This October, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will celebrate the 2023 IP Month and 26th Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration with the theme, “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanang Kultural at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas”.
The month-long celebration will have its Ipitik-inspired opening salvo on 02 October 2023, where the first few drops of a newly opened bottle of indigenous wine will be offered to our ancestors and shared by the spectators. The whole month is jam-packed with different activities, in partnership with our Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) and other partner stakeholders including other government agencies, IP organizations, Local Government Units (LGUs), and the private sector, nationwide.
These activities include Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, Cultural Sensitivity orientations, inter-agency field visitations, tree planting, capacity-building workshops, festivals, celebrations, webinars, medical and wellness missions, cultural dance performances and presentations, barefoot challenge, photo exhibit, trade fairs, indigenous games, assistance and equipment turnovers, conferences, poster-slogan contests, artists assemblies, support to Dayaw 2023, courtesy visits, and thanksgiving. A fellowship dinner with former NCIP Chairpersons, Commissioners, and Executive Directors, among others, will grace the commemoration of the IPRA’s 26th year.
In addition, there will be two fashion shows namely, Gayak 2: Dahon Fashion Show and Kislap 2: Lakbay Hibla. The Dahon Fashion Show will highlight the masterpieces of innovative designer JM Ganuan, with leaves as the primary material, on 27 October 2023 at the Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City. On 29 October 2023, Kislap 2: Lakbay Hibla will be launched at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, showcasing Philippine indigenous fabrics in travel.
Hence, the NCIP, on behalf of the ICCs/IPs all over the country, invites everyone to support and join the celebration and observance of the 2023 IP Month and 26th IPRA Commemoration.
