencies to protect ancestral domains and improve access to justice for indigenous communities.