NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
THEME: “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge”
“My warmest greetings to all Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/lPs) of the Philippines
as we observe National Indigenous Peoples Day this August 9, 2022!
Today’s commemoration reminds the Filipino nation of our shared responsibility in advancing ‘IPs’ rights and
collective well-being within the framework of national unity and development.
Indeed, the IPs’ rich and diverse culture and vibrant traditions in all parts of our islands are significant
to our national identity and must therefore be preserved across the generations and be treated with respect
and honor.
Pursuing our mandate of fostering peaceful and happy communities, we at the DILG will actively advance
the rights of ICCs. As mandated in Republic Act No. 8371, we urge local government units (LGUs) of the
IPs’ right to participate in decision-making matters which may affect their rights, lives, and destinies.
We shall all strive to have an IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in policy-making bodies and other
local legislative councils to ensure that the carriers of our cultural heritage have a voice and say
in governance.
Further, the DILG, together with other national government agencies, incentivizes LGUs that
excel in various governance criteria including heritage development, culture, and arts through
the awarding of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
Kaya sa ating iisang adhikaing isulong ang kapakanan ng ICCs/IPs, kaisa po ninyo ang inyong
Kagawarang matino, mahusay at maaasahan. lisa po tayong sambayanang Pilipinong maglalakbay
tungo sa mapayapa’t maunlad na bayan. Mabuhay ang Katutubong Pilipino!”
ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR.
DILG Secretary
#NCIPparasaIP
#NationalIndigenousPeoplesDayand
#InternationalDayoftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples