BONGABON, Nueva Ecija — The 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade of the Philippine Army has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP) and preserving their cultural heritage during the 29th Indigenous Peoples’ Month celebration and commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) on Oct. 22.
Led by Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, the brigade joined Indigenous communities, local government officials, national government agencies and other stakeholders at the Barangay Labi Gymnasium in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, for the event themed “Empowering Indigenous Peoples’: Strengthening Rights, Culture and Ancestral Domains.”
Osias emphasized that lasting peace and development can only be achieved when Indigenous communities are respected, heard and given opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their future.
He stressed that ancestral domains represent more than land, serving as foundations of Indigenous Peoples’ history, livelihood, cultural identity and connection to their ancestors.
“Genuine development must be inclusive, and every Indigenous community deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered to build a better future while preserving its rich cultural heritage,” Osias said.
The celebration also honored the Alta, Ifugao, Kankana-ey, Subanen, Bag-o and Itneg communities for their distinct cultural identities, traditional practices, indigenous knowledge and contributions to the country’s cultural diversity.
Among the guests were Dr. Donato B. Bumacas, the event’s guest speaker; Municipal Vice Mayor Christian P. Binuya; Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Mercy P. Reyes; Association of Barangay Captains President Rolando Gragasin; and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Lance Vincent Caysip.
Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Indigenous chieftains and elders, representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and partner agencies also attended the gathering.
The commemoration highlighted Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, which safeguards the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples to ancestral domains, self-governance, social justice, human rights and cultural integrity.
The 703rd Agila Brigade said it would continue working with Indigenous communities, local governments and partner agencies to promote peaceful and inclusive communities where cultural traditions are preserved, rights are respected and development opportunities are accessible to all.