Usec. Alan A. Tanjusay of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) opens the event and states that the DSWD as the parent and supervising agency of the NCIP is one with the Commission in its noble convergence efforts to mainstream the ICCs/IPs in the society so that they can exercise their rights to self-governance and secure their ancestral domains and lands.
A Manobo-Bunawan Musician and Singer from Agusan del Sur, Bayang Barrios encouraged ICCs/IPs that their experiences against discrimination, lack of recognition, and marginalization should not limit them in reaching their dreams but instead be an inspiration in building ICCs/IPs future.
Secretary Allen A. Capuyan, Chairperson of NCIP highlighted that Indigenous Filipinos are more than ready to partner with the public and private sectors.
Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) emphasized that the Philippines have a very rich cultural heritage and that a country without culture is like a person without a soul. He then assured that the DILG is one with NCIP and ICCs/IPs in terms of partnership and to help protect their ancestral domains against illegal selling of lands.
ICCs/IPs UNIFICATION WITH GOVERNMENT IN NATION-BUILDING
AFPCOC, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
16 November 2022
