“We should be proud to be an IP because we are the original Filipinos” - Kalinga Provincial IPMR Sugguiyao

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Office of the Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) headed by Michael Karel Sugguiyao, is leading efforts to promote cultural pride and sustainable development through the annual celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Month this October.

Suguiyao said that the province will mark the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month on October 29, under the theme “Weaving Culture and Reaching Future.” Various activities are planned throughout the municipalities, with the main event scheduled for October 29, 2025.

Suguiyao shared, in an interview on October 14, that iKalingas should take pride in being Indigenous Peoples, recognizing themselves as the original Filipinos whose culture deserves respect, not dismissal.

“We should be proud to be an IP because we are the original Filipinos, we remind ourselves that our culture is something to be appreciated not something nga malalais nga kanayon da nga kunkuna nga primitive. But us in Kalinga, we consider ourselves better off because we know our own culture and we know also their culture,” Sugguiyao said.

As for the month-long IP Celebration featuring culturally rooted programs and community-driven activities, Sugguiyao said these are aimed at preserving heritage, empowering Indigenous voices, and reinforcing Kalinga’s identity as a stronghold of Indigenous traditions.

Provincial IPMR Suguiyao, through Benedict Sugguiyao, also relayed updates from the office of the IPMR on cultural preservation and Indigenous protection efforts.

“It extends idiay pagtaudan dagitoy amin nga activities nga is-sponsor an ti probinsiya, ket maipanggep iti pannaka-plano na ti ordinansa nga institutionalizing the celebration of national indigenous people’s month every October in Kalinga. …. adda schedules nga angayen ti different municipalities,” relayed Sugguiyao.

Sugguiyao is also looking forward to a submission of a position paper to the national agency— in which the IPMR office alongside the Governor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and NCIP will lead celebrations under Ordinance No. 2019-025, focusing on inclusive development and cultural preservation.