2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 79 To the Department of Public Works and Highways 311 The CHR emphasizes the point that once the situation stabilizes, evacuees should be assisted to relocate and begin the process of recovery. To the National Council of Disability Affairs 312 Ensure that persons with disabilities have access to timely information about COVID-19, health protocols, and other government programs. 313 Coordinate with concerned government agencies in relation to promoting the physical and mental well-being of everyone in the sector. 314 Monitor the sector’s issues concerning access to health services and programs and refer to the proper authorities. 315 Provide policy recommendations to Congress and national government agencies highlighting the rights and various needs of persons with disabilities especially during a pandemic. To the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 316 Considering the historic vulnerability and marginalization of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, the NCIP must ensure that IP communities are not left behind in benefiting from the state’s response to COVID-19 particularly under the ongoing vaccination program. 317 Lobby and negotiate with the National Food Authority and local government units for the purchase of IP crops for food packs being distributed to affected daily wage earners and other vulnerable groups during the entire duration of the community quarantine. 318 Address issues of local government units not acknowledging the presence of duly elected IPMRs and allegations of not being given their full honorarium. 319 Establish pathways of assistance for ICC/ IP through their Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) and/or community-recognized ICC/IP leaders in the barangay/ municipality/province/city. The lack of identification documents must not be a barrier for members of ICCs/IPs to access socio-economic assistance and health services from LGUs, especially during this public emergency. 320 Mobilize all personnel, especially those in the provincial offices and community service centers, all IPMRs and community-recognized ICC/IP leaders or elders, to closely monitor the situation in indigenous communities and facilitate assistance by concerned LGUs and concerned national agencies when needed by ICCs/IPs. 321 Strengthen data sharing agreement among to share existing database of IPs/ICCs beneficiaries to concerned national government agencies. 322 The CHR calls upon the National Commission on Indigenous People to vigorously perform its mandate of protecting the interests of Lumad from land grabbing, illegal mining