CITY OF MALOLOS — The Provincial Government of Bulacan reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, culture, and ancestral domains as it marked the 29th Indigenous Peoples Month and the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) through a gathering with the Dumagat community in Norzagaray on Tuesday (October 27).
Organized by the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), the celebration was held at the Dike Multipurpose Tribal Hall in Barangay San Lorenzo, carrying the theme, “Empowering Indigenous People: Strengthening Rights, Culture, and Ancestral Domains.”
Traditional tribal performances and festivities were held to honor the rich heritage, traditions, and identity of the indigenous community, while highlighting the importance of preserving their cultural practices for future generations.
In his message, Limuel Jan J. Lobederio, Officer-in-Charge – Department Head of PHACTO, emphasized that the culture, traditions, and identity of indigenous communities are not only integral to their heritage, it is also an important part of Bulacan’s history and legacy.
“Isang pagkakataon po ito upang higit nating kilalanin, igalang, at pahalagahan ang mayamang kultura at tradisyon at pagkakakilanlan ng ating katutubong pamayanan. Nais ko pong ipabatid na mahalaga sa amin ang inyong komunidad, ang inyong kultura, at ang mga tradisyong patuloy n’yo pong pinapahalagahan. Iito ay hindi lamang bahagi ng inyong pagkakakilanlan, kundi mahalagang yaman din ng kasaysayan at kultura ng dakilang lalawigan ng Bulacan,” Lobederio expressed.
Highlighting the importance of empowering indigenous people, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Atty. Joyce Lapuz stressed that genuine empowerment begins when indigenous individuals understand the rights guaranteed to them by law.
“Naniniwala po ako, na masasabi lamang na empowered ang isang katutubo, kung alam niya ang mga karapatan niya sa batas natin,” Lapuz said.
Meanwhile, Tribal Governor Rogelio Villarama called for stronger efforts to preserve indigenous identity and language among younger generations, noting that the growing influence of modern technology has contributed to changes in their cultural practices.
“Yun pong aming mga kabataan sa kasalukuyan ay nawawala na sa kultura, kaya pinag-usapan naming mga matatanda [na] mag-conduct ng meeting sa mga pamayanan at ipaliwanag natin sa ating mga anak, mga apo ang aming kultura at wika. Mga kabataang katutubo ngayon, nakapag-aral na sila at gumagamit na rin sila ng mga cellpone, ‘yun ang nakikita namin na nakakaimpluwensya sa kultura ng mga kagaya naming katutubo. Hindi naman hadlang kung ano man ang pangarap ninyo sa buhay, pero ang mahalaga bilang katutubo, alam mo ‘yung kultura mo, at wika mo kahit saan tayo makaabot,” Villarama voiced.
The annual observance of Indigenous Peoples Month in October also recognizes the passage of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, which was enacted to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of indigenous people and cultural communities in the Philippines. (UnliNews Online)
