BAGUIO CITY – The local legislature passed on second reading a proposed ordinance institutionalizing the celebration of the August 9 International Day of the world’s indigenous peoples (IP) in Baguio and making it an annual activity of the city government.
Authored by councilor Arthur Allad-iw, the measure aims to strengthen the cooperation, learning and interaction of the city’s IP and non-IP groups in the field of culture, education, health, human rights, environment, social and economic development.
It also creates a committee tasked to coordinate the activities chaired by the City Mayor and co-chaired by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples representative.
Members include representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative in the city council, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, chairpersons of the city council’s committees on education, culture, historical research, tourism, special events, parks and playgrounds, barangay affairs, youth and sports, city tourism officer; city health officer, Integrated Bar of the Philippines president and IP representatives from Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao and those from other provinces who are residents of Baguio.
Activities include forums on the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of IPs, Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and other topics and panel discussions on issues affecting both IPs and Non-IPs; free medical, dental and legal services; cultural presentations and other activities deemed necessary.
The proposed measure states that non-IPs who are Baguio residents shall not be denied access to the services and activities. It also calls for the appropriation of P300,000 or so, for the purpose and shall be included in the city’s annual budget.**gaby keith and glen balangao (pio intern)
