Heritage of thee, Indigenous Katutubo's Honor and Beauty

Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan." 

(Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge).

October is a very important month in the Philippines, marking the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). This year with its theme, highlights the importance of safeguarding the cultural heritage, rights, and wisdom of the Indigenous Peoples across the country. 

In 1997, the IPRA Law was passed, signifying a landmark legislation that sheds light on the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities or the Indigenous Peoples to their ancestors, cultural identity, self-governance, and social justice. This celebration serves as a reminder of collective responsibility to ensure that the Katutubos are recognized for their significance and heritage as well as empower our ancestors to preserve the traditions, protect the lands, and thrive and coexist in a modernized society.

The commemoration of this celebration includes activities that highlight the indigenous culture with their knowledge systems and practices, cultural festivals, and interaction between the government, Indigenous Peoples Leaders, and the community as a whole. These efforts and actions amplify the voices of the Katutubos which foster greater awareness and appreciation of their contributions to our national identity. Moreover, they provide a platform for addressing the challenges of the Katutubos such as land encroachment, loss of traditional knowledge, and limited access to services.

This celebration goes beyond recognition, it strengthens the movement to protect our ancestors' rights and ensure that their wisdom will carry on to future generations to guide sustainable development efforts. By valuing, nurturing, and honoring their legacy, we commit to inclusivity and cultural diversity that pave the way for a future that respects and celebrates the unique heritage of each and every Filipino. 

Image References:

https://www.facebook.com/PanayNews/posts/october-is-national-indigenous-peoples-month-pagpupugay-sa-mga-katutubong-pilipi/940628578096080/

https://katutuboproject.org/2014/09/03/ifugaos-punnuk-celebration/