BAGUIO CITY – The Onjon ni Ivadoy celebrated their 14th Ibaloy day at Ibaloy park on February 23, 2023. In objective to remind the next generation of Ibalois of their colorful history and to preserve the tribe’s culture.
This year’s Ibaloy day includes a parade through Session Road, rituals, and intermission numbers from Ibaloy musicians. The Ibaloys are also appeased because they celebrate Ibaloy day along with the city’s first Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr. who is also the current president of Onjon ni Ivadoy Association.
The presence of IPMR to the city council assures the collective interests and aspirations of indigenous community will be considered when creating an ordinance to the city. Councilor Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr. stated that he will not be biased to only one tribe as he welcomes other tribes who reside in Baguio.
“I hope that he should become consultative so that other interests of other indigenous communities in the city will also be recognized.” stated by Jimmy Fong, a member of Onjon ni Ivadoy Association as he expressed his expectations to the newly ex-officio member of the city council.
Concurrent to this event is the International Native Title Day that commemorates the recognition of the US Supreme Court to the native land title of Cariño back in February 23, 1909. The Resolution No. 395 series of 2009 of the City Council of Baguio declared February 23 as the International Native Title Day to also acknowledge the original indigenous residents of the City.
It is important to remember this US Supreme Court decision as it highlights the rights of the indigenous people of Baguio. By Nicko Gatchalian
