The Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines (TRICAP), led by its National President and joined by Indigenous elders and leaders from various ancestral domains, attended today’s necrological service at the House of Representatives in honor of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr..
TRICAP paid tribute to the former Speaker as one of the principal legislative champions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 — the landmark law that formally recognized ancestral domain rights, Indigenous self-governance, and cultural integrity.
During his leadership in the House, de Venecia played a decisive role in advancing IPRA at a time when Indigenous Peoples’ recognition under national law faced significant political resistance. His presence during the historic signing of the law in 1997 alongside then President Fidel V. Ramos symbolized his firm commitment to institutional reform and social justice.
“For Indigenous Peoples, IPRA represents generations of struggle transformed into law,” TRICAP said in its official statement. “Speaker Joe stood with us when our rights were still being debated, and he helped ensure that the voices of Indigenous communities were heard within the halls of Congress.”
TRICAP emphasized that honoring the former Speaker must go beyond remembrance. It must translate into renewed political will to fully implement and defend IPRA amid continuing threats to ancestral domains, extractive pressures, and attempts to weaken safeguards such as Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
“His legacy challenges today’s lawmakers,” the statement continued. “IPRA must not only remain on paper — it must be strengthened in practice. Ancestral lands must be protected. Indigenous self-governance must be respected. Cultural integrity must be upheld.”
TRICAP reiterated that the struggle for Indigenous Peoples’ rights did not end in 1997. It continues in legislative debates, in community consultations, and in the defense of ancestral domains across the country.
“As long as IPRA continues to recognize, respect, promote, and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the legacy of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. lives on,” TRICAP concluded. “We honor him not only with our presence today, but with our continued vigilance and advocacy.”