Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has declared August 9 as the National Indigenous Peoples Day in Davao City.
Mayor Duterte signed on August 1, 2022 Proclamation No. (PN) 4 Series of 2022, known as “Declaring August 9 As the National Indigenous Peoples Day Of Davao City Every Year.”
The proclamation cited Article 2 Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.
It also attributed that Republic Act No. 8371 recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
“In support of this event, all agencies are encouraged to hang tarpaulins relevant to the celebration in their respective offices, post on their social media accounts, and/or implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on ICCs/IPs issues and concerns,” the proclamation stated.
Proclamation No. 4 also underscored that all local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) are “encouraged to implement programs and activities towards evoking public awareness and sustaining relentless efforts for the recognition, respect, promotion, and protection of the rights and well-being of the Philippine ICCs/IPs.”
Coincidentally, the people of Davao City also celebrate the 37th Kadayawan sa Davao Festival in August as a way to pay tribute to the city’s 11 indigenous tribes – Ata, Iranun, Kagan, Klata, Maguindanao, Maranao, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Sama, Tagabawa, and Tausug.
Most of the festival’s activities gear toward showcasing the colorful and rich culture of the city’s IPs and celebrating a bountiful harvest. CIO
