Republic Act No.

8371 (IPRA Law) – The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997

Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of
1997, is a Philippine law enacted on October 29, 1997, that recognizes, protects, and
promotes the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

The law establishes the legal framework for recognizing ancestral domain ownership,
self-governance, social justice, and cultural integrity for Indigenous groups in the
Philippines. It also created the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to
oversee its implementation.

The Four Bundles of Rights under IPRA are:

1. Right to Ancestral Domains and Lands
2. Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment
3. Right to Social Justice and Human Rights
4. Right to Cultural Integrity

1. Right to Ancestral Domains and Lands

This right ensures the ownership, protection, and sustainable use of ancestral
domains and lands by Indigenous Peoples. It recognizes their traditional land ownership
systems and prohibits unauthorized entry or exploitation of their territories.
Relevant Sections and Descriptions:
 Section 4 – Concept of Ancestral Lands/Domains
o Defines ancestral domains and ancestral lands as lands traditionally
occupied, owned, or used by ICCs/IPs.
 Section 5 – Indigenous Concept of Ownership
o Recognizes that Indigenous ownership is based on customary laws and
traditions, not just legal titles.
 Section 6 – Composition of Ancestral Domains
o Ancestral domains include lands, waters, forests, mineral resources,
sacred places, and hunting grounds.
 Section 7 – Rights to Ancestral Domains
o ICCs/IPs have the right to live, manage, use, and protect their ancestral
domains.
 Section 8 – Rights to Ancestral Lands
o Ensures rights to agricultural lands, residential lands, and communal
forests traditionally occupied by ICCs/IPs.
 Section 9 – Responsibilities of ICCs/IPs to Their Ancestral Domains
o Indigenous communities must conserve and protect their lands.
 Section 10 – Unauthorized and Unlawful Intrusion
o Protects ancestral domains from illegal settlers and exploiters.
 Section 11 – Recognition of Ancestral Domain Rights
o Confirms ICCs/IPs' rights over their lands even without formal titles.
 Section 15 – Rights During Displacement
o ICCs/IPs cannot be displaced without their free, prior, and informed
consent (FPIC).
 Section 16 – Right to Return to Ancestral Domains
o If displaced, Indigenous groups have the right to return.
 Section 17 – Environmental Considerations
o Ancestral domains must be protected from environmental destruction.
2. Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment
This right recognizes the political and social autonomy of ICCs/IPs, allowing them to
govern themselves according to their traditions and customs.
Relevant Sections and Descriptions:
 Section 19 – ICCs/IPs Have the Right to Self-Governance
o ICCs/IPs govern themselves using their customary laws and practices.
 Section 20 – ICCs/IPs' Participation in Decision-Making
o Ensures ICCs/IPs' participation in government decision-making
processes that affect them.
 Section 21 – Right to Participate in Governance
o Indigenous Peoples have the right to representation in local councils and
government bodies.
 Section 22 – Right to Develop and Manage Ancestral Domains
o ICCs/IPs can create development programs without outside
interference.
 Section 23 – Freedom to Determine and Decide Priorities
o Indigenous groups prioritize their own economic, social, and cultural
development.
 Section 24 – Right to Establish and Determine Education Systems
o ICCs/IPs can create their own education systems based on Indigenous
knowledge and traditions.

3. Right to Social Justice and Human Rights

This right protects ICCs/IPs from discrimination, exploitation, and inequality. It
guarantees their access to basic services, employment, and fair treatment.
Relevant Sections and Descriptions:
 Section 25 – Equal Protection and Non-Discrimination
o ICCs/IPs have equal protection under the law and cannot be
discriminated against.
 Section 26 – Right to Employment and Livelihood
o Ensures fair employment opportunities without discrimination.
 Section 27 – Basic Services and Livelihood Support
o ICCs/IPs must have access to healthcare, education, and social
services.
 Section 28 – Women’s and Children’s Rights
o Protects Indigenous women and children from abuse and discrimination.
 Section 29 – Protection from Discrimination
o Prevents discrimination in politics, economics, and social participation.
 Section 30 – Integrated System of Education
o Ensures that Indigenous culture is included in the national education
system.
 Section 31 – Recognition of Indigenous Political Structures
o Acknowledges the legitimacy of Indigenous leadership and governance
systems.
4. Right to Cultural Integrity
This right safeguards Indigenous culture, traditions, language, and sacred sites
from exploitation and destruction.
Relevant Sections and Descriptions:
 Section 32 – Protection of Indigenous Culture, Traditions, and Institutions
o Prevents cultural assimilation and promotes Indigenous identity.
 Section 33 – Protection of Indigenous Sacred Places
o Protects sacred sites, burial grounds, and cultural landmarks.
 Section 34 – Right to Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices
o Recognizes Indigenous medicine, rituals, and spiritual practices.
 Section 35 – Access to Biological and Genetic Resources
o ICCs/IPs control the use of their biological and genetic resources.
 Section 36 – Recognition of Cultural Heritage Rights
o Indigenous Peoples have the right to preserve and share their cultural
heritage.
 Section 37 – Indigenous Cultural Communities’ Right to Science and
Technology
o Indigenous knowledge must be protected and respected in scientific
research.