Yet these communities are not passive victims. Their practices are documented, such as forest guarding, controlled cultivation, tree planting, and the intergenerational transfer of IKSPs, and these practices demonstrate the vital role IPs play as stewards of the environment and as partners in building resilience to climate change. Their contributions, however, continue to be overshadowed by structural barriers, including inadequate government support, systemic discrimination, encroachment on ancestral lands, and the failure to secure meaningful participation in climate-related policymaking.

This report reaffirms that safeguarding IPs’ rights and knowledge systems is not only a matter of justice but also a strategic necessity in addressing the climate crisis. Strengthening the recognition of IKSPs, protecting ancestral domains, improving access to health and education, and ensuring culturally sensitive disaster risk reduction are urgent steps that government agencies and stakeholders must pursue.

Ultimately, the survival of these communities and the preservation of their identity, heritage, and practices rests on bridging the gap between policy commitments and lived realities. By acting decisively on the recommendations laid out in this report, the Philippines can move closer to a climate response that is inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable, where IPs are recognized not just as vulnerable groups but also as indispensable partners in achieving goals for climate justice.