LUNA, Apayao – The Province of Apayao has celebrated the Indigenous Peoples Month and the 26th Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) Commemoration with lots of indigenous games, dances, food, and music.
Apayao is known to be predominantly Isnag but is also the home of various tribes, including the Agtas, which make up the dynamic indigenous groups in the area.
With the theme “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanag Kultura at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas” held at Apayao Eco- Tourism and Sports Complex, San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao, IPs from all over the province’s 7 municipalities came together to celebrate the culture and traditions.
Apayao’s founder Elias K. Bulut (EKB), and IP himself, was a co-author of RA 8371, also known as “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.” Bulut advocated for the rights of the IPs and made great progress in uplifting their life conditions.
The goal of said law is to acknowledge, defend, and promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The act was created to raise awareness of indigenous culture and to foster collaboration.
Indigenous games such as Rinu’Rut, Indigenous Basketball, Talanggosi, Magbunot se mag-igad, Innangtan/Pinnenusan, Dahay- Sinila’an/Selalay, and Magrammat/Embroidery were played by participants from different municipalities. Oral tradition contests such as tabbag, dissodi, and Battle of the Bands were also conducted.
Similarly, cultural performances from the province’s seven municipalities were presented on the event’s big night. Each municipality presented their performances, which included a dance with a storyline.
The PGA said the event encourages government and civil society to promote inclusivity and social justice, highlighting the need of preserving the nation’s diversity and varied cultures. By Maureen Legazpi