The Status of Mandatory Representation for Indigenous Peoples: A Critical Evaluation of Performance and Challenges

The Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) role, established by national laws like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) in the Philippines, is a vital link between Indigenous communities and local government, advocating for their needs and rights. The IPMR has the authority to propose ordinances and policies that benefit the community, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, using thematic analysis to extract relevant interpretations and results from data gathered through key informant interviews. This study reveals that the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the Municipality of Tupi has an active engagement to benefit the IP communities. Further, it also shows the challenges that affect the performance of the IPMR.