MindanaoToday.com | Celebrating 12 years of inclusivity: The founding of Salumayag tribal village
By: Janice Niña C. Lumambas
SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Bukidnon celebrated the 12th founding anniversary of Salumayag Tribal Barangay from May 16 to 19, a testament to the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and ensuring inclusivity.
The four-day celebration, dubbed “The Making of Tribal Barangay,” showcased the government’s advocacy for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and well-being through various initiatives, which unfolded within the ancestral domain of the Higa-onon, Umayamnon, and Tigwahanon-Manobo Council of Elders and Leaders – Unified Ancestral Domain Territory (HUTCEL-UNICADT) in San Fernando town.
NCIP Bukidnon Provincial Director Fundador Binahon Jr. said the event highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and inclusivity while emphasizing the independence of Indigenous communities.
He narrated that in 2012, a significant portion of the Indigenous population in the Salumayag area faced challenges due to being unregistered with COMELEC and lacking essential documents like marriage and birth certificates.
“We wish you a happy and successful celebration of the 12th year since the founding of this Salumayag tribal village. You are the reason why the IPRA law was created, to ensure you can avail of the benefits from the government,” Binahon said in dialect, highlighting the law’s intent to include IPs in the nation’s development paradigm.
Highlighting IP’s self-governance and inclusivity
In line with the government’s inclusivity drive, the event featured several initiatives to uplift the lives of Salumayag IP community members.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) facilitated mobile voter registration to simplify the process for the tribe. This initiative ensures that everyone can participate in the democratic process without the burden of long-distance travel, reinforcing their voices in national affairs.
Also, the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) surveyed the village to identify residents without birth and marriage certificates in preparation for upcoming mobile registration services.
Binahon explained that proper documentation is essential for accessing basic services such as education and healthcare and establishing a legal identity.
“This initiative particularly benefits children, ensuring their right to a recognized identity and the opportunities that come with it,” he said.
The celebration also included a tribal mass wedding officiated by the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Fernando. This unique ceremony allowed couples to formalize their unions according to their cultural traditions and legal standards.
Such events strengthen community bonds and ensure legal recognition of marriages, promoting social stability and inclusion.
Through these efforts, the NCIP and other government agencies continue to demonstrate dedication to creating an inclusive society prioritizing the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples.
The 12th anniversary of Salumayag Tribal Barangay stands as a symbol of progress and the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all Filipino communities. (JNCL, GIP/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
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