Participation of Indigenous People in Local Governance of Infanta, Quezon

This study analyzed the participation of indigenous people in the local governance of Infanta, Quezon. It seeks the respondent's profile explicitly, the source of information on local control, how the respondents participate in voting and campaigning, assembly and consultations, local government project implementation, and the factors affecting the respondent's participation in terms of political, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. Using a qualitative method (interview), the respondents were purposely selected. The researcher gathered data through face-to-face interviews and assured health and safety protocols. The data collected was analyzed using thematic coding. The findings reveal that their source of information on local governance was barangay officials, assemblies, and the Internet. Most respondents participated in elections through voting. All respondents do not participate in campaigns but listen to their platforms. Most respondents are invited and participate in assemblies and consultations of the local government. Mst respondents can freely express their opinions and thoughts through speaking in assemblies and consultations. Most of the respondents were consulted regarding projects implemented within their community. Political factors affecting their participation include unconsented activites, unhead opinions, and red-tagging. Economic factors affecting their participation include a lack of resources for daily living. Socio-cultural factors affecting their participation include unequal treatment, destruction of their ancestral lands, and level of education.