KATRIBU COMMENDS BAGUIO CITY COUNCILOR LEANDRO YANGOT JR. FOR ADDRESSING THE HISTORICAL INJUSTICES ENDURED BY THE MORO AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐫. 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬. His acknowledgment of tragedies such as the Bud Dajo Massacre and the systemic marginalization perpetuated by colonial and post-colonial policies shines a critical light on issues that demand rectification and redress.

His efforts are a significant step toward fostering genuine recognition of the rights, dignity, and contributions of the Indigenous and Moro Peoples. His advocacy for systemic reforms, an official apology, and establishing a National Day of Apology could serve to meaningfully heal and reconcile the nation.

We strongly support his recommendations, particularly the need for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to address their shortcomings. It is imperative for the NCIP to faithfully uphold its mandate of protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, rather than enabling their exploitation.

Additionally, we echo the call for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to comprehensively review and revise educational materials to correct historical inaccuracies, eliminate prejudiced narratives, and promote a deeper understanding of the rich cultures and histories of the Indigenous and Moro Peoples. These measures are essential in dismantling persistent stereotypes and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Furthermore, we support Councilor Yangot's call to rename public landmarks that glorify figures complicit in historical atrocities. This step is necessary for the nation to embrace a future that reflects justice and equity.

We urge other local government units, particularly in regions with significant Moro and Indigenous Peoples populations, to follow Baguio City's example by implementing measures to confront historical wrongs. This includes ensuring official recognition of the Moro and Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral lands and territories. In the context of Baguio City, originally known as Kafagway, it is important to affirm its status as the ancestral domain of the Ibaloi people and to acknowledge that lands, where public offices, schools, and institutions are built, represent forced contributions by the Ibaloi people to the city and the nation. Acknowledging these sacrifices with respect and gratitude is a step toward genuine reconciliation.

By honestly confronting our shared past, we can build a future rooted in justice, equality, and mutual respect.

Read the Baguio City Public Information Office’s release: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1UKNJZFX6e/

Reference:

Beverly Longid

National Convener

Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas