The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is set to lead the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Day and International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9.
With the theme "The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge," the simultaneous event can be viewed live via Zoom on the NCIP official Facebook page from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The NCIP said that the program will focus on "how IP Artisans, Chanters, Singers, and Ritualists, among others, preserve and pass on traditional knowledge and practices to the next generation."
Aside from that, it will also aim to raise public awareness and continue efforts to "recognize, respect, promote, protect, and fulfill the rights and well-being of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples."
"To the IP women all over the country and across the globe, stand tall and hold your heads up high as you are strong and independent. Let your passion and devotion towards your community be the fire that empowers you to lead the children and your community towards the future," NCIP added in its social media post.
Moreover, NCIP Chairperson Allen A. Capuyan stated in a post that the indigenous women are "custodians of cultural values and play a significant role in conserving and conveying traditional practices and knowledge to their children and those who come after."
"Unbeknownst to many, indigenous women sustain their communities' resilience in the face of hardships and are considered vanguards in helping their communities manage and defend their rights towards their ancestral lands, upon which their lives, livelihoods, and cultural identities are hinged," he continued.
The National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed every 9th of August, was formed after Republic Act. No. 10689 was signed into law by the late ex-President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Oct. 23, 2015.
Meanwhile, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples which is celebrated on the same date was formed through Resolution 49/214 by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 23, 1994.
According to the organization, this is the day when people from around the globe are encouraged to spread its message on protecting and promoting the rights of the Indigenous Peoples.