BAGUIO CITY (PIA)– The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Cordillera led the kick off program of this year’s celebration of Indigenous People’s Month and 26th Indigenous Poeple’s Rights Act(IPRA) anniversary with Cordilleran achievers and honest citizens as guests in a program held at the old BIBAK Compound in Baguio City on October 4.
NCIP-Cordillera Regional Director Atty. Atanacio D. Addog said they invited Cordillerans who were cited for their achievements and honesty to share their experiences and inspire their fellow Cordillerans especially the younger generations.
He said that these achievers are proud indigenous people who have become the source of inspiration in their respective communities and it is high time for them to share it among their fellow Cordillerans and also to the world to inspire others.
Among the invited guestd who shared their messages were three-time board topnotcher Maricris Neyney, a Kankana-ey of Buguias, Benguet, and Muaythai champion Erica Islay Bomogao from Sagada in Mountain Province and Atok and Kapangan of Benguet.
Neyney emphasized that one must never forget his/her roots. Invoking “inayan”, a Cordillera mantra that pushes one to do what is right, she said “Adikan linglinglingan di nalpuwam (do not forget your roots) and Adika siyat palawlawa-en di gait mo tapno mumayat ka (do not to make others look bad for you to look good). You are good because you are good not because others are bad,” she said
Bomogao, the first Filipino female world champion in Muaythai, said one must do his or her best in whatever field he or she is in. She achieved such distinction during the 2023 International Federation of Muaythai Association Senior World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand in May 2023. She has been a consistent performer and medalists in various local, national, regional and international competitions over the past several years.
Joining thru line platforms were Anthony Mark Emocling, an Ibaloi of Itogon, Benguet who is the first visually impaired person who passed the bar examinations in the country, and Jeff Mitzel Paran, an Ibaloi of Baguio City, the first summa cum laude graduate of UP Baguio’s Social Sciences Department who graduated in July 2023 with BA Social Sciences Major in History and Minor in Political Science.
“On this Indigenous Peoples Month celebration, as a proud member of the Ibaloi tribe, let us celebrate our resilience, inclusivity, and achievements. Our culture and heritage has endured through generations, reminding us that unity and diversity are our strengths. Together, we stand tall and together, we achieve greatness, leaving a legacy of inspiration for all,” Emocling said a message.
Paran who is now a student of law in UP-Diliman said he rediscovered his rootedness in the academe. He dreams to become an IP rights lawyer in the future.
Also sharing messages were William Anudon with his grandson Cris Jericho Buccahan, and Jerry Inuguidan, all from Ayangan in Asipulo, Ifugao who were commended for their honesty and integrity by turning over to authorities bundles of cash amounting to almost P1 million in two separate incidents in Asipulo.
“Haan nga rumbeng nga gastusem ti haan mo nagrigatan nga kwarta. Rumbeng lang nga ibirok mo idiay makinbagi. (It is not proper to spend money that you did not work hard for. It is but proper to look for the owner of the lost money and return it, for that is the right thing to do). Honesty is still the best policy that must be instilled to our children and grandchildren,” Anudon said.
NCIP Ethnographic Commissioner for Cordillera and Region 1 Gaspar Cayat congratulated the guests for their achievements and good deeds and thanked them for inspiring more people. He also stressed that while October is the IPRA Law anniversary and IP Month, it should not only be a commemoration of the law but it should be a celebration of our identity as indigenous peoples.
The activity was capped with the ceremonial toast led by the NCIP officials with the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives, representatives from the different government agencies, law enforcement agencies, indigenous peoples groups, students, and other stakeholders followed by gong beating and community dances. **JDP/RMC-PIA CAR/ Jackie Ursais- SLU Intern
