SAN NICOLAS, Pangasinan, Philippines – The municipal council has passed an ordinance declaring October as the indigenous people’s (IP) month and every last Friday of same month as IP thanksgiving day.
The declaration was based on the history of Pangasinan, showing the participation of the indigenous cultural minorities or the indigenous people in local governance since the 1800s.
History also showed the IP resisted colonization and settled in upland areas.
The Constitution mandates the recognition and protection of the rights of the IP.
In passing the ordinance, the council cited Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act signed on Oct. 29, 1997.
The IP month will be marked by activities at a tribal house or any public place in the municipality.