The Ugnayang Pambansa para sa Katutubong Kaalaman at Talino (UPAKAT) Inc. held its 3rd General Assembly at the Camelot Hotel, Quezon City, Philippines on 11-13 November 2024 which was participated in by 53 attendees from all over the country. Bearing the theme, “Palakasin ang Ugnayan: Paigtingin ang Talino’t Kaalaman para sa Katiwasayan ng Bawat Katutubong Pamayanan” (Intensify the Connection: Strengthen Indigenous Wisdom and Knowledge for the Sustainable Development of Each Indigenous Community), the event highlighted the Network’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines are not left behind in the different decision-making levels.
The objectives of the assembly included sharing and updating of members’ community experiences, electing a new set of officers and Council of Leaders (COL), forming different committees, developing the General Plan of Action 2025-28, and reviewing the Constitution and By-Laws. These aim to improve the overall operation of the network as it continues to call for the genuine recognition, respect, and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the country.
A follow-up on the review of the Constitution and By-Laws and the subsequent amendment of some its parts as well as the inputting of the specific contents of the three-year General Plan of Action shall take place during the face-to-face COL meeting in Baguio City on 25-26 March 2025. This will coincide with the Elatia and Bangladesh Project meetings scheduled to happen on the said dates.