VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday called on Filipinos to value and give importance to the rights, heritage, and culture of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), emphasizing their vital role in shaping the nation’s identity and protecting its natural resources.
In her message for the Indigenous Peoples Month, Duterte lauded the IP communities for their steadfast contribution to preserving Philippine traditions and safeguarding ancestral lands.
“Their wisdom and traditions continue to give strength and identity to us as Filipinos, a testament to their resilience and love for their ancestral domain and the future generations,” Duterte said in Filipino.
She urged the public to continue honoring and protecting the rights and culture of the country’s indigenous groups.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) echoed the call, describing the annual observance as a “call to action” to support IP communities through livelihood programs, protection of ancestral domains, and recognition of their role in environmental and cultural preservation.
“The month-long celebration will highlight not only the ICCs/IPs but also their enduring legacy of crafting solutions rooted in tradition to shape the future,” the NCIP said.