Belgica vows to protect IPs if he wins Senate seat

Greco Belgica. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial hopeful Greco Belgica has vowed to push for programs that would protect indigenous peoples (IPs) once he gets elected in the Senate.

Among his plans are the provision of jobs to IPs apart from investing in agriculture and healthcare sectors to contribute to their areas’ progress.

“Kailangan niyo raw ng livelihood, tulong sa agrikultura, at pagpapa-ospital para umasenso ang inyong lugar. ‘Pag naging Senador po ako, gagawin ko ‘yan para sa inyo,” he said.

The senatorial candidate added he will push for the inclusion of IPs in the government to establish them as a formal political entity.

“Dapat isali kayo sa organisasyon ng pamahalaan para naipapamuhay ninyo nang maayos at malaya ang kinagisnan niyong kultura,” he said.

IPs are close to Begica’s heart because he considers them the “first Filipinos.” He then called on the IPs to preserve their culture and pass them down to their children.

“Malapit talaga ang puso ko sa mga IP dahil kayo talaga ang unang Pilipino. ‘Pag nawala na ang kanilang kultura, ang pagiging sila, sino na ang magiging Pilipino kung mawawala kayo? Kaya kailangan ko talaga kayong protektahan, suportahan, at tulungan umasenso,” Belgica said.

“Ang akin pong hiling sa inyo ay protektahan niyo po ang inyong kulturang kinagisnan para maturo natin sa kabataang Pilipino,” he added.

Belgica, who served as chair of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) from 2016-2021, also warned IPs to not vote for corrupt candidates.