First indigenous people’s representative in Ilocos Norte takes oath

BY Freddie Lazaro
Jan 15, 2023 05:44 PM

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc administered the oath of office of the first Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the province on Wednesday, Jan 11.

Cheryll B. Tabangay, a Tingguian from Nueva Era town, took her oath formally before Governor Manotoc at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium of Ilocos Norte with the presence of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) officials led by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 1 Director Harriet N. Abyadang, Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin R. Garvida and Vice Mayor Caroline A. Garvida, and representatives of indigenous groups from the various municipalities.

IPMR REP.  Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc administers the oath of office of Cheryll B. Tabangay, a Tingguian from Nueva Era town, as the first Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of  the province in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium on Wednesday. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

“We must know that soon-to-be SP Member Cheryll will not only be the voice of Nueva Era and the voice of her tribe, but also the voice of all Indigenous People of Ilocos Norte,” said Gov. Manotoc.

“So, we ask that Ma’am Cheryll, keep that in mind as we move forward, we must listen to all of our Indigenous People and make sure that all their interest, their goals, and their needs are heard and accommodated sa SP,” added Governor Manotoc.

“Regardless of the delay, regardless of the wait, regardless of the complications, nandito na tayo (We’re here). And I would like to congratulate all of us who played a part in this,” said Gov. Manotoc.

In response, Tabangay expressed her gratitude to the IP communities for their support for her nomination as IPMR representative in Ilocos Norte.

“I will not make any promises, but I will do my best to serve and protect the rights and welfare of IPs. And I ask for your support and cooperation so that we can uplift our tribes as Indigenous People of Ilocos Norte,” said Tabangay.

Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos welcomed Tabangay under her administration as presiding officer of the Provincial Board.

Tabangay will begin working in her office on Monday, Jan. 16, and representing the entire IP communities in the province, across the towns of Adams, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Bangui, Vintar, Marcos, Dingras, Carasi, Solsona, and Nueva Era.