PRESS STATEMENT

NCIP CONDEMNS ACT OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND THEIR CULTURE

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any act of discrimination against our Indigenous Peoples and their culture, whether intentional or inadvertent. Such as the statement of Vincent Aycocho, popularly known as “Petite”, which appears in his Youtube Channel “Petite TV” and posted in Pilipino Star Ngayon Digital:

“Ito anak ko to (si Francine) sa foreigner nung kadalagahan ko. German ang tatay niya…Si Negi kasi katutubo tatay niya”

Though the statement was made in jest, the members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) take offense as Vincent Aycocho recklessly associated “Katutubo” as less attractive or less appealing. This unfair stereotyping of our Katutubo brothers and sisters is what we at the NCIP have been fighting against with.

This year, we are celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, a law that recognizes, respects, promotes, and protects the rights of our Indigenous Peoples with due regard to their beliefs, customs, institutions, and traditions. NCIP has been trying to instill to everyone, that Indigenous Peoples deserve to be respected and to be free to manifest their distinct way of life without fear of becoming the object of ridicule of non-indigenous population as we maintain a diverse and inclusive environment.

We are appealing to all to actively strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination in whatever manifestation in their personal and professional lives. For we believe in the saying that we live through motivation and love, not discrimination and hate.

Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, STOP DISCRIMINATION!