BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Commissioner Simplicia Hagada has urged indigenous Peoples in the province to curb the ‘crab mentality’ attitude to enable unity and cooperation among the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
“Our ‘crab mentality’ attitude is pulling us down and preventing our cooperation and unity as a tribe working and fighting for our rights under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA),” she said.
Hagada addressed the crowd of various tribes in the province during the celebration of the IP Day at the provincial capitol in this town where she was the guest speaker.
She said customary laws as enshrined in the IPRA should be followed among the tribes so that peace, respect, understanding, cooperation and unity will reign among the various ICCs in the province.
Hagada said the unity and cooperation of ICCs are needed especially at present where various challenges are facing the IPs such as Ancestral Domain issues, peace and security, among others.
“Let us unite to face these challenges of our culture for our next generation to cherish and nurture,” she said.
Hagada also met with the IPs of the Gaddang and Bugkalot tribe to fast track the resolution of various issues and concerns of the tribes. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)