Furthermore, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman stressed the importance of recognizing the rights of the Indigenous People and providing them with necessary services. She expressed gratitude to all the participating agencies and organization and to the indigenous people.
“We thank you for giving us a reason to fulfill duties. It is not just our responsibility, but we are thankful to have seen that we can achieve more when we work together”, she expressed.
For the part of NCIP, Engr. George Jocutan empowered the IPs as he stressed that they need to stand proud for wahaever tribe they belong. They need to be proud of themselves as indigenous people and as Filipinos.
The three series of Serbisyo Caravan is just one of the many initiatives of the city government to help and promote the rights of indigenous peoples in the city. The city government also spearheaded the first IP Summit and adopt a school program.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Isabela City also passed an ordinance declaring October as IP Month and October 29 of every year as Indigenous Peoples Day in Isabela City. In support to this ordinance, the city government has allocated 1 million pesos for 2023 IP month celebration. (NBE/EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan)