The IPs affected by the project should be involved in a process of "free, prior and informed consultation" in accordance with the IPRA law. They should be given the necessary information and briefing about the project to solicit their comments and know their apprehension so that facts can be given to them about project benefits and potential adverse impacts, and proposed mitigation or avoidance measures. The IPs have the right to make decision on projects affecting them. The results of the consultation shall be documented through a signed covenant between the IPs and the proponent or implementing agencies and private partners. The PPP Center may also attest to the signing of the covenant.
Experts on anthropology, ancestral lands, environment and natural resources, etc. from the academe, reputable research institutions and NGOs should be engaged in the process by the PPP Center to explain properly to the IPs the issues and concerns that they will raise and the results of the impact assessment.
The IPs should also be appraised of their rights under IPRA so that they can knowledgeably and confidently participate and make better decisions concerning the sociocultural and environmental soundness of the proposed project.