Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. urged on Tuesday, Aug. 9, all Filipinos to help in recognizing and protecting the rights and collective well-being of the Indigenous People.
In celebration of the ‘National Indigenous Peoples Day and International Day of the World Indegenious Peoples’, Abalos recognized the rich and diverse culture and vibrant tradition ‘in all parts of our islands are significant to our national identity.’
“We shall all strive to have an IP-mandatory representative (IPMR) in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils to ensure that the carriers of our cultural heritage have a voice and say in governance,’’ Abalos said.
As mandated in Republic Act (RA) 8371, Abalos urged the local government units (LGUs) to recognize and preserve the IP’s rights to join in decision-making matters which may affect their rights, lives and destiny.
He added that the DILG and other government agencies incentivizes the LGUs that excel in various government criteria including heritage development, culture and arts through the awarding of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
The DILG chief also exhorted the Filipino people to promote the welfare and development of the Indegenious Cultural Communities (ICCs) and IPs. (Chito A. Chavez)