Tribal groups in Caraga to showcase culture, cuisine
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – Various stakeholders in the Caraga region are enjoined to participate and witness the lined-up activities for this year’s Indigenous Peoples Month celebration and 27th year commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) on October 2-26 by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga.
According to NCIP Caraga Director Ordonio Rocero, among the lined-up activities include the online showcase of indigenous peoples (IP) cuisine, Awarding Ceremony of IP cum Culture Show on October 30, via Zoom platform.
“The October celebration will culminate with the activity of honoring the IPs who are the prime movers and champions for IPRA, practitioners and advocates in the preservation/safeguarding of IP culture and transfer of indigenous knowledge, system, and practices to the younger generation, as well as those with major contributions/accomplishments in the empowerment of IPs and development and protection of their ancestral domain,” he said.
“For our city, municipal, provincial counterparts, you may also join other activities prepared for this celebration in your respective areas,” he added.
Dir. Rocero explained that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), officially designated as Republic Act No. 8371, is a Philippine law that recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities and Indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
“These four bundles of rights include the right to ancestral domain and lands, right to self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights, and right to cultural integrity,” he cited.
He further emphasized that the NCIP shall protect and promote the interest and well-being of the ICCs/IPs with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions. An esteemed Commission committed to the delivery of quality services to ICCs/IPs with their rights fully respected, recognized, promoted, and protected. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
