#letmetelyu: “Natalinaay ti biagmi ditoy La Union, nangnangruna kadakami a kameng ti Indigenous People (IP) ta adda dagiti linteg a mangprotektar ken mangbigbig kadagiti karbenganmi kas katutubo.”
We are under uncertain times, but we are certain to build a Stronger La Union.
#letmetelyu: “Natalinaay ti biagmi ditoy La Union, nangnangruna kadakami a kameng ti Indigenous People (IP) ta adda dagiti linteg a mangprotektar ken mangbigbig kadagiti karbenganmi kas katutubo.”
The upland municipality of Bagulin, La Union remains to be “untouched” by COVID-19. Not a single case has been recorded in the municipality so far, and the residents – mostly belonging to the IP community – pray that they maintain a clear record until the pandemic subsides.
Such is the prayer of Ana E. Langeg, the IP Mandatory Representative in the Municipal Council of Bagulin. For about two years now, she has been serving as the voice of the IP members in her hometown.
Bagulin’s residents are predominantly IP, with 11, 539 members comprising 85% of the town’s total population. Hence, the IPs are a priority for the local government, as it considers the indigenous cultures, ideologies and beliefs in all its governance affairs.
Langeg says the passing of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, or the IPRA Law, is instrumental in the empowerment of the IPs. It has formally recognized the IP’s rights and provided them the protection from oppression and discrimination.
Even so, Langeg observes that it wasn’t always a smooth journey to IP empowerment. Many of IP members were unaware of the law that protects them, hence still hindered by their feeling of inferiority from the greater society. However, she expresses her sincerest gratitude to the local government for their continued advocacy to support and protect the welfare of the IP community.
"Ngem dakkel iti panagyamanmi ti lokal a gobierno ta itultuloyda latta ti panangipatungpal kadagitoy a linteg, kasta met ti panangputar pay ti lokal nga ordinansa tapno mapabileg pay dagiti karbenganmi kas IP.”
Langeg says part of her duty is the sustained information campaign to IP communities to tell them of their rights as well as bring to them the programs and services of the government.
Langeg feels fulfilled that the IPs in her community, especially the younger generation, are now confident in expressing their indigenous identity. They are no longer confined in their traditional ways, but have explored and excelled in various fields such as government service, academe, police, and even beauty tilts.
“Ngem sadino man ti papanan dagiti IP, ken aniaman a takder ti maragpatmi, agtultuloy a natikber ti panangipategmi ti kultura a nakairuamanmi.”
The Provincial Government of La Union shall continue to uphold the rights and welfare of the Indigenous Peoples. As we embrace the “new normal”, the PGLU remains committed in upholding social inclusion and cultural sensitivity. This is in recognition that every single Kaprobinsiaan – all cultural identities and backgrounds – can become catalyst for transformational governance.
Be one with us in our journey towards building a #StrongerLaUnion!
