Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and other officials also graced the event.
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Director Mervyn Espadero, in his video message, emphasized the Ibaloy community's early role in championing indigenous rights.
He underscored Mateo Carino's efforts during the American colonial period as foundational to the protection of ancestral lands, and the promotion of indigenous rights.
"These are the guiding principles of the Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997 or the IPRA, and the foundation of the mandates and agenda of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples."
Espadero also expressed the NCIP's unwavering support for the Ibaloy community's endeavors to preserve their cultural heritage.
"Together we can still do more for the less fortunate of our brother and sister IPs," he stated.
Governor Melchor Diclas, in his message delivered by his executive assistant Dr. Ryan Guinaran, emphasized the significance of preserving the spirit of the Ibaloys' cultural heritage.
"Aliwen tayo bengat ka pan-inemnem i nantaoshan tayo, nem tayo metlaeng ka panpedagsha i shayaw tan inkaybilang tayo ja Ibadoy [We do not only remember where we came from, but we also strengthen our dignity as Ibaloy],"he said.
Yap attested his support to the cause of the Ibaloys who have once again displayed their unity during the celebration.
"We will stand together. We will fall together, but I promise you, we will not fall; we will just stand together, hand-in-hand, helping each other," he affirmed.
February 23 of every year is declared as Ibaloi(also spelled as Ibaloy, Ibadoy, Ibaluy, and Ivadoy) Day in Baguio City pursuant to City Ordinance No. 9, Series of 2013, in recognition that the original and indigenous inhabitants of Baguio City are the Ibaloy people.
It commemorates the historical struggle of the Ibaloys for their land rights during the American colonial period. This significant chapter in their history laid the foundation for the protection of ancestral lands and the advocacy for indigenous peoples' rights.
Ibaloy Day serves as a reminder of their resilience and dedication to preserving their cultural heritage.(JDP/DEB-PIA CAR/Marvilyn Lokines- BSU Intern) (Photos: BSU Interns)
