‘Diwata’s portrayal of Igorot culture not accurate; education reshaping perceptions towards IPs needed’ - NCIP-CAR

Benguet, Philippines – Following the spread of the video of social media influencer ‘Diwata’ which drew uproar on social media, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples(NCIP) CAR clarified that his actions ‘do not accurately represent’ the Igorots and their culture.

The social media influencer earned the ire of the Cordillerans following his February 22 video where he was seen thrusting the spear he was holding into the ground, and together with his companions made noises as if they were chanting before they erupted in fits of laughter.

While it was amusing to them, the Cordillerans found it derogatory, saying it is a mockery of the Igorots and their culture.

Said video went viral that it caught the attention of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) CAR who released a statement on February 26, 2025. The agency clarified that Diwata is not affiliated with any of the 14 Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in the region.

“It is important to emphasize that his actions and portrayals do not accurately represent the values, beliefs, or cultures of the ICCS/IPs of Cordillera,” the NCIP CAR also emphasized.

The agency further noted that while their office acknowledged that Diwata may likely have not intend to demean the Cordillera culture, his actions reflect a broader societal issue like the challenges on decolonizing the mindset of the Filipino population towards ICCs or Indigenous People.

“The backlash experienced from this event indicates that significant work remains to be done in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity, thus, highlighting more the urgent need for continued efforts to educate and reshape perceptions towards the ICCs/Ips,” the agency further wrote.

With the incident, the NCIP Cordillera reiterated NCIP Advisory No. NA-2023-09-002 which entitled: "ON THE USE OF CULTURAL MATERIALS AND EXPRESSIONS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES”.