ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal (PIA)-- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) celebrates native Filipino culture through its Pilak Photo Exhibit at SM City Masinag, Antipolo City.
The Antipolo launch is held simultaneously with the 26 nationwide exhibit venues featuring photos taken by Indigenous Peoples from the Municipality of Tanay and Province of Quezon showcasing their culture to be displayed until Oct 28 and may be extended to November 6.
Rizal Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Antipolo City Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, NCIP 4A Carlos Buasen Jr., along with IPs and local government officials led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"Marahil marami sa atin nakakaisip na sila ang mga kapatid nating sila ang mga nakatira sa liblob na lugar at may primitibong pamunuhay kaya dahil dito nakakaranas sila nng diskriminasyon pero dapat mawala ang ganitong kaisipan," Vice Governor San Juan says.
"Dahil sa pagdiriwang ng IPs month, ang kaalaman natin sa IPs ay lumalawak," adds Vice Governor San Juan.
"Kayo ang ugat ng ating lahi kaya karapat-dapat lang na bigyang-pagkilala ang ating mga katutubo," he says.
“Here in Rizal, isa sa mga ginawang programa o suporta ang pagkakaroon ng kinatawan ng mga katutubo o mandatory representative sa sangguniang panlalawigan,” adds Vice Governor San Juan.
Rizal IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hon. Adolfo Gallanosa, a Dumagat Remontado from Montalban, also praised provincial government support for IPs.
Gallanosa also highlighted the importance of the education to IPs without compromising their heritage.
"Wag natin iwanan ang pagiging katutubo. Katutubo tayo pero kailangan natin ng edukasyon," Board Member Gallanosa said.
The photo exhibit is a platform to make people aware of IP’s rights to education, economic development and basic services.
In Tanay, the Municipal Tourism Office headed by Joicee Jules Gapido stated that the local government will put up the Museong Remontado Dumagat in Brgy. Sto Niño showcasing the culture of the local IP community.
The municipal government is also set to conduct a photo exhibit in partnership with NCIP and the Department of Education (DepEd).
NCIP 4A Regional Director Carlos Buasen in his closing address thanked stakeholders for the success of the activity held in line with the celebration of IPs month and the 25th anniversary of the IP Rights Act. (GG/PIA-Rizal)
