"Embracing Heritage: Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024"

 "To honor Indigenous peoples is to honor the roots of humanity itself, recognizing their wisdom, resilience, and contributions to our shared journey."

This October, in the celebration of 2024 Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, the NCIP gears to deepen the country’s awareness and understanding of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the country.

With the theme, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” or “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge,” the month-long festivity underscores key areas that identifies ICCs/IPs, specifically their contributions in agriculture and food security; their culture and customs and traditions woven in their natural environment and ancestral domains; their roles as stewards of our country’s land and seas; and their leadership role in nation building.

Through various activities, the NCIP seeks to highlight the daily chronicles of ICCs/IPs and their Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) and celebrates their rich cultural heritage and traditions; advocates for their rights; and educates and promotes solidarity among stakeholders and ICCs/IPs across the country.  

The activities are in partnership with national government agencies and stakeholders, all in unison to uplift the well-being and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs.

“Samahan nyo kami sa NCIP, para sa pagdiriwang sa taon na ito – sa pagpahalagaan at pagtaguyod sa natatanging wika, mga kaugalian, salindunong/tradisyon at mga katangiang at dunong ng ating mga Katutubong Pamayanan bilang  kaagapay at katuwang sa isang Bagong Pilipinas,”  Chairperson Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-Las. Encouraging all to participate and join this year’s celebration.

The NCIP is the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of ICCs/IPs and recognition of their rights as stipulated in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.

Observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024 promotes and protects the rights and culture of the Indigenous Peoples, an act which increases awareness about their history, traditions, and contributions. It fosters respect and understanding, advocating for their rights and amplifying their voices in the fight for justice and self-determination, bringing attention to the importance of preserving Indigenous art, language, and customs. It promotes the integration of Indigenous perspectives within curricula and public discourse through educational campaigns while strengthening the partnerships between the Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations. This celebration inspires advocacy, action, and collaboration to ensure that their heritage and identity are honored and protected for the future generation.

REFERENCES:

NCIP NCIP marks Indigenous Peoples Month - Malaya Business Insight. (2024, October 1). Malaya Business Insight. https://malaya.com.ph/business/marketing-board/ncip-marks-indigenous-peoples-month/

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