Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando urged Bulakenyos to treat Dumagats and other Indigenous Peoples (IP) with respect and to honor their rich culture and traditions.
The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), will hold a program for the IP, dubbed as “Taunang Araw ng mga Katutubong Dumagat,” on Friday, Oct. 21, in Sitio Manalo, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Dr. Eliseo S. Dela Cruz, PHACTO department head, said the celebration, with the theme, “Pagsasakatuparan ng mga Katutubong Karapatan at Kapakanan Batay sa Kanilang Pangarap at Hangarin," aims to raise public awareness and to support the indigenous culture in the province
Dela Cruz said lawyer Antonio A. Roman, regional director III and officer-in-charge of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Regina Panlilio, NCIP-Bulacan chief, are expected to give their messages about strengthening and preserving the indigenous culture.
Fernando hailed the Dumagats who reside in the mountainous area in Norzagaray for helping to cultivate the land, thus preventing the adverse effects of natural catastrophes.
"We should give them credit for that and treating them with respect and honoring their rich culture and traditions are a few ways to do it,” he said.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1906, Series of 2009, the month of October every year is declared as "National Indigenous Peoples Month."