The Province of Ilocos Norte elected its first Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on November 15, 2022.
In accordance with the National Commission of Indigenous People’s (NCIP) mandatory law to have IP representatives in local government boards, the province’s first IPMR was chosen through an open nomination process. The members of the Indigenous Peoples Selection Body then stood behind the candidate they had selected.
Mrs. Cheryll Borromeo Tabangay, a child development worker in Nueva Era town was selected by the majority of IPs with 78 votes. Her closest opponent, Mr. Lorenzo Padama, a Yapayao from Barangay Kalaw of Dumalneg, garnered 63 votes.
The representation of indigenous communities in the highest legislative body of the province has been a priority of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.
Among his earliest Executive Orders was the creation of a health council to specifically address the medical needs of indigenous communities, particularly in far-flung areas which he signed in 2019.
During the recent Executive-Legislative Agenda Workshop of the Provincial Government, Gov. Marcos Manotoc reiterated the urgency to elect an IP Representative to the Provincial Board.
Moreover, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, who was present during the said election, expressed her contentment and welcomes the first IP representative under her helm.
Following the selection of IPMR at the provincial level, Atty. Jesus Agbayani, Provincial Legal Officer of NCIP, said that the NCIP will transmit the result to the NCIP Regional Office, which will then issue a certificate of affirmation, before Mrs. Tabanagay can formally take her oath with Gov. Marcos Manotoc. (Cita Macalipis)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)