26 IP Rights advocates complete DTP course

The Human Rights Training for Indigenous Civil Society in the Philippines
In cooperation with the Philippines Association for Intercultural Development
held from 11-22 August 2003 successfully commenced with 26 IP leaders and advocates completing the course.

The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is a non-government organization, providing training in human rights and 'peoples' diplomacy' to human rights defenders and members of civil society in the Asia-Pacific Region. It was founded in 1989 by Professor José Ramos-Horta, the 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate and representative of East Timor at the UN for over a decade. Since 1990, the DTP has trained over 600 people from 30 countries and constituencies.

Participants came from Mindanao, Mindoro, Central Luzon and the Cordilleras. Represented were the Mandaya, Manobo Pulangihon, Alangan, Hanunuo, Tadyawan, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Ikalahan, Subanen, Teduray and the Bangsa Moro peoples.

Advocates representing NGOs working with women and farmers including Government workers dealing with poverty aleviation issues also attended.

An illustrious array of Resource persons provided the critical inputs for the training, these included Dr. Sarah Pritchard an renowned barrister from Australia, Prof. Paul Redmond, the former Dean of Faculty of the College of Law of the UNSW, Patrick Earle the current Executive Director of the DTP, Prof. Dandan, the Chair of the ECOSOC and other highly qualified experts who are authorities in their field.

A short program was conducted to formally open the training. This was graced by the presence of Ambassador Terry Baker of New Zealand, Ambassador Howard Dee and Bgy. Captain Boni Florentino of the Aeta community of Pastolan.

At the commencent program of the DTP Hon. Pablo Santos, Commissioner of the NCIP for the Rest of Luzon ably assisted Prof. Paul Redmond in handing out the Certificates of Completion to the successful trainees..