October 24, 2024, Sarangani Province — The Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities of Sarangani province marked the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 with a vibrant celebration held at the Capitol gym. The occasion, which also served as the province’s 2024 IP Month observance, brought together representatives from the Blaan, Tboli, and Tagakaulo tribes across Sarangani’s seven municipalities.
The event was joined by Governor Rogelio Pacquiao and other provincial officials, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Indigenous groups and fostering a unified community spirit. The celebration also included the 7th IP Congress of the Sarangani Provincial Tribal Council (SPTC), a gathering where tribal chieftains and SPTC officials presented program accomplishments and discussed plans for further advancing the welfare of the IP communities.
In his Annual IP Address (AIPA), Provincial IP Mandatory Representative Makabatug Arman Guili highlighted several key legislative measures enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including ordinances and resolutions from the Committees on IP and Cultural Heritage, as well as on Zoning, Land Use, and Housing. These policies emphasize the provincial government’s dedication to safeguarding Indigenous rights and cultural heritage.
Governor Pacquiao expressed his unwavering support for IP empowerment, noting initiatives such as monthly allowances for SPTC members and tribal chieftains, the construction of barangay-specific IP centers (kasfala), and the development of Sarangani RDP IP Eco Villages. He added, “Dako ang akong pagsuporta sa paghatag og igong prayoridad sa tanang tribu sa Sarangani pinaagi sa mga programa sama sa monthly allowances alang sa atong mga kugihang miyembro sa SPTC ug mga tribal chieftains, pagtukod og mga kasfala sa kada barangay ug Sarangani RDP IP Eco Villages, ug uban pang mga serbisyo.”
This year’s theme, “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Knowledge,” underscores the significance of Indigenous communities’ contributions to cultural preservation and sustainable practices. Sarangani Province continues to stand out as the first local government unit in the Philippines to have passed and adopted an Indigenous Peoples Code — the Sar IP Code of 2019 — reinforcing its dedication to IP rights and cultural heritage protection.
The anniversary celebration and IP Month observance highlight Sarangani’s long-standing commitment to recognizing and uplifting its Indigenous communities while promoting cultural and environmental sustainability for future generations.
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