The Philippine government has officially begun the development of its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), with a key focus on protecting indigenous peoples and their ancestral domains. This initiative directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to human rights and inclusive development, a priority he highlighted in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
The inaugural workshop, held on July 15 in Makati City, convened over 50 representatives from 25 government agencies. The event, themed “Toward a Philippine National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights: Strengthening Protection for Indigenous Peoples and Ancestral Domains,” was a collaborative effort led by the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The event also received support from civil society organizations and the European Union Delegation to the Philippines.
Undersecretary Severo Catura, PHRCS Executive Director, emphasized the government’s dedication to justice, unity, and respect for indigenous communities, stating that these values are crucial in shaping national policies.
Experts at the workshop provided foundational insights to guide the plan’s development. Judge Jesus Torres, former head of the Commission on Human Rights’ Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Center, detailed international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These principles outline the government’s duty to protect human rights, businesses’ responsibility to respect them, and the right of individuals to access effective remedies. Legal and policy expert Atty. Reina Bermudez also discussed the country’s existing legal landscape on business and human rights.
The development of the NAP-BHR is a multi-stage process. A second workshop is scheduled to gather direct input from indigenous communities, civil society groups, and the private sector. Following these consultations, a technical working group led by the NCIP will draft a preliminary version of the plan for review.
This action plan is a core component of the broader Philippine Human Rights Plan 2024–2028, which aims to safeguard indigenous rights and cultural heritage in the face of expanding business and economic activities.
