First-ever LU IPMR Abuan Takes Oath as SP Member
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC-SP and Marie Jae Anndre Fronda, PIO | Photos By: Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Date: July 1, 2024
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), headed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, welcomed the first-ever Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Hon. Joyce M. Abuan, a Kankana-ey from Cambaly, Bagulin, La Union, to the province’s legislative branch. She took her oath as a new member of the 23rd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on July 1, 2024 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.
This historic event was administered by Vice Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega and witnessed by SP Members Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce, Hon. Jennifer Mosuela-Fernandez, and Hon. Harold Dave E. Sibuma; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial Officer Atty. Marvin C. Biligan; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office Provincial Director Reggie R. Colisao; IPMRs of various municipalities; IP leaders and elders; community members; and family members of Hon. Abuan.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), or RA 8371 mandates the representation of IPs in local legislative bodies to ensure they have a voice in the decision-making processes affecting their communities and cultural heritage. Thus, the addition of IPMR Abuan is a realization of a long-time dream for the Provincial Officials and the La Union IP community.
Hon. Abuan expressed her gratitude to the IPs for their trust and confidence. She promised to do her best in performing her duties and responsibilities, particularly in promoting the rights and welfare of the IPs. Among her legislative initiatives are the formulation of appropriate policies for the IPMR in eligible barangays, the ID system for all IPs in the province, and the IP Month Celebration.
The oath-taking ceremony was followed by IP traditional rituals performed by the IP leaders, including the drinking of “tapey” representing blood and symbolizing the unity and strong bond of IP communities, and a cultural dance called “Bendian Dance” for joy and thanksgiving. The dance was participated in by the Provincial Officials, NCIP and DILG representatives, and IP leaders and community members; reflecting unity, prosperity, and solidarity.
Hon. Abuan will chair the SP Committee on Peoples Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, and Indigenous Peoples and the Committee on Transportation. Her appointment marks PGLU’s continuous efforts toward forwarding inclusivity in the delivery of universal basic needs.
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