BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — National officials emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing indigenous traditions in the face of modernization and globalization.
During the regional celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month and commemoration of the 26th year of the Indigenous People’s Right Act on October 26, 2023, in Baguio City, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian, represented by DSWD – Cordillera Assistant Regional Director for Administration Enrique Gascon, called for unity in the preservation and further enrichment of the diverse cultural heritage and traditions of the country’s indigenous peoples and IP communities towards a better future under the Bagong Pilipinas envisioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We gather today not just to commemorate the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of our IP brothers and sisters, but also to emphasize the crucial role they play in shaping the identity of our nation. Our Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples have always been an essential part of our collective heritage. Their languages, traditions, rituals and worldviews represent the way we live today,” Gatchalian stated.
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Executive Director Mervyn Espadero also highlighted the significance of preserving and enriching the diverse cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in the country, especially in the Cordillera, which is predominantly populated by IPs.
“This is a momentous occasion as we come together to reflect upon the incredible world of cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge that have helped shape our nation’s identity, especially here in our beautiful region of the Cordilleras. Our indigenous communities are the heart and soul of this region. Holding the key to the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors in ensuring a better future for all. In the spirit of unity and progress, let us take this moment to appreciate and learn the indigenous cultures that make the province of Benguet and entire Cordillera region truly unique. Let us ensure that our rich heritage is safeguarded and that the legacies of our indigenous peoples are honored,cherished and passed on to the generations to come.”
The celebration was attended by local officials, representatives from the regional line agencies, and delegates from the different Cordillera provinces and Baguio City.
It started with a parade along Baguio’s main thoroughfares and ended at the PFVR gymnasium for a program where the IPs proudly presented their rich culture and tradition.
Meanwhile, NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-las called on all IPs to support initiatives to strengthen indigenous education and protect the rights of indigenous communities.
Sibug-las, who graced the IP Month celebration in Kalinga on Oct. 23, said indigenous cultures are not relics of the past; rather, these teach invaluable lessons about harmony, respect for nature, and the true meaning of community.
“Indigenous Peoples Month is not only a time for celebration but also a call to action. We must commit to the preservation of indigenous knowledge, practices and languages. It is a responsibility we all share to ensure that these vital aspects of our cultural heritage are passed down to future generations. We must confront the challenges that indigenous peoples continue to face such as land rights, social inequality and cultural preservation. Together, we can build a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.”
Sibug-las who belongs to the Manobo Tribe of Central Mindanao, was adopted as daughter of Kalinga and given the name “Dinayaw.”
This year’s IP Month celebration theme was “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanahang Kultural at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa Mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas.” **PIA-CAR)
