An official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Region IV urges the public to observe the National Indigenous Peoples (IP) month this October.
During Kapihan sa PIA-Romblon last October 7, Atty. Randy Lambino, Regional Legal Officer of NCIP said that the public should remember and promote the country’s heritage, culture and history.
“Ayon kasi sa ating saligang batas, ang estado ay dapat proteksyunan ang karapatan ng ating mga Indigenous Peoples at dahil dito nagkaroon tayo ng Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (According to our constitution, the estate should protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples thus we have the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act),” according to Atty. Lambino.
Presidential Decree 1906 declares the whole month of October in the context of Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ Rights as the month of people’s participation in the celebration and preservation of Indigenous Cultural Communities as part of the Life of the Nation.
This year, the IP month banners the theme “IP as Partners in Attaining Inclusive Peace and Sustainable Development”.
Atty. Lambino also hopes that the new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representation (IPMR) to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Romblon will be a guide to raise the quality of IPs' life in the province.
“Napakalaking kagalakan na magkaroon tayo ng Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Sana ang ating IPMR ay maging gabay para sa minimithi ng ating mga katutubo na maiangat ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay, at mabigyan sila ng kanilang mga karapatan (It is a great joy to have an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative in the Provincial Council. May our IPMR serves as guide for us to acheive the aspirations of our indigenous people to raise their standard of living and to grant their rights),” he said.
