With the signing of Presidential Proclamation Order No. 1906 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declaring October of every year as “National Indigenous Peoples’ Month”, ethno-linguistic groups from all over the country have a reason to celebrate and be proud of their culture and traditions.
SubCommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA) Commissioner Domingo A. Bakilan of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts(NCCA) said that as mandated by Republic Act 7356, the NCCA has been spearheading the observation of the Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration.
This is also in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 486 signed by Pres. Arroyo consistent with Presidential Proclamation No. 1124 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos and the United Nations’ General Assembly declaration of the years 2005 to 2014 as the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.
Through Republic Act 7356, the NCCA has a mandate ‘to encourage the continuing and balanced development of pluralistic culture by the people; conserve and promote the nation’s historical cultural heritage; and ensure the widest dissemination of artistic and cultural products among the greatest number across the country and overseas for their appreciation and enjoyment. (PIA)
