TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — The Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) of the barangays, the city, and the municipalities of Kalinga gathered to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th anniversary the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.
Held in Lubo, Tanudan, on Oct. 16-17, 2024, the occasion was marked with a series of rituals to welcome guests and foster camaraderie. These include the “ayag” (welcome and acknowledgment), “bunnung” (community shared food), “pitik” and “sissiwa” (offering prayer), “simsim” (wine tasting ritual), “losngat,” and “taug” (ceremonial toast).
The event was also livened up by different cultural performances such as the “tadok” (community dance), “banga” (pot) dance, “turayan” (eagle) dance, “tuppaya” (courtship dance), among others.
“Daytuy ket selebrasyon tapnu mangipakita ti kina-tatao tayo a kas yKalinga ken mangipakita ti nagapwanan tayo nga kas maysa ili ken maysa nga probinsya,” Governor James S. Edduba said in his message delivered by Atty. Zorayda Mia Wacnang.
As Kalinga is composed of 46 sub-tribes that have cultural differences, officials emphasized the importance of mutual respect to foster peaceful relations.
“We may have varied cultural practices and beliefs but at their core, our culture shares many similarities. The way we behave as individuals affects our whole tribe and how we behave as a tribe affects the entire province. This interconnectedness emphasizes the importance of unity, respect, and understanding among all tribes,” Wacnang stated.
“It is through coming together, supporting one another, and celebrating our diversity that we truly respect our heritage,” said National Commission on Indigenous Peoples -Cordillera Regional Legal Officer Claude Mia Tupeng, who represented Regional Director lawyer Roland P. Calde.
This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Gimpong we tago, gimpong we kopya: ipatog, dayawon, kan tangkonan takon dida” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge).
Republic Act No. 8371 or “the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997” signed on October 29, 1997, is a landmark law that recognizes, promotes and protects the rights of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
IP Month is celebrated every month of October pursuant to Proclamation No. 1906, s. 2009. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
