Butuan indigenous people mark IP Day with Lumad rites, cultural contests

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan dl Sur — Indigenous communities across Butuan City converged on Friday to mark the National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month.

They are also celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 through sacred rituals, chants and traditional dances.

The gathering is organized by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.

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It came ahead of the nationwide commemoration of the signing of IPRA (Republic Act No. 8371) on Oct. 29, 1997.

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The milestone law recognizes ancestral domain rights and the cultural integrity of the country’s indigenous cultural communities.

Spearheaded under Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, which designates October as National IP Month, the local event showcased the Lumad’s living heritage.

It also reaffirmed their rights as key partners in community-building.

The day-long celebration featured two main competitions highlighting ancestral traditions.

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These contests are the Lumadnong Sayaw (Butuan Indigenous Dance Competition) and the Indigenous Peoples Chanting Competition.

Jess Guinsod topped the chanting contest, while Erwin Mandag and Primo Bangkayaw took first and second runners-up prizes.

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In the dance category, performers from Barangay Tungao bagged the championship.

Anthony Insayoy placed first runner-up, while the Mandag Clan of Barangay Pianing finished second runner-up.

All winners received cash prizes.

City tourism and cultural officials underscored the need to sustain living traditions through active inclusion.

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They emphasized that heritage preservation requires ensuring the Lumad’s genuine participation in local governance and development. /apl