26th IPRA Commemoration celebrated in Apayao

The Apayao Police Provincial Office (PPO) and Kalinga PPO participated in the celebration of the 2023 Indigenous Peoples Month and the commemoration of the 26th Anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) on October 24, 2023.

In Apayao, the Provincial Director of Apayao PPO, PCOL JEFFERSON P CARIAGA, together with the Pasindayaw cops attended the ceremony held at the ATSC Grounds in Brgy San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao.

The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Governor of Apayao, Hon. Elias C. Bulut Jr, and was also attended by the different government agencies and members of the ethnic groups in the province of Apayao.

While in Kalinga, the Acting Provincial Director of Kalinga PPO, PCOL FREDDIE M LAZONA, together with the Lumin-awa cops also attended the ceremony held at the Kalinga Sports Center, Capitol Hills in Brgy Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

The activity was also attended by the Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Hon. Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-Las; the Provincial Governor of Kalinga, Hon. James S Edubba; other government agencies and members of the ethnic groups in Kalinga.

The 2023 Indigenous People’s Month Celebration and IPRA Commemoration with the theme “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanang Kultura at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa Mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” is an activity initiated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Further, according to Proclamation No. 1906, s. 2009, signed by Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the month of October of every year is declared as the “National Indigenous Peoples Month” in recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous People in the Philippines. (PRO CORDILLERA-PIO /File Photos)