Cong Mangaoang led launching of Epanaw books, cites IPs rich cultures, traditions

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairman Allen Jesse Mangaoang with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism led the national launching ceremony of three coffee table books Project “Epanaw” or “Journey” on March 21.

This is to make the public recognize the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) as to who/what they are, where they live and why the land is so important to them through said publications.

In his message, the solon said that the publication of the Epanaw series is another milestone of the NCIP for their unwavering and staunch advocacy to preserve the rights and welfare of the indigenous peoples.

Mangaoang said that the books speak of the pride of the indigenous peoples, the rich cultures, their deep connection to the lands and traditions, and the struggles to protect and serve them.

He added that this is a reflection of the history, sacrifices, contribution, and strengths of the indigenous peoples (IP).

Aside from showcasing the culture, tradition and ancestral domains of the indigenous communities in the country, the Congressman said the books would also serve to remind and educate especially the non-IPs of the cultural diversity of indigenous communities in the Philippines.

Three-book series

With the publication of the Project Epanaw three-book series, the NCIP hopes that Filipinos will learn and get accustomed to the diversified cultures, belief, systems, and traditions of indigenous cultural communities or ICC.

The first series, Pagkilala, showcases the profiles of each ICC/IP. It contains information about their history, place, and overview of their social and daily lives.

The second book, Paggalang, features festivals and rituals that the ICCs/IPs practices in relation to important events such as birth and death, agricultural cycle, and the sacred and profane.

While the third coffee table book, Pagtaguyod, contains travel destinations in ancestral domains for tourism. The promotion of these sites will not only generate livelihood but also highlights the significance of protecting and asserting the rights of indigenous groups to their ancestral domain.

The commission hopes a better presentation on the ways of life of the ICCs/IPs will also promote tourist destinations, care for protected areas, and resource investment in the ancestral domain for peace and development.

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