Guardians of Tradition

 October 2024 proves to be a significant mark for the Philippines as this country celebrates National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in addition to the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) with the theme: "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan" or Valuing, Nurturing and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge. This annual commemoration is a reminder to the government and society at large of the protection to be accorded to the culture, heritage, and rights of the more than 110 ethno-linguistic groups that constitute the country's Indigenous people.

 The observance brings the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the nation's identity to the fore. This is because the observance promotes their culture, language, and traditions, therefore deepening the understanding of the tapestry of cultural diversity in the Philippines. This month hosts educational campaigns, cultural exhibits, and community dialogues that ensure that the wisdom of the Indigenous communities is preserved and passed down to future generations. These activities underpin the value of Indigenous knowledge in areas such as environmental conservation, sustainable development, and climate resilience—areas where their practices have been invaluable.

 It also reiterates the provisions of the IPRA enacted in 1997. This landmark law affirms the rights of Indigenous Peoples to ancestral domains, self-governance, social justice, and cultural integrity. The month-long commemoration gives the occasion to review the progress made in the implementation of these rights and address continuing challenges. It helps to raise awareness of land disputes, cultural discrimination, and economic marginalization among the Indigenous communities, ensuring that the stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and civil society, work in tandem to advance the welfare of the Indigenous communities.

 The observance inspires collective action to uphold their dignity and heritage by nurturing public consciousness about the struggles and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. As we honor their legacy this October, we not only celebrate the richness of their cultures but also reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect their rights and ensure their voices are heard.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/

https://aippnet.org/network-asia-niwa-indigenous-peoples-pact-aipp-condemns-coercion-threats-against-relatives-women-leader-bai-bibyaon/

https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/from-us/briefings/protector-not-prisoner-exploring-the-rights-violations-criminalization-of-indigenous-peoples-in-climate-actions/