14 February (Tebtebba Indigenous Information Service) – A global institution focusing on indigenous concerns and a state university have agreed to do research together, the results of which ultimately will help promote and advance indigenous peoples’ rights and interests.Global center on indigenous concerns and university to collaborate

“Both parties mutually agree to undertake, promote and develop academic and policy research, publication, advocacy, training/education cooperation and networking in the field of indigenous peoples’ studies in the Philippines and the rest of the world,” said the memorandum of agreement signed by Tebtebba and the University of the Philippines Baguio or UP Baguio.

Some staff of both parties witnessed the formal signing of the agreement at the university campus last 6 February, which was signed by Tebtebba executive director Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and UP Baguio chancellor Dr. Raymuno Rovillos.

Prof. Jocelyn R. Rafanan, university registrar and Raymond De Chavez, Tebtebba management committee member, also signed as official witnesses to the agreement.

Both parties have considered their “common interest in promoting mutual cooperation in the area of research, education, training and policy advocacy that are relevant and responsive to the context and needs of indigenous peoples in the Cordillera (in northern Philippines), the Philippines and the rest of the world.”

Guided by the principle of “equality and reciprocity” and “mutual understanding,” both parties have agreed on some “Terms of Reference” through which the agreement would be implemented.

The Terms of Reference included elaboration of responsibilities of each institution for the agreed upon activity, schedules, budgets and sources of funding, and other items deemed necessary for efficiently managing each of the activities.

The Terms of Reference also stipulated that individual projects and activities must still pass through the usual institutional procedures of Tebtebba and UP Baguio.

Included in the agreement are guidelines on intellectual property rights and publications of joint researches.

The agreement also stipulates how to settle possible conflicts.  “In case of conflict, differing viewpoints and interpretations of this MOA, the same shall be settled amicably by mutual consultation or negotiation,” said the agreement.

But both Tauli-Corpuz and Rovillos expressed confidence that both parties could complement and enhance each other’s capabilities to produce researches and studies, which ultimately could help make a dent in the lives of indigenous peoples.

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