Indigenous peoples’ concerns to be tackled in series of fora
ROXAS CITY–A series of fora or discussion meetings to tackle the problems or concerns hounding the indigenous peoples (IP) will be among the important features of the IP festival here on Oct. 2-6. Such concerns will later be used by policy-makers and other organizations in crafting laws and programs aimed at alleviating the IP’s plight.
The series of fora, dubbed “Hinun-anon,” will be held simultaneously with other festival activities. It will tackle eco-cultural and heritage preservation, cultural tradition and livelihood, and cultural diversity.
“The activity intends to uplift the IP’s well-being with the recommendations from forum participants later become the talking points of concerned government agencies and policy-makers,” declared provincial tourism officer Alphonsus Tesoro, who is also the festival director.
Case studies on the best practices will be presented during the fora for possible adoption by other IP groups.
Resource persons in the forthcoming discussions will include an IP Broadcaster President from New Zealand and experts from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and national government agencies.
Participants to the “Hinun-anon” will include IPs, cultural masters, community leaders, local government unit and national leaders, educators and students, environmentalists, tourism officers, cultural workers, non-government organizations, IP Committee members, and officers and members of the Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Councils, among others. (Dungog Publicity and Promotions Committee)