NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – ATTY. RHODEX P. VALENCIANO

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”
“The role of IP women is crucial and indispensable in Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
That is why, the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution and relevant international instruments are guaranteed to indigenous women.
In the delivery of basic services, particular attention shall also be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous women.
They shall likewise enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men, as regards the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of life.
The participation of indigenous women in the decision-making process in all levels as well as in the development of society is also given due respect and recognition.
Moreover, they should have access to education, maternal and child care, health and nutrition, and housing services to indigenous women. Vocational, technical, professional and other forms of training shall be provided to enable them to fully participate in all aspects of social life. As far as possible, they are ensured to have access to all services in their own languages.
Lastly, the composition of the Consultative Body for ICCs/IPs and no less the Commission, itself, is mandated to have IP women.
These are some of the exacting standards provided in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). Anything less than these is outlawed.
It is, therefore, my fervent hope that we all be guided by these and we all take pride of these, as we celebrate this year’s International Day of Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP).”
ATTY. RHODEX P. VALENCIANO
NCIP Commissioner for Region III and Rest of Luzon
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