Mariano Marcos
State University

NCIP brings Ilocos Norte IP culture and heritage lecture to MMSU

By Jedd Bryant Boado

Officials of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) delivered lectures on the culture and heritage of Ilocos Norte’s various indigenous communities during the annual “We Belong” event, held at the Student Center on April 27.

Organized by the MMSU Advocates for Cultural Development in partnership with the NCIP, the event was attended by NCIP officials along with government officials from IP communities in the province. MMSU officials were represented by the Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), Prof. Lawrence John Tagata.

In his message, OSAS Director Tagata highlighted the university’s projects and programs that benefit students from IP communities. He assured them that MMSU remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality education for all, including indigenous peoples.

“As a provider of knowledge to students in Ilocos Norte and beyond, MMSU is committed to inclusivity by allowing students from IP communities to study here, obtain their degrees, and reach their dreams,” Director Tagata said.

In the first lecture, NCIP Ilocos Norte Provincial Officer Atty. Jesus Agbayani discussed the lived experiences of the province’s IP communities during the country’s colonization. He emphasized that their strength and resilience set them apart.

“What makes the Ilokanos and Indigenous Peoples different is that when colonization happened, the IPs had their own ancestry and territory in the highlands, where they continued their practices and way of life. Their culture remained intact, unconquered by the colonizers,” Atty. Agbayani said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Charmaine Gaspar, NCIP Community Development Officer, explained the differences among Ilocos Norte’s IP groups, namely the Yapayaos, Tingguians, and Isnags. She urged the audience to respect and honor their cultures and protect their ancestral lands.

“Our obligation is to respect and honor indigenous cultures by not misrepresenting them. Let’s support their culture and, at the same time, become advocates for protecting their ancestral lands,” Atty. Gaspar said.

Finally, NCIP Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jifford Rosqueta discussed laws that protect indigenous peoples and their ancestral domains. He reminded future researchers to strictly follow procedures when conducting studies in IP communities.

“Filing an Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) application is important before researching IP communities. There should be proper documentation, as IPs have very sensitive cultures in each community. This should be respected,” Atty. Rosqueta said.

The event’s afternoon session also featured cultural dances, speeches, and the awarding of outstanding individuals in various fields of culture and the arts in the university. 

With the theme “Begnas: The Celebration of Unity and Cultural Pride,” the event marks its sixth year of advocating for the promotion and protection of Ilocos Norte’s indigenous peoples.