DAVAO CITY August 10 (PIA) - Real land title of the Ancestral Domain claim of the Aeta Tribe, constant presence of the soldiers in Paquibato District, bringing back the confidence on the civilian-soldier relations and teaching modalities for children of indigenous communities during the pandemic were the basic questions raised by the participants in the consultation-dialogue conducted by the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples chaired by Allen Capuyan and other line government agencies under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District and Sitio Lumiad, Barangay Marahan, Marilog District over the weekend.

Atty. Ronnie Bulutano, Legal Officer IV of the NCIP in Davao Region assured that the Land Registration Authority will finally release the ancestral domain title for Paquibato District before the year ends.

He asked Roger Baay of Peace 911 to expedite the process of the release.

Brig. General Nolasco Mempin, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade assured the residents that the soldiers will occupy its military reservation in Paquibato District while addressing the concerns like electricity and potable water.

He assured the presence and discipline of soldiers in the area.

Allen Capuyan, chair of the NCIP stressed that the strength of the IPs lies on their ability and commitment to assert their rights in the ancestral domain, and the attainment of a lasting peace in the community.

"It's high time that you must not be swayed by the rebels in your pursuit for peace to reign in Paquibato. The strength lies within you," he said.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang of the Second District cited that the City Government has poured in financial resources in Paquibato to build roads and for communication companies to build in tower antennas.

He said the roads and communication ensure the economic growth in the area, despite the pandemic.

"All these are pieces of evidence that your government never leaves you," Dayanghirang said.

Nena Laurente, district supervisor of the Department of Education in Paquibato District called on parents of IP children who could help in the education of children to coordinate with the school principal.

She said the teachers can make arrangement of allowing face-to-face learning provided health protocols are observed.

"The protection of learners and teachers given a higher importance wherein from twenty students per class, it may be reduced to ten per class, so that face-to-face session can be realized," Laurente said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)