19 February 2024 | The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) represented by Office of the Chairperson – Chief of Staff Atty. Christine Faith Sabella participated in the ceremony honoring the life and contributions of former First Lady Doña Aurora Aragón Quezon, and the celebration of the 45th founding anniversary of the Province. In this year’s Araw ng Aurora, the celebration highlighted the rich culture of the Indigenous Peoples in the province.

Aurora caters home to over 4,000 ICCs/IPs subdivided into several tribes/clans: The Alta/ Agta, Dumagat, Ilongot and Igorots. Over the years, the people of Aurora, including members of the indigenous communities, have shared stories of resilience and unity; expressing mutual recognition and respect for each other’s rights, a shared journey guided by the principles of development and inclusivity. As a result, Aurora has blossomed into a vibrant community, thriving with diversity, culture, and economic vitality.

To kick off the event, a holy mass was conducted as thanksgiving for the fruitful 45 years of the province of Aurora and to commemorate the late Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon. This was followed by a short parade of all the participants and guests to the Aurora Province Capitol Grounds.

During the event, the Acting Provincial Governor Hon. Reynante A. Tolentino, along with the Mayors from the 8 Municipalities of the province and members of the provincial government of Aurora honored the former first lady by laying a wreath on her monument erected on the Capitol grounds paired with a 21-gun salute given by the members of the 91st Infantry Batallion.

Thereafter, Indigenous Groups namely the Alta/Agta and Ifugao tribes showcased their unique cultural heritage by performing their traditional dances and chants.

Also present during the event are the heirs of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon namely Mr. Nonie Buencamino and Mr. Benjamin Q. Avanceña. Other key participants of the Araw ng Aurora are Aurora Vice Gov. Hon. Jennifer A. Araña, Hon. Cong. Rommel Rico T. Angara, Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr. PA, and leaders and members of Indigenous Cultural Communities.

In summary, NCIP is one with the people of Aurora in the celebration of ‘Araw ng Aurora’, honoring the life of Dona Aurora, and in advocating the well-being of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples of their province and of our nation.