On October 30, 2021, MABIKAs Foundation-The Netherlands, in coordination with SANDIWA Network of Advocates for National Minority Rights, held its first virtual celebration of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month. Guided by the theme “Bridging Gaps Through Knowledge Sharing”, the four resource speakers gave powerful but heart-breaking presentations about the current situation of indigenous people in the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao. After listening to what the speakers have to say, the participants are in unanimous agreement that the knowledge, insights and key takeaway messages that have transpired during the 2-hour session have to be shared to be known by many… and so is the aim of this section.

The BEGINNING: Our ancestral land- our home, our life, our being

As mentioned by MABIKAs Board Member Renijune Abaya in her opening remarks, one of the three main objectives of this virtual gathering is to highlight the importance of the National IP Month in relation to the main issues and aspirations of fellow IPs in the Philippines, which up to this time is concerning our right to self-determination as depicted in this music video produced by PIKP. To provide a platform for knowledge sharing and to strengthen the network of the IPs back home and abroad are the other two aims event objectives. Hence, it was just right to open the event with a prayer led by MABIKAs Board Member Aurora Pacio-Pascual, who also offered prayers for the souls of the Europeans who were killed in the Philippines and for the Filipino heroes who died for their IP advocacy; among them were Fr. Tullio Favalli, Fr. Fausto Tentorio, Willem Geertand, Fr. Anton Korterik and Ama Macliing Dulan.

NATIONAL SITUATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Presented by Joanna Patricia Kintanar Cariño

CURRENT SITUATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN LUZON

Presented by Francesa ‘Kakay’ Tolentino

CURRENT SITUATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN VISAYAS

Presented by Karen Faith Villaprudente

CURRENT SITUATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN MINDANAO

Presented by Eufemia ‘Ka Femia’ Cullamat

A Q&A session followed each talk, whereby participants were given a chance to respond to each presentation. There was an engaging exchange of information, opinions and insights as well as resources for additional information; among these were as follows:

MABIKAs Board Member Rachel de Weerd end program proper with the following closing prayer.

The END: Key Takeaway Messages

Shared by Event Participants