QuestionsQuestions (KKPP DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 12, S. 1994)
Executive Order No. 122-C created the Office for Southern Cultural Communities. It covers all members of tribal groups in Regions IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII.
The State’s policy is to ensure the rights and well-being of Southern Cultural Communities (non-Muslim hill tribes and ethnolinguistic minority groups), with due regard to their customs, traditions, and institutions, and to ensure their contribution to national goals through active participation in nation-building.
To preserve and develop the culture, traditions, institutions, and well-being of the southern cultural communities, in conformity with the country’s laws and in consonance with national unity and development.
The Office provides advice and assistance to the President on formulation, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of policies, plans, programs, and projects affecting southern cultural communities; serves as the link between the President and agencies involved; and recommends affirmative actions for efficient and effective implementation.
The Office serves as custodian and administrator of all existing Office settlements, subdivisions, allocations, and distribution of public lands, and also those reserved by the President for southern cultural communities, including ancestral lands as provided by law.
Subject to existing laws, it may enter contracts/agreements to attain the Office’s objectives, including obtaining loans from lending institutions, but loans require approval of the President.
It may accept grants, donations, gifts, funds, and/or properties from any source for the benefit of the southern cultural communities and administer them according to their terms, or if no condition exists, in a manner consistent with the communities’ interests and existing laws.
The Office may certify membership when appropriate to establish qualifications for specific requirements of government and private agencies and for other benefits as may be provided by law.
The Office coordinates enforcement of policies and laws protecting southern cultural communities’ rights to ancestral lands, including application of customary laws governing property rights and relations, subject to procedures and standards established by the Legislature or another duly constitutional authority. It may enlist assistance of appropriate government agencies including law enforcement.
The Office must conduct joint inspection with the Bureau of Forest Development of areas covered by applications for licenses, leases, or permits under the Revised Forestry Code. No such license/lease/permit may be granted without prior joint inspection. The Office may interpose objections or present petitions for exclusion or for recognition of specific areas inhabited by southern cultural communities.
The Office promotes peace and harmony by acting as mediator and encouraging peaceful settlement of tribal disputes in accordance with the prevailing customary laws of each tribe. It also codifies customary laws related to the conduct of adjudication councils.
The Office may submit legislative proposals to the Legislature, but only upon approval of the President, intended to carry out the policy declared in the Executive Order.
The Office is composed of an Executive Director and two Deputy Executive Directors, all appointed by the President.
Administrative supervision and control over personnel (except the Deputy Executive Directors) and Office properties are vested in the Executive Director. Disciplinary measures for non-presidential appointees are also vested in the Executive Director, except that dismissal requires a majority decision of all members of the Office (as provided). The Executive Director supervises the Deputy Executive Directors, who assist and may be assigned or delegated responsibilities by the Executive Director.
Positions not included in the new staffing pattern or not filled through appointment are deemed separated. Separated persons receive retirement benefits or separation pay equivalents as stated. Additionally, no court or administrative body may issue a writ of preliminary injunction or restraining order to enjoin the separation/replacement effected under the Executive Order.
Funds needed to carry out the Executive Order shall be taken from funds available in the Office of Muslim Affairs and Cultural Communities.