BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Equity, inclusivity, and sustainability take center stage this October as the region kicked off the observance of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month along with National Shelter Month, Consumer Welfare Month, and National Statistics Month in a unified effort led by key government agencies.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan highlighted the theme for this year’s IP Month celebration, “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” during the program on Oct. 1
“Just like the interwoven threads of a fabric, our diversity, our cultures, our identities, and our shared aspirations strengthen the social fabric of our nation,” he said, emphasizing that empowering indigenous peoples not only honors their ancestral wisdom and heritage, but also lays a firm foundation for a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
He also acknowledged Baguio City’s deep connection to its indigenous roots. “Here in Baguio City, we continue to value the Cordillera indigenous communities that have crafted our identity as a people. Their traditions teach us resilience, their stewardship of the land teaches us sustainability. Their values of kinship and solidarity remind us of the essence of true community,” he said.
Olowan also drew connections between the IP Month and the other national observances.
National Shelter Month reminds everyone that housing is not just building homes; it is about ensuring dignity and security for every Filipino family, he noted.
Consumer Welfare Month, meanwhile, reaffirms the duty to protect consumer rights and promote fair, ethical, and responsible market practices.
National Statistics Month, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of accurate and reliable data for guiding sound policies and inclusive development programs.
“All these observances, woven together, present us with one clear message – that our progress as a nation depends on unity, respect for diversity, and evidence-based action,” Olowan said.
Meanwhile, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP-CAR) Regional Director Roland Calde said this celebration is also in commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), passed in October 1997, which recognized the rights and protection of indigenous peoples for the first time.
The foundations of the IPRA can be traced back to the Cordillera, he noted, emphasizing the region’s significant contribution to the landmark legislation.
Calde expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for its support especially during a challenging year when the NCIP faced budget cuts. “Despite a zero budget due to congressional actions, we were able to deliver most of our programs through the assistance of the DA,” he stated.
He also highlighted the struggles faced by the NCIP and IPs due to the budget reductions, which impacted key initiatives such as the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), ancestral domain delineation, and the formulation of Ancestral Domain Sustainable and Protection Plans (ADSPP).
Despite these challenges, there is renewed hope as Baguio City Congressman Mauricio Domogan has been appointed as the chair of the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Minorities and Indigenous Peoples, providing a stronger voice for IPs. Also, Grace Pascua, another Cordilleran, has been appointed as the chairperson of the NCIP.
Calde also acknowledged the partnership with the Department of Education for the Indigenous Peoples Education Pgoram and expressed hope for improved internet connectivity in indigenous areas through the Department of Information and Communications Technology. **JDP/MAWC-PIA CAR
