STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) – A total of 114 indigenous peoples (IPs) from three ancestral domains in San Nicolas town have availed of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) special satellite voter registration held recently.
Lawyer Marino Salas, provincial election supervisor, said the activity aims to empower indigenous communities by ensuring their active participation in the electoral process and exercising their right to vote.
He said the special satellite voter registration conducted in the villages of Malico, Fianza, and San Felipe East aims to promote inclusivity and belonging by guaranteeing that vulnerable sectors, such as indigenous peoples, have the right to participate.
Salas said Comelec targets locations with identified indigenous peoples to bring voter registration services directly to these communities, emphasizing the significance of indigenous people as members of the electorate.
“Vulnerable sectors shouldn’t be left behind, especially during elections. By bringing voter registration directly to indigenous communities, this is an opportunity for the IPs to exercise their right to vote,” Salas said.
He also emphasized the significance of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Magna Carta for Indigenous Peoples, which aims to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities and peoples.
“We are here to provide the services they need, and we value the importance of their community. Even if it’s just one person, one vote, it’s a big thing for us. We see to it that vulnerable sectors are recognized and included in the election,” Salas said.
Jeremias Dapig, 32 years old, from Barangay Malico, expressed his gratitude as he became a successfully registered voter after transferring from San Fabian.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kasi lumapit na po iyong pagrerehistruhan namin at hindi na po kami mahihirapan (I’m thankful that they brought the registration here, making it easier for us),” Dapig said.
The special satellite voter registration in San Nicolas was organized in line with the 2024 Indigenous Cultural Communities Week.
This initiative, in collaboration with the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), aims to raise awareness about indigenous tribes and acknowledge the significance of indigenous Filipino tribes to national unity and development.
Dr. Enrique delos Santos, Jr., provincial director of NCIP-Pangasinan, highlighted the importance of celebrating Cultural Communities Week for IPs in coordination with Comelec and emphasized that off-site registration is crucial for acknowledging the contributions and rights of the indigenous community.
“We encouraged all IPs to celebrate in their own way by asserting their rights for their community,” delos Santos said.
Comelec-San Nicolas Election Officer III Gina Aquino reported that 78 Ibaloi from Barangay San Felipe East, 30 Kalanguya from Barangay Malico, and six I-Owak (Iwak) from Barangay Fianza registered to vote during the special satellite voter registration. (AMB/MJTAB/EMSA/JSZ/PIA Pangasinan)
