Philippine Embassy promotes indigenous peoples’ rights protection

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain has joined the observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with the theme, “Leaving No One Behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” The Philippines is home to 110 ethnolinguistic indigenous groups and is a leader in Indigenous Peoples (IP)’s rights protection.

It is the first country in Asia and one of the few countries to legally recognise IPs' rights with its Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 that became the model for the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples.

Through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the interest and rights of the 14 million indigenous peoples of the Philippines are promoted and protected. A special presentation, entitled “We Will Not Be Forgotten”, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ Indigenous Groups who will not be forgotten as the country endeavours to bring a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all.

It is composed by Krina Cayabyab, lyrics and direction by Floy Quintos, and performed by Poppert Bernadas, Mel Torre and Baihana featuring the Ramon Obusan Folkloric The Ifugaos of Banaue are among the indigenous communities in the Philippines Group.