1.4K Camarines Norte IPs get gov’t assistance

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- More than 1,400 indigenous peoples (IPs) in Camarines Norte received various forms of assistance and services from the government during the provincial celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the provincial government of Camarines Norte, the event offered free medical and dental services to members of the Manide and Dumagat tribes.

Also, the beneficiaries received free haircuts and slippers.

Furthermore, 25 IPs received P50,000 to purchase materials for their handicrafts training conducted by the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

IPs attending elementary schools were given school supplies, while heads of families were provided with food packs. A total of 608 school supplies and 700 food packs were distributed during the event.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) facilitated the registration for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) updated the profiles of IPs for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Moreover, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed information materials about their services and programs.

Finally, seedlings were handed out by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) to the event’s target beneficiaries.

“Ang gobyerno ay napakabuti, matulungin, maunawain at marunong makisama sa mga katulad naming IPs, sila ay namimigay ng mga pananim, kalabaw at kahit na pabahay para sa amin (The government is supportive and provides us IPs with seedlings, carabao, and housing assistance),” said chieftain Levyn Salvador, 78, of Tanawan, Capalonga.

“Natutuwa ako at nabigyan ng school supplies ang mga mag-aaral, malaking tulong para sa gastusin sa pag-aaral, para makapag-aral,” Shirley Lara, 41, said.

(I am happy because students were given school supplies, which will help reduce their families’ education expenses.)

Lara, a barangay health worker from Guisican, Labo, married to a non-IP, said that her daughter, a second-year college student, is a scholar of the educational assistance program of the NCIP.

Provincial Administrator Don Padilla emphasized the importance of preserving the culture, tradition, arts, and identity of the IPs in the Philippines.

“Sa araw na ito, ating pinarangalan ang inyong mayaman na kultura, ang inyong walang katapusang kontribusyon sa bansa. Ang mga katutubo ay hindi lamang taga-ingat ng ating kasaysayan kundi sila ang nagbibigay inspirasyon sa atin upang maging mabuting tao,” he said.

Today, we honor your rich culture and enduring contributions to the country. Our tribe has not only preserved its culture but also served as an inspiration for us to become better individuals.

Provincial Development Officer Agnes Salvino highlighted the significance of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, or Republic Act 8371, in promoting and respecting IP rights, especially for the Manide and Dumagat communities in Camarines Norte.

The NCIP aims to integrate IPs into government programs, focusing on livelihood, education, and cultural preservation.

In October 2022, Provincial Ordinance 527 was approved, designating August 9 as the day to observe and celebrate the IP culture in Camarines Norte, aligning with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

INDIGENOUS Peoples elementary students receive school supplies during Provincial IPs Day in Camarines Norte.