DMMMSU personnel participated in the two-day 2023 Regional Indigenous People (IP) Summit dubbed “Tillaong: Panagsisinninged nga Agwawagi Datun Tribu ti Region 1” (A Gathering of Indigenous Peoples in Region 1 to Celebrate Fortitude and Brotherhood) at Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte on October 20-21, 2023.
This was in response to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Office 1 (NCIP-RO1) invitation to celebrate IP Month and commemorate the 26th year since the signing of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). The event was attended by members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/IPs, representatives of national government agencies, local government officials and employees, and NCIP employees.
The event featured a thanksgiving ritual performed by the Tinguians of Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, in the Nueva Era Eco-Cultural Park, followed by a Solidarity Walk by all participants to the Nueva Era People’s Center and the Pannarita with Hon. Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-Las, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Chairperson, as the keynote speaker. Hon. Sibug-Las encouraged the participants to reinforce the fortitude and fraternity that connects the ICCs/IPs and to pay tribute to their forefathers’ tenacity and determination that allowed them to thrive.
In his welcome speech, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc reiterated his support for the IPs and his commitment to working harder to ensure they are heard, recognized, and celebrated. He also stated that the Provincial Government will assist in the processing and issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for the nine Ancestral Domains (ADs) in Ilocos Norte.
Other highlights of the event include the showcasing of ethnic attire by the AD owners in Region 1; “Kinadayag Daya Tribu Diya Region 1” a cultural dance competition per province; symbolic turn-over of the “Tangguyob” (horn) from the 2022 host LGU-San Nicolas, Pangasinan, to 2023 host LGU-Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte; State of the Region Address by the NCIP Regional-1 Director, Atty. Harriet N. Abyadang; photo exhibit and display of IP products; and support services from partner agencies like medical mission, haircut services, assistance to PhilSys registration, and PhilHealth registration.
In his message to NCIP-RO1, President Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. assured that DMMMSU would support initiatives that empower IPs by providing them access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities and allowing them to proudly uphold and share their traditional heritage. (MEDPBoguen)
