NCIP boosts scholarship programs, empowers IP youth

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Bicol continues to place education at the heart of its mission by prioritizing scholarships for poor but deserving members of indigenous communities across the region.

One of NCIP’s key initiatives—the Indigenous Peoples Education and Advocacy Services (IPEAS)—supports IP learners through two major programs: the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and the Merit-Based Scholarship Program (MBSP).

This year, NCIP has granted scholarships to 326 IP students under the EAP. Each scholar receives financial support to help them pursue their studies—whether they are taking technical or vocational courses, master’s or doctorate degrees, or other postgraduate programs—with ₱10,000 in assistance per semester.

Senior high school IP scholars receive P7,500 annually, while junior high school recipients get P5,000, and elementary scholars are granted P2,500.

The MBSP, which is intended solely for college degrees, has 10 IP scholars, each of whom receives P25,000 every semester.

NCIP Regional Director Joyce Lapuz said that IPEAS aims to produce more IP graduates and professionals, establishing this as a “general rule” instead of an “exception.”

“Once they graduate, they can also give back to their communities and take on leadership roles. They can help preserve and promote their practices and traditions. That’s why it is important to fund IPEAS,” Lapuz said.

Laila de Viana made history as the first Manide from Camarines Norte to graduate last year with a bachelor’s degree in technical vocational teacher education major in food service management, thanks to the support of IPEAS.

To retain their scholarships, Lapuz said that IP scholars must maintain a certain percentage of their general weighted average—85 percent for MBPS, while 80 percent for EAP–aside from submitting documentary requirements.

As IPEAS remains a priority program of the agency, NCIP has appealed to the House of Representatives to restore its original budget proposal of P2.2 billion in 2026, which it submitted to the Department of Budget and Management. For now, NCIP has a budget of P1.8 billion to support its programs for IP communities.

This October marks the 28th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples and Rights Act, which was enacted on October 29, 1997. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/PIA Bicol)

LEGAZPI CITY --- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Bicol continues to place education at the heart of its mission by prioritizing scholarships for poor but deserving members of indigenous communities across the region.

One of NCIP’s key initiatives—the Indigenous Peoples Education and Advocacy Services (IPEAS)—supports IP learners through two major programs: the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and the Merit-Based Scholarship Program (MBSP).

This year, NCIP has granted scholarships to 326 IP students under the EAP. Each scholar receives financial support to help them pursue their studies—whether they are taking technical or vocational courses, master’s or doctorate degrees, or other postgraduate programs—with ₱10,000 in assistance per semester.

Senior high school IP scholars receive P7,500 annually, while junior high school recipients get P5,000, and elementary scholars are granted P2,500.

The MBSP, which is intended solely for college degrees, has 10 IP scholars, each of whom receives P25,000 every semester.

NCIP Regional Director Joyce Lapuz said that IPEAS aims to produce more IP graduates and professionals, establishing this as a “general rule” instead of an “exception.”

“Once they graduate, they can also give back to their communities and take on leadership roles. They can help preserve and promote their practices and traditions. That’s why it is important to fund IPEAS,” Lapuz said.

Laila de Viana made history as the first Manide from Camarines Norte to graduate last year with a bachelor’s degree in technical vocational teacher education major in food service management, thanks to the support of IPEAS.

To retain their scholarships, Lapuz said that IP scholars must maintain a certain percentage of their general weighted average—85 percent for MBPS, while 80 percent for EAP–aside from submitting documentary requirements.

As IPEAS remains a priority program of the agency, NCIP has appealed to the House of Representatives to restore its original budget proposal of P2.2 billion in 2026, which it submitted to the Department of Budget and Management. For now, NCIP has a budget of P1.8 billion to support its programs for IP communities.

This October marks the 28th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples and Rights Act, which was enacted on October 29, 1997. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/PIA Bicol)