Manobo communities in Sibagat celebrate Nat’l IP Month, IPRA commemoration
SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur --- In line with the celebration of the 2024 National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month and 27th Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration on October 1 with the theme, "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalaagan, at Parangalan," the Manobo indigenous cultural communities/ indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur highlighted the celebrations during the convocation and flag raising ceremony of the municipality on October 7.
In her message, Municipal Vice Mayor Ma Liza L. Evangelista stressed that inclusivity of IPs in all the endeavors of the municipality should be sustained and strengthened.
Hawudon Lumad II Samuel Behing, municipal indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) of Sibagat, discussed the importance of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and the concept of free and prior informed consent.
"Daghan na kita nasugdan na angayan ipadayon (We have started a lot of things which should be sustained)," Behing said.
"Akong hangyo, isip kabahin sa paglambo sa lungsod sa Sibagat, dili unta nato mabiyaan ang tribo (As part of progressive municipality, I asked that we will never leave the tribe in Sibagat)," he added, highlighting the fast paced developments brought about by technology and modern innovations.
Also, Nilda Barcelona of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) - Sibagat Satellite Office attended the activity together with other municipal offices and agencies. (NCIP-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
