Tabuk City, Kalinga – “In every development undertaking, the key to success is determined by how much we invest in our human resources and to do that, we have to provide them a homely environment for them to perform their jobs, precisely, why we have this beautiful building,” stressed Kalinga lone district Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang during the inauguration of the new three-storey provincial building of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) on Thursday, October 21, 2021.
The solon said that the realization of said project is ‘one among its places of gratitude’ government officials can extend to NCIP personnel for their selflessness in their pursuit of protecting the rights of Indigenous People.
Mangaoang expressed hope that with this development, NCIP personnel will be inspired to further reinforce their resilience, resourcefulness and dedication in working to advance the plight of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Kalinga IPs.
The government owes much to the Indigenous people because even if they only comprise 16 percent of the country’s population; they are the stewards of Philippine’s remaining biodiversity, Mangaoang said.
With this, he said that it is just proper that the office mandated to protect and advance the cause of indigenous people should be welcoming and comfortable for all indigenous people as client.
Continuing journey of IPs
According to the congressman, the continuing journey of IPs should always be guided by NCIP personnel since they are fighting for the ‘interest of the indomitable spirit of struggles’ by the IPS’ forefathers.
“Let us draw inspiration from all those struggles and the recognition of the government of our voices to continue seeking for the welfare of all indigenous people,” he said.
Aside from his message directed to NCIP personnel, the Kalinga solon, also recognized and expressed gratitude to the zeal and commitment of all instrumental in the realization of the building, giving special mention to former Commissioner for Region 1 and CAR Atty. Basilio Wandag.
Wandag, as the former NCIP commissioner, worked to realize said project, which was originally for a regional NCIP building, which did not push thru due to the unavailability of a lot in Benguet and Baguio City. This was later on pursued in the government center reservation in the province as a provincial building.
Meantime, the solon informed that Congress, being in cognizance of the many needs of people, pushed for the allocation of a budget toward making NCIP a more effective government agency.
Mangaoang is also the Chairman of the Philippine House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples.
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