The Sergio Osmeña Municipal Gymnasium in Zamboanga del Norte came alive with vibrant colors, ancestral sounds, and heartfelt expressions on October 30, 2024, as the Indigenous Peoples Month celebration and the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 culminated in a grand program. The event, which marked the close of a month-long observance of Indigenous Peoples Month, brought together community leaders, local government officials, and Indigenous groups to honor Indigenous Peoples and their invaluable cultural heritage.
This year’s theme, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pangalagaan at Parangalan” — “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge” — focused on fostering cultural appreciation, preservation, and awareness among the broader community. With a shared mission to nurture and celebrate Indigenous traditions, the event highlighted the essential role that cultural values play in the well-being of society and the environment, underscoring the need to protect and pass on Indigenous knowledge to future generations.
The celebration included a variety of activities designed to showcase and honor Indigenous traditions and environmental stewardship. Among these was a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing the commitment to preserving natural resources, along with a colorful Lumad parade that featured traditional attire, music, and dances, breathing life into the streets. A solemn ritual led by a group of Balyans, respected Indigenous healers and spiritual guides, deepened the connection to ancestral heritage, reminding participants of the spiritual dimensions intertwined with Indigenous culture.
At the heart of the gathering were messages of solidarity from key figures. Municipal Tribal Chieftain Hon. Gukom Felipe G. Sagalam Sr. delivered a message underscoring the significance of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). Chief Sagalam emphasized the critical role the NCIP plays as the primary government agency committed to safeguarding Indigenous rights and promoting their interests.
Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos, through Ms. Lenie Castañeda, Supervising Administrative Officer, offered an inspiring message, highlighting her administration’s dedication to supporting ICCs/IPs, particularly in the realm of sustainable livelihood projects. Governor Jalosjos reaffirmed her commitment to uplifting Indigenous communities under her service motto, “Misyon Ko, Tinuod nga Serbisyo” (My Mission, Genuine Service), reflecting her administration’s vision for enduring and impactful support.
Mayor Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon of Piñan spoke to the importance of cultural preservation, urging the community to stand united in protecting heritage, natural resources, and the distinctive customs of the Indigenous communities. She reminded the audience of the richness and interdependence of Indigenous spiritual, social, economic, and environmental values, expressing hope that the community continues to uphold these traditions with reverence.
Likewise, Mayor Sunny T. Tiso of Sergio Osmeña praised the Indigenous community for its profound contributions to local life, particularly through traditional knowledge that has become integral to healthcare, agriculture, conservation, food, education, and environmental sustainability. Mayor Tiso commended the Indigenous Peoples for being a wellspring of wisdom that benefits all sectors of the community.
A high point of the celebration was the cultural performance of the Subanen dance, an artful expression of gratitude, joy, and respect. The Subanen people, in a lively dance, depicted stories about their land, animals, and ancestral spirits, offering a rare and meaningful glimpse into their unique worldview and heritage. These performances not only entertained but also conveyed deep spiritual and environmental messages, leaving the audience with a greater appreciation of the Subanen culture and their harmonious relationship with nature.
The 2024 Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration in Sergio Osmeña serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect, celebrate, and integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices into the broader cultural fabric of the Philippines. As the event drew to a close, the participants were left with a renewed sense of pride, unity, and commitment to ensure that these cultural treasures endure for generations to come.
