In celebration of the 14th World’s Indigenous Peoples Day, more than 150 indigenous youth of the Cordillera gathered to learn, understand, unite and commit in promoting the rights of indigenous peoples.
BY KEIDY TRANSFIGURACION
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S WATCH
Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat.com
Volume VIII, Number 28, August 17-23, 2008
BAGUIO CITY (246 kms. north of Manila) — In celebration of the 14th World’s Indigenous Peoples Day, more than 150 indigenous youth of the Cordillera gathered to learn, understand, unite and commit in promoting the rights of indigenous peoples (IPs), August 9 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of the Philippines campus.
The Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN) organized the event with the support of various local youth organizations.
Progressive Igorots for Social Action (Pigsa), Pinatud, Program for Indigenous Culture-Pagawisan Tako Am-in, Salidummay-University of Cordillera and Benguet State University, Cordillera Cultural Performing Group-Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines Baguio University Student Council-Indigenous Peoples Desk, Student Parliament-Baguio Central University, Anakbayan-Kordilyera, Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) and Cordillera Youth Center joined the activity.
Jose M. Molintas, an Ibaloi and a member of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights discussed the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP).
Jennifer Awingan, a Kalinga and coordinator of APIYN, imparted the situation of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera and of the world in general and challenged the indigenous youth to act regarding the issues faced by the indigenous peoples.
The participants united in taking actions on IP issues and concerns at local, national and international levels. A resolution was adopted urging the City Government of Baguio to declare August 9 as an official red-letter-day and allocate resources for its celebration.
“Lambakan” (cultural night) ended the activity. Indigenous music and gongs, community dances and chants, trivias on IP issues and solidarity messages filled the occasion.
Officers of the local chapters of the National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) delivered solidarity messages. The Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir and Agi Band also performed. Northern Dispatch/Posted by (Bulatlat.com)
