Marcos honors indigenous peoples as ‘invaluable guardians’ of heritage

FILE PHOTO: “Lumad” students attend the flag-raising ceremony at their “bakwit” school at the University of the Philippines’ International Center in Diliman, Quezon City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the contributions of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), calling them “invaluable guardians” and “worthy protectors” of the country’s heritage, lands, and resources. vMarcos made the pronouncement during the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, August 9, 2024. | File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the contributions of indigenous peoples (IPs), calling them invaluable guardians” and “worthy protectors” of the country’s heritage, lands, and resources.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, August 9.

“We are truly blessed to have such a distinct and lively roster of indigenous groups from the northern mountains of Luzon down to the southern islands of Mindanao,” Marcos said in a statement released by the Office of the President.

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“Their unique spiritual beliefs and traditions, coupled with their symbiotic connection with nature, make them invaluable guardians of our heritage and worthy protectors of our lands and resources,” he added.

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He then reassured indigenous communities of the government’s “desire to provide them the honor they rightfully deserve” and its “high regard for our indigenous peoples’ cultural integrity.”

According to Marcos, the government is committed to being responsive to the needs of IPs, especially in preserving their way of life.