IPs’ story takes spotlight as NCIP unveils books

Joined by National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Commissioner Norberto Navarro, NCIP Executive Director Rogelio Francisco Bantayan Jr., Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, Department of the Interior and Local Government official Pablo de Castro, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development Director Janet Armas, Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division chief Cheryl Suarez, Armed Forcer of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff LtGen. Erickson Gloria, NCIP Commissioner Jennifer Pia Las led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of photo exhibit as part of the launching of the three coffee table books under Project Epanaw of the NCIP last March 14, 2021.

THE indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) have led the charge in paying tribute and memorializing their identities and rituals as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) launched three coffee table books on Sunday under Project Epanaw (Journey), showcasing the story of ICCs/IPs through their own eyes.

The three coffee table books “Pagkilala (Recognition),” “Paggalang (Respect)” and “Pagtaguyod (Promotion)” were simultaneously unveiled at SM Aura Premier and SM Lanang Premier along with a month-long photo exhibit, featuring the profiles and lives of ICCs/IPs.

NCIP Commissioner Norberto Navarro, a member of the Ivatan tribe, touted the uniqueness of the coffee table books, describing them as “probably the most comprehensive anthology of ethnographic information we have.”

“This one is different because these were authorized by the communities themselves. These were approved by them. While it might be the most comprehensive, it is, by far, the most authoritative anthology of ethnographic information,” Navarro said in a speech.

NCIP Chairman Allen Capuyan said Project Epanaw seeks to “memorialize the identities and rituals of the indigenous peoples as well as highlight the importance of protecting their ancestral domains.”

The Tourism Promotions Board, the NCIP’s partner in the publication of the coffee table books, expressed commitment in sustaining its partnership with the commission in strengthening programs geared towards the recognition and promotion of ICCs/IPs.