The 2024 Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration and 27th IPRA (Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997) is celebrated and commemorated on October 30, 2024 at Sergio Osmeña Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion Alto, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.
The celebration is a culmination program for the month-long Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration which starts from October 1-30 every year. This’ year’s theme, ” Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pangalagaan at Parangalan” which translates to “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge” focuses on increasing cultural diplomacy, awareness to the public, preservation and development towards honoring the cultural values and stewardship for future generations to appreciate. The celebration is also highlighted with other activities such as tree planting, Colorful Lumad Parade, Solemn Ritual of Group of Balyans and speeches during the program from various support groups and leaders.
The Municipal Tribal Chieftain. Hon. Gukom Felipe G. Sagalam Sr. expresses his message of support and emphasizes the role that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) play especially it is the primary government agency responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos through Ms. Lenie Castañeda, Supervising Administrative Office, delivers a message of inspiration on the importance of cultural traditions of the IPs. Governor Jalosjos also expressed her support to the ICCs/IPs specifically in the sustainability of their livelihood projects and programs which the administration is determined to support in alignment to her service motto, “Misyon Ko, Tinuod nga Serbisyo”.
Mayor Cecilia Jalosjos – Carreon of the Municipality of Piñan also expressed her message of hope, highlighting the importance of the celebration and the commemoration being the most important role of the community in the protection of their heritage, natural resources, customs, traditions and the involvement in stewardship that lies in the hands of not just the IP’s but also the people living inside the community. She remarkably stressed that the IPs have a rich and vibrant culture and view their social, economic, environment and spiritual ways of life interdependent.
Meanwhile, Municipality Sergio Osmeña Mayor Sunny T. Tiso also expresses how Indigenous People make a huge valuable contribution to the community for their traditional knowledge that has been the core of healthcare, agriculture, conservation, food preparation, education and environment sustaining activities in the Municipality of Sergio Osmeña.
One of the most awaited parts were the cultural performance of the Subanen dance which was a way for Subanen people to express their gratitude to spirits, celebrate, renew relationships, communicate stories of messages about the land, animals and ancestral spirits. (Angelica T. Obina)
(Source: Ginalin G. Ma – PIC)