29/10/2026
𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐕𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐙𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄, 𝐈𝐏 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒
The Province of Nueva Vizcaya under the leadership of Hon. Atty. Jose "Papa Jing" Gambito, through the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office celebrated Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month under the theme “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture and Ancestral Domains,” bringing together the 15 municipalities to celebrate indigenous traditions, promote the protection of ancestral domains, and strengthen the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The program opened with a captivating performance by KONTRA GAPI, the Ethnic and Dance Ensemble of the University of the Philippines Diliman, led by Professor Pedro Abraham Jr. The group showcased the richness of indigenous music and performance, bringing traditional sounds and artistic expressions to the forefront of the celebration. One of the notable moments of the opening program was the opportunity given to Governor Jose V. Gambito to name a cultural dance. He named it “Novo Dance” or “Baro a Sala,” symbolizing the diverse cultural identity of Nueva Vizcaya.
The welcome message was delivered by Governor Gambito, who welcomed the participating communities and highlighted the importance of recognizing and preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples as an integral part of the province’s identity.
Also present during the event was For. Ronnie P. Caanawan, Provincial Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), reaffirming the significance of institutional support and collaboration in advancing the interests of indigenous communities.
The message of Guest of Honor Engr. Purisimo L. Tiam, Ethnographic Commissioner of the NCIP, was represented by Dr. Richard Matias, Vice President for Administration of PLTCI underscored the importance of continued efforts to recognize indigenous identities, protect cultural heritage, and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A major highlight of the celebration was the series of cultural presentations showcasing the unique traditions, dances, and artistic expressions of indigenous communities across Nueva Vizcaya.
The participating groups presented the Gaddang Cultural Dance of Bayombong, Bugkalot Cultural Dance of Alfonso Castañeda, Imbestida ng Dupax Sur, Kalanguya Dance of Bambang, and a cultural dance presentation by the Kalinga Indigenous Cultural Community of Bagabag.
Adding excitement to the celebration were traditional games that highlighted indigenous knowledge, physical skills, cooperation, and community participation. The activities featured Sanggol/Hanggol and Bangkil of the Kalanguya, Kadang-kadang of Ambaguio, Aksiw of the Ibaloi, and Guyyudan of the Tuwali.
In addition to cultural activities, the celebration featured lectures and discussions addressing issues that directly affect the rights, security, and development of Indigenous Peoples.
Atty. Michael Callejo, Legal Assistant II of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), discussed the project on the issuance of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to Indigenous Peoples of Nueva Vizcaya.
Engr. Giovannie M. Magat of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) presented various DENR programs and environmental protection initiatives in indigenous communities.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to discuss the relationship between customary law, indigenous justice systems, and the formal legal framework. Atty. Voltaire B. Garcia, IBP Governor for Northern Luzon, served as a speaker on customary law, indigenous justice, and the rule of law.
The role of Indigenous Peoples in local governance was further explored through the presentation of Mr. Sherlock Jama Magaway, an Indigenous Peoples advocate, titled “From Representation to Transformation: What an IPMR Can Do for a Progressive and United Nueva Vizcaya.”
The celebration concluded with a closing message from Hon. Atty. Castillo B. Tidang Jr., Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), represented by Ms. Marichelle O. Costales, Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer.
The Indigenous Peoples Month celebration reaffirmed Nueva Vizcaya’s commitment to protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, preserving their cultural heritage, and recognizing their ancestral domains. With the participation of 15 municipalities, the event highlighted the importance of unity, cultural diversity, and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in local governance and development. It underscored the province’s continued commitment to building a progressive, inclusive, and united Nueva Vizcaya where indigenous identities, traditions, and rights are respected and upheld.
