YESTERDAY was Indigenous Peoples Day. The yearly observance is a celebration of the rich and vibrant culture of our indigenous peoples and stresses the importance of giving stronger support and protection for IPs. It encourages everyone to provide the needed support for our IPs to strengthen their part in nation-building. According to the United Nations Development Programme, there are 14 to 17 million IPs belonging to 110 ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines.
In Iloilo City yesterday, the day was marked with the launching of a book on Panay-Guimaras traditional knowledge systems at the University of the Philippines Visayas. We have to protect the rights of IPs and promote indigenous culture. There have been many reported incidences wherein indigenous knowledge is being stolen by local and foreign entities. Such acts deprive our IPs of their cultural property and identity which have been passed on from their ancestors. Can’t we at the very least establish a comprehensive cultural archive and inventory of all cultural properties of the different ethno-linguistic groups?
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) could ensure the registration of the ownership to the proper ethno-linguistic group for protection of their intellectual property. There could also be royalties for the use of the cultural property of indigenous groups.
Two years ago Sen. Loren Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 379, or the proposed Traditional Property Rights of IPs Act. It sought to protect the traditional cultural heritage of IPs and support traditional artists and artisans in their contributions to their respective ethnic cultures and national heritage. Its approval should be hastened. The senator’s proposed Cultural Education Program Act under Senate Bill No. 387 also mandates key educational agencies to work with NCCA in formulating and implementing plans and programs that integrate and mainstream Philippine arts and culture in the national education system, primarily through the institutionalization of Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs).
We already have existing SLTs, which teach the young population of IP groups the traditional arts, crafts, music and practices of their community. But we need to take a major leap in making sure the country’s unique and diverse cultural heritage will flourish by mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems, skills and practices.
We must have measures that benefit our indigenous communities and give our IPs the respect, recognition and opportunities due them. We also urge our IPs to likewise continue to fight for their rights and to always protect our cultural heritage amid the challenges of modernization.
