First ‘Ati’ IP in Visayas takes oath as town councilor

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Isabela, Negros Occidental, is the first representation of IP in the “Ati” community in the Visayas to be installed as an IP municipal representative (IPMR).

Teresita Sinceda took her oath before Mayor Irene Montilla, in the presence of Director Ana Burgos and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Commissioner Jeorge Largado, during the IPs’ Month Celebration and the 26th IP Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration held at the town’s gymnasium last Wednesday.

This year’s theme is “Pagpapayaman ng Pamanang Kultural at Katutubong Yaman Tungo sa mas Maliwanag na Kinabukasan para sa Bagong Pilipinas”.

Largado said that Sinceda will serve a 3-year term in office just like an elected official. However, the process of choosing an IPMR will not coincide with the local elections, as it undergoes a selection process.

Also, one of the highlights of the event was the awarding of Certificates of Affirmation (COAs) to eight IPMRs.

The IPMRs are Oscar Yanson of Barangay Amin; Antonio Dejardo of Barangay Banog-Banog; Erlinda Garsola of Barangay Cabcab; Jesus Cañete of Barangay Camangcamang; Edwin Montano of Barangay Makilignit; Levi Montecino of Barangay Riverside; Lemuel Gante of Barangay San Agustin, and Mariket Calaurian of Barangay Sikatuna, according to the NCIP.

Largado said that the local government is supportive of the IP communities in the town.

Meanwhile, Sinceda, who is a cultural master of Marikudo, said that she was very happy and grateful for the opportunity given to her to serve her fellow IP members.

“Nalipay man ko kay may representate na kami, may tingog na kami sa banwa sang Isabela. Kami na mga IPs na gakalipay kung ano amon gusto, plano, kag proyekto madala na namon sa konseho,” Sinceda said in an interview.

“Ang akon priority na ma respeto ang amon tinumandok na pamaagi sa pagpangabuhi, tinumandok nga paghusay sa mga problema, kag respetuhon nila kami,” she added.

She said the town has eight IP barangays numbering around 10,000 in population.