The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Office I led the celebration of Indigenous Peoples month, themed, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge). This vibrant event took place on October 11, 2024, at the Municipal Covered Court in Brgy. Cabaroan, San Emilio, Ilocos Sur. 

The event highlighted the AWENG festival, which celebrates and affirms the Indigenous way of life while passing this knowledge to future generations.

The event started with a ritual at 4am in which after the ritual all participants shared enjoyed the breakfast together, followed by the parade of the participants.  A program followed with the sharings and reports of the different IP representatives and from the mayor of San Emilio.  In the afternoon was the cultural dance competition.

The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) demonstrated its commitment to supporting Indigenous communities by actively participating in the AWENG festival. Dr. Santiago Reolalas represented the university as a judge for the cultural dance competition. Additionally, Mrs. Precious Lyn Cornejo-Babida, Head of the Students with Special Needs and Persons with Disabilities Services of OSAS, attended alongside UNP students including Jaymart S. Sarabia (President of the LIPPS Organization), Kevin Ugnayan (LIPPS Organization IP Representative), and Indigenous Peoples members Dina Dizon and Roselyn Moreno.

This celebration reflects the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities from Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan.

Let us continue to celebrate and preserve our Indigenous heritage—a testament to the strength and beauty of our roots!

Article and photo by Precious Lyn Cornejo-Babida.