Mayor Juan, VM Blas appoint ex-kagawad Oloroza as Flora’s New IPMR

Flora, Apayao- Former Kagawad Editha C. Oloroza in Flora, has been chosen and appointed as the new Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) for the period of three years to serve the Indigenous communities of 3,197 members, Flora LGU announced on Wednesday.

Mayor Rodolfo Juan and Vice Mayor Jeofrey Blas administered Oloroza's Oath, morning of September 18, in which the latter promised to recognize and empower Indigenous Cultural communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) as she now serves as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan until 2027.

As sectoral representative, she represents seven (7) tribes in the municipality comprising Kalinga, Isnag, Tingguin, Agta, Ibanag, Itawes, and Kankannaey promoting certain general rights including but not limited to rights to the land, rights to subsistence resources and activities, the right to self-determination and self-government, and the right to practice one's own culture and customs including language and religion.

In her statement Oloroza said that in the span of three years in office she will do her duties and mandates, as aligned with Mayor Juan's vision of inclusive and sustainable growth within the municipality.

"Rest asured that as the new IPMR, I will do the best thing that I can do to promote the welfare of all lndigeneous peoples in Flora...I may have not disclosed specific plans for now, but I'll see to it that Ingenious groups will enjoy their respective rights," she said in an interview.

Mayor Juan, in his message commended Oloraza's 12 years of service as barangay official and expressed faith that her new mandate would bring more community developments across the municipality. She succeeded ex-IPMR Beldion Balanan, who served for one term -three years.

Oloroza's assumption of duty was witnessed by her fellow MCEs and Tribe Presidents/Leaders, family members, SB Hon. Genevive L. Cacacho, some LGU employees, and NCIP Provincial Apayao Staff.