The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region I in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) hosted the 26th Regional Indigenous Peoples’ Summit, the largest gathering of Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) in Region I on October 20 to 21, 2023 at People’s Center, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte.
With the theme, “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanang Kultural at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the celebration featured diverse cultural performances from the four provinces, namely, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Norte. Prior to the opening program of the summit, IPs, in collaboration with various national government agencies participated in the Solidarity Walk.
In addition to the cultural showcase, IPs were provided with essential healthcare services including free medical consultations, health counseling, blood typing, and free medications through the combined efforts of the Municipal Health Office of Nueva Era, the Philippine Red Cross–Laoag Chapter, and the Municipal Police Office.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, expressed his gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representatives of Region I provinces, recognizing their contributions towards the securing land and title rights for Indigenous Peoples.
“Kasama po ako in making sure na kailangan lahat ng ating Indigenous Peoples’ dito po sa Ilocos Norte ay may sariling lupa, may sariling titulo. Syempre, hindi lang po dito sa Ilocos Norte pero pati na rin sa Region I and I would speak on behalf of my fellow governors. We all know that each and every one of the Indigenous Peoples’ deserves a title and a place to call home dito po sa ating Region,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc remarked.
He also emphasized the vital role of IPs in the region—their togetherness, the sense of community, the ecological responsibility and the way they conduct life in accordance with traditional customs and lifestyles.
Meanwhile, Hon. Cheryll B. Tabangay, the first IP Mandatory Representative in the Ilocos Norte Provincial Board, expressed her vision during the event, aiming to witness the appointment of IP representatives to municipal and village councils in the province by the end of 2023.
PGIN remains committed to supporting the IPs for their significant contributions to the preservation of culture and the province’s economic development.—Webster M. Agarpao and Laurence Alfred R. Espejo, PGIN–CMO Interns
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