By Rowena T. Cruz Mayor Gina Pera Gonzales joins members of the Dumagat community and local officials during the Indigenous People's Mon...
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| Mayor Gina Pera Gonzales joins members of the Dumagat community and local officials during the Indigenous People's Month celebration in Burdeos last October 27, affirming the LGU’s commitment to inclusive development. (Gina Pera Gonzales) |
BURDEOS, Quezon – A celebration of culture and commitment filled the air as the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Burdeos hosted a special gathering at the Municipal Plaza on October 27 to mark the nationwide Indigenous People's Month. The event drew 263 indigenous Dumagat people from nine communities to showcase their rich heritage through vibrant cultural performances and games.
Burdeos Mayor Gina Gonzales said the day is set aside to show appreciation and respect for the indigenous people integral to the town's growth, saying, "We must ensure that the tapestry of our town's progress is woven with the strong threads of our indigenous communities."
The Mayor stressed that the event is proof of the appreciation of our indigenous brothers and sisters who are part of the development of the town so that no one is left behind. This local commitment reflects the goals of the national observance, mandated every October by a Presidential proclamation.
The Burdeos celebration specifically recognized the Dumagat, a major indigenous subgroup associated with the coastal and mountainous regions of Eastern Luzon. Their continued cultural practices and traditional livelihood underscore the importance of their ancestral domain claims.
The recognition is crucial, as the Dumagat people rely heavily on the natural resources of their ancestral lands for their survival and cultural identity. The local LGU views the protection of these domains as fundamental to its inclusive development agenda.
"Through the Gina G. Service, the LGU Burdeos continues to support our indigenous brothers and sisters in all aspects of the service they deserve, including essential services such as livelihood support, educational assistance, and access to basic health care." Mayor Gonzales added.
The LGU's proactive participation affirms the mandates of the national Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, reinforcing the municipal government's dedication to inclusive development. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural contribution the Dumagat people bring to Burdeos, ensuring all residents benefit from progress.
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