ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 4 (PNA) -– The city government has declared August 9 of every year as Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Day to foster appreciation and better understanding of the indigenous people and their culture.
The declaration was made through Executive Order BC 64-2014 issued by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar setting the local celebration of the IPs Day in the city on August 9 every year, in consonance with the International Day of the World’s IP celebration.
Copies of the E.O. were furnished to the members of the local media Monday for purpose of information dissemination.
The E.O. further enjoins all local government offices, non-government organizations, educational institutions, and constituents to support and spearhead activities such as educational fora and classroom activities, which celebrate and promote key advocacies for IPs.
The proclamation of the IPs Day is in accordance with several legal mandates which include the following: Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997; the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 49/214; and, Resolution No. 829 of the City Council, which pushed for the declaration of the celebration for the IP communities.
The declaration and celebration of the IPs Day is also supported by the 1987 Constitution which states, to wit, “the State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous communities within the framework of national unity and development.”
Salazar called upon government offices and agencies, non-government organizations, schools and the public to actively participate in the activities in celebration of the IPs Day. (PNA)