Philippines
On 2 August 2025, the Presedential Communication Office announced that “government has begun developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), with a strong focus on protecting indigenous peoples (IPs) and their ancestral domains.” See more here.
Available NAPs
(Under Development)
Status
In November 2016, the Presidential Human Rights Committee held a government consultation on a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights).
On 2 August 2025, the Presedential Communication Office announced that:
“The government has begun developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), with a strong focus on protecting indigenous peoples (IPs) and their ancestral domains.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to human rights and inclusive development, as highlighted in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
Held on July 15 in Makati City, the first workshop brought together over 50 representatives from 25 government agencies involved in indigenous rights, business regulation, and sustainable development.
With the theme, “Toward a Philippine National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights: Strengthening Protection for Indigenous Peoples and Ancestral Domains,” the event was led by the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), civil society groups, and supported by the European Union Delegation to the Philippines through the Land Justice Initiative.
PHRCS Executive Director Undersecretary Severo Catura underscored the importance of justice, unity, and respect for IPs in shaping national policies.
Judge Jesus Torres, former head of the Commission on Human Rights Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Center, highlighted international frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, outlining the state’s duty to protect, the responsibility of businesses to respect rights, and the right of individuals to access remedies.
Legal and policy expert Atty. Reina Bermudez also discussed the Philippines’ legacy and policy landscape on BHR, as well as sound governance principles.
A second workshop is set to gather input from Indigenous communities, civil society, and the private sector.
A technical working group led by the NCIP, will then draft a preliminary version of the plan for further review.
The NAP-BHR is part of the Philippine Human Rights Plan 2024–2028, which aims to safeguard Indigenous rights and cultural heritage amid expanding business activities. | PND”
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