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When will we realise that diversity should not be an excuse but an advantage to act as one?
“Diversity is our strength,” is the message of the song Ang Pilipino Ay Tayo by Joey Ayala and Ang Bagong Lumad. It was released in 1992, a time when indigenous people called on for our help following the atrocities done on their sacred land. More than a decade later, the battle rages on.
It was fortunate that a constitution that [recognises] and [protects] the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) was approved in 2009—the Presidential Proclamation No. 1906—to have the National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month.
Some of the agencies celebrating IP month alongside the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of the Muslim Affairs (OMA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
See also: Diversity of Philippine Design Takes Centre Stage In Design Week Philippines 2019
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See also: Let's Keep Filipino Heritage Alive, Escuela Taller de Filipinas Shares Their Story
This year's theme for Dayaw, “Katutubong Filipino: Atin ang Tagumpay!” might show how Filipino IP communities have remained optimistic and found strategies to survive amidst adversities, especially a pandemic. But more importantly, it highlights the IP's need for connectivity.
Connectivity had always been one of the major concerns of the IP, more so now that we are being hauled to our homes, losing physical ties to the outside world. But now is not the time to keep out of touch. We might be constantly told to keep our doors shut until the pandemic passes, but there will come a time when we would have to face the truth that lies behind the door.
“We need to address the digital divide,” says Nestor Horfilla, a Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining awardee. “We should raise the level of patronage.”
Now's our chance to help by getting to know the indigenous community. We can begin by watching the short documentary that will show more than 100 representatives from various indigenous groups performing, discussing cultural values, and celebrating the value of our intangible cultural heritage.
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The documentary will be presented in five episodes. Each episode will be aired over television channels and social media platforms:
- October 9, 2021 - Pagpapasinaya sa Tagumpay: The Dayaw Opening Ceremony
- October 17, 2021 - Dayaw sa Sebangan: The Southern Cultural Communities
- October 24, 2021 - Dayaw Sito Lubbon Na Unnot: The Northern Cultural Communities
- October 30, 2021 - Dayaw sa Butnga: The Central Cultural Communities
- October 31, 2021 - Pinagtagumpayan: The Dayaw Closing Ceremony
In the five-part documentary, we'll learn more about the indigenous learning systems, their spirituality, the young Indigenous entrepreneurs, how to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of our country, and the impact of climate change and disasters.
See also: Intangible Cultural Treasures of The Philippines: Why It's Important to Preserve Them
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Hopefully, each episode will inspire viewers to delve deeper into the lives of our country's IP. It's high time that we understand why we're encouraged to stretch our hands to those in need. Apart from the atrocities they've had to endure, the sacred lands they've lost, and their fight for their children's right to education, these indigenous groups have immense knowledge of the Philippines's cultural heritage that must be preserved.
The indigenous communities need our help now more than ever. While the metropolis and nearby regions are rapidly adapting to the digitalised world brought about by the pandemic, those in far-flung areas are struggling.
They've already made the first move by reaching out to us online with the help of the likes of the NCCA. All we need to do is to tap on a screen, listen, and begin a fruitful discourse on how we can provide better support.
To know more about this event, contact SCCTA through sccta@ncca.gov.ph or visit the NCCA Facebook page. You may also visit ncca.gov.ph
Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
