Gov. Tubban emphasizes need to uphold rights of others as members of the larger IP community

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor Ferdinand B. Tubban has called on yKalingas to strengthen their stand, solidify their unity, and uphold the rights of other people if they want to be genuinely recognized and be respected as they push for self-governance as Indigenous Peoples.

Tubban made this statement during the inauguration of the new three-storey provincial building of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) held on Thursday, October 21, highlighting the province’s celebration of this year’s Indigenous People’s Month.

In his message, the governor made emphasis on giving respect to fellowmen and for yKalingas to uphold the three core values, the ‘paniyaw, ngilin and bain’ to achieve this year’s theme, “The Journey of the Indigenous Peoples for Genuine Recognition, Respect and Self-governance.”

“We should give due respect to one another, we must uphold our values as full-blooded yKalingas, our paniyaw, ngilin and bain that resonate our upbringing, without regard to our multi-faceted tribal affiliation must be viewed in our character,” the governor said.

He cited that it is ‘paniyaw’ for an yKalinga to spread lies and information that would destroy the name and honor of another individual and that; it is both a ‘paniyaw and bain’ to craft false and character defamation of anyone.

With this, he encouraged people that even in this modern time that information and technology has greatly influenced the modern world, they must exercise prudence and cautious demeanor as they engage in the different social media platforms, citing what the Holy Scripture says which is to love one another and that, love begets love as respect begets respect.

“Each spark of individuality that makes them distinct now constellates in one purpose for the molding of our goals for the indigenous people. Let our ancestral heritage of honor and pride remains as we work together for our self-identity and recognition,” he added.

For the realization of the P35 million worth building, he congratulated NCIP Kalinga as finally, a brand new office building is now available that could inspire them to be more enthusiastic in their pursuit of protecting the rights of Indigenous People.

He also expressed gratitude to those who helped in the realization of the project as their concerted efforts made the dream of yKalinga people become a reality, the elders, regional and national leaders of NCIPs, among others.

According to him, the building is a symbol of the courage and determination of yKalingas as indigenous people in their quest for self-determination and sovereignty as the ‘reigns and members of the said structure were fortified by its solid foundation that may withstand any catastrophic eventuality, adding that this is synonymous to yKalingas unity as one people bound as firmly for the attainment for its goals and aspiration amidst these challenges.

“As we celebrate the Indigenous People’s Month, we honor the countless contributions of Kalinga Indigenous Peoples and the rest of the world to our rich history, heritage and culture. Let us uphold our pride and diversity and make every reason to be proud of our cultural identity,” he concluded.

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