In an effort to increase public knowledge and comprehension of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representations (IPMR) has set activities in celebration of Indigenous People’s Month.
Datu Rodolfo Mande, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, said aside that from the Indigenous Peoples Month, they will also celebrate the 27th Commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
October is National Indigenous Peoples Month in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1906.
This year’s theme is “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” or “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge.”
Mande said that in line with the celebration, they will visit the areas where IPs usually reside, especially in Paquibato and Marilog Districts.
He said that through these initiatives, they aim to raise awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems and practices, celebrate their rich cultural heritage and customs, fight for their rights, and foster unity.
He said they will conduct “kasalan ng barangay,” tribal games, and cooking of traditional foods.
“Matag bulan sa Oktubre, grabe ang kalipay sa mga tribo kay mao ni ang panahon sa pagsaulog sa tanang mga talento ug mga hiyas nga makita sa tribo, [gikan sa ilahang] sayaw, kasalan, bisan sa pagluto (Every month of October, the tribes are very happy because they know that this is the time to celebrate all the talents and abilities that can be found in the tribe, [from their] dances, weddings, and even cooking),” he said.
He said they will also disseminate information on IP’s best practices during their IP day on October 29 in Barangay Marilog Proper.
“Amoang gi-invite ang mga elders, para magpakita usab ug i-share nila ang ilahang kahibalo, kanang wala na nakat-unan sa mga kabataan karon (We invited the elders, so that they can also show and share their knowledge, which is something that today’s kids don’t learn),” he said.
He said they continuously concerted an effort to preserve their culture, especially by educating the younger generation about their cultural practices.
“Ang amoa lang ginabantayan karon ang mnga kabataan, kay sila ang paspas mudawat og modernization. Unya amoang gina-encourage ang amoang elders to teach young children, kay ang mga kabataan karon mas dali pa sila makakat-on sa mga modern kaysa sa mga karaan, which is kinahanglan dili mawala para ma-preserba (The only thing we are keenly watching now are the children, they are the ones who quickly embrace modernity. We urge our elders to teach the children, as modern knowledge is easier for today’s kids to pick up than it was for our parents, and knowledge that should not be lost),” he said.
He also invited the Dabawenyos to join them in their celebration on October 29 to witness firsthand their talents and traditions. CIO
