Celebrating and Remembering: National Indigenous People's Month

Photo by Allyana Hernandez

It is highly significant for us to know and remember that October is a month for us to commemorate and pay homage to the Indigenous people of the Philippines. In accordance with the Presidential Proclamation 1906, s. 2009 that declared the month of October as the National Indigenous Peoples Month, this year’s celebration’s theme is: “Pagtataguyod ng Pamayanang Kultural para sa Isang Matatag na Pilipinas.”

The Philippines is known to be a culturally diverse country and is home to more than 100 ethno-linguistic groups. The indigenous people take up a significant number in the various cultures that we have in the country. They take up a key role in keeping various traditions and beliefs alive. Although different indigenous groups hold different traditions, rituals, and beliefs, it should not be a source for divisiveness.

Photo from GMA News Online

Indigenous people, whose efforts for the environment we often overlook, make up 10 to 20 percent of the Philippine population. Indigenous communities within the country play a vital role in conserving and protecting the lands, forests, and natural resources of the country. In fact, our ancestral domains are composed of around 85% of the key biodiversity areas within the country. They also hold significant knowledge when it comes to resiliency, adapting, and reducing the risks of disasters and of climate change.

Yes, the indigenous people protect our lands and natural resources, but who protects them?

Due to modernization and industrialization, the farmlands and ancestral lands of indigenous people are being used for commercial and business purposes. 

   

The controversial China-funded Kaliwa Dam under former President Duterte’s Build Build Build project was said to be built on the ancestral lands of Quezon and Rizal Province’s Dumagat-Remontado communities. This will affect 1,465 families, 11 villages, and 39 indigenous communities along with thousands of plant and animal species.

Photo from Pakisama Advocacy Maps

Meanwhile, the non-Muslim Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao, known as the Lumads, continue to face losses and live with lack of peace in their community as they are caught up in the struggle between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the communist group of the National People’s Army (NPA). The Lumads have been subjected to violence, killings, and unjust arrests by the military in Mindanao. In fear of leaving their agricultural and ancestral lands behind, they take their chances as they choose to stay even though it means risking their lives.

Apart from these, indigenous people are still subject to exclusion and discrimination. They continue to lack access to basic services such as healthcare and proper education. Along with these, their opportunities of securing professional careers are lower than those of the non-indigenous citizens. 

As we celebrate and pay tribute to the Indigenous people of the Philippines, it is only right for us to honor their traditions and beliefs and commemorate them in gratitude for the things they have done for our environment. However, following the celebration’s theme, we can help achieve a stronger and safer environment for them by bringing awareness to the struggles and issues that they continue to face. May this celebration serve as a louder wake up call for the government to protect the communities and the lives of the indigenous people. May October be a month for us not only to enjoy a spooky Halloween but also to remember and fight against the scary reality that our Indigenous people have to face.

“Pagtataguyod ng Pamayanang Kultural para sa Isang Matatag na Pilipinas.”  A country can only be unified and strengthened when the life of the citizens are valued as they live in a peaceful community without threats, discrimination, inequality, and oppression. 

Happy National Indigenous People’s Month!