April 2015 Dear Partners and Friends, We successfully concluded our 4th National Congress last March 3-5, 2015, with the theme "Intensify our struggle for our ancestral land and resources. Strengthen KAMP as the national alliance of indigenous peoples." We would want to share with you the highlights of our congress:

1.) New name, from KAMP to KATRIBU The Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, also known as KAMP, has changed its name to KATRIBU Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas or KATRIBU (National Alliance of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines).

The KAMP congress has united to change its name to KATRIBU for the following reasons:

The IPs and communities can easily associate with KATRIBU, a Filipino term which means a fellow member of the tribe; and

The general public can easily identify this name as an indigenous group

2.) New Set of Officers The congress selected a new set of officers, and united on the need for every member to take part in the program of the alliance. The new set of officers accepted the challenge of their appointment and mandate.

a. National Convenors: - Mr. Dulphing Ogan, Secretary General of KALUMARAN (Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao or Strength of the Lumad in Mindanao), and - Mr. Windel Bolinget, Chairperson of CPA (Cordillera People's Alliance)

b. Secretary General: Ms. Pya Macliing Malayao

c. International Solidarity Officer Ms. Beverly Longid

d. The newly-constituted National Council of Leaders (NCOL) is composed of 20 leaders representing the allied organizations, which are 10 regional organizations, 1 provincial organization, 1 island-wide organization and 1 sectoral womens network.

3.) Highlights:

The 4th Congress started with a colorful and militant protest at the Mendiola gate (near the Presidents Office) on the 20th anniversary of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The issues and situation of the indigenous peoples and the Philippine society were discussed and analyzed. Reports from the allied organizations were received and discussed.

The history of KAMP was presented and valuable lessons were drawn. A continuing challenge to practice these lessons was accepted by the delegates. The synthesis of the reports presented that KATRIBU is the most consolidated and widest alliance of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. To adapt to the current situation of the communities and the IP organizations, the

alliance's constitution was amended and ratified. The congress affirmed on the thrust and the direction of the alliance for the next three years. Resolutions on different issues that the communities encounter as indigenous peoples and as Filipino people were made. Based on these, the congress has set a 3-year general program and steps to further strengthen and place KATRIBU in the national political arena.

On the last day, the IPs and IP rights advocates gathered through the Sandugo (Blood Pact) Solidarity Camp to seal and re-affirm the commitment for the defense of the collective rights to ancestral lands and self-determination.

KATRIBU remains steadfast in its mandate to defend indigenous peoples rights to land, life and self-determination. The success of the Congress is testament to our commitment. We hope that you are with us as we strengthen the organization towards furthering the struggle. For KATRIBU, Pya Macliing Malayao Secretary General