To:     Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Directors of Services, Centers and Heads of Units
Regional Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Heads, Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
All Others Concerned

1. In line with the National Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Policy Framework (DepEd Order No. 62, s. 2011), particularly the policy thrusts to “implement stronger affirmative action to eradicate all forms of discrimination against IPs in the entire Philippine education system” and to “uphold and advocate the protection of the intellectual property rights of IPs”, the Department of Education (DepEd) is adopting the enclosed Guidelines on the Conduct of Activities and Use of Materials Involving Aspects of Indigenous Peoples Culture.
2. Aligned with the principles of the K to 12 Curriculum, these guidelines seek to promote among learners and the teaching and non-teaching staff of learning institutions cultural sensitivity, respect for cultural diversity, and a deeper understanding of the cultural expressions of indigenous peoples. These are meant to provide guidance on the ethical assessment of the conduct of learning activities and related engagements of schools, DepEd offices, and other education initiatives which involve various aspects of indigenous peoples culture.
3. These guidelines have been consolidated from a series of consultations conducted by the DepEd-Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPsEO) with community elders, leaders, and implementers of community-based IPEd initiatives.
4. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC
Secretary

Encl.: As stated

References: DepEd Order Nos.: (62, s. 2011), and 103, s. 2011

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
BUREAUS AND OFFICES
POLICY
PROGRAMS
SCHOOLS

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