The Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) activities were conducted with the Indigenous Communities/Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Municipalities of Santa Praxedes and Baggao. The first FPIC activity was conducted on July 21, 2026 in Barangay Cadongdongan, Santa Praxedes, where members of the Yapayao and Isnag Indigenous Cultural Communities participated in the dialogue and consultation. Meanwhile, the second FPIC activity was held on July 23, 2026 in Barangay Santa Margarita, Baggao, with the active participation of Agta leaders, elders, and community members.

The FPIC process provided Indigenous Peoples with complete, transparent, culturally appropriate, and accessible information regarding the APA Project, including its objectives, proposed interventions, expected benefits, potential environmental and social impacts, and mechanisms for community participation. The process also created an avenue for the Indigenous communities to raise concerns, validate community priorities, seek clarifications, and freely deliberate in accordance with their customary decision-making practices before providing their collective consent.

Following extensive consultations and dialogue, the Indigenous Peoples of Santa Praxedes and Baggao expressed their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, signifying their support for the implementation of the APA Project within their respective ancestral domains. Their consent reflects a shared commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture while ensuring that development initiatives respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and self-determined development priorities.

The FPIC activities were facilitated by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02, led by Ms. Kay S. Olivas, APA Regional Focal Person, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) represented by the experts; Mr. Ryan Vita, and Ms. Psyche Asencio, together with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Ms. Raquel Santiago, Ms. Lorna Salagan, and Eliseo U. Fronda.

The APA Project continues to strengthen the resilience of farming communities by integrating climate adaptation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion into agricultural development. Through strong collaboration among government agencies, local government units, Indigenous Peoples, farmers’ organizations, and development partners, the project contributes to building resilient agricultural systems and advancing a more sustainable and food-secure future for the Philippines.

Via Rayward S. Carlos