Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 122-C)
The official title is the Act Creating the Office for Southern Cultural Communities.
The Office encompasses all members of tribal groups in Regions IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII in the Philippines.
The Office is subject to the supervision and control of the President of the Philippines.
The policy is to ensure the rights and well-being of Southern Cultural Communities, respecting their customs, traditions, institutions, and ensuring their participation in nation-building.
They include advising the President on policies for Southern Cultural Communities, coordinating development programs, administering ancestral lands, entering contracts, accepting grants, conducting research on culture, certifying membership, protecting ancestral land rights, providing legal and medical assistance, supporting education, promoting trade, mediating disputes, and other functions as provided by law.
The Office shall be composed of an Executive Director and two Deputy Executive Directors, all appointed by the President.
Preference in employment is given to deserving members of the Southern Cultural Communities, even if they do not have civil service eligibility, in consonance with Presidential Decree No. 1414, provided that priority is given to those who are qualified and possess civil service eligibility.
The Legal Service provides legal education and assistance, undertakes research and codification of customary laws, assists legislative initiatives, extends technical help for tribal adjudication councils, coordinates protective services, acts as legal counsel, investigates personnel cases, and recommends actions.
The Office promotes peace and harmony by acting as a mediator and encouraging the peaceful settlement of tribal disputes according to customary laws and codifying these laws for adjudication purposes.