By John Noel E. Herrera
As part of this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) Day celebration, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol recognized young IP graduates who finished their studies with the help of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s “Provincial Education Assistance for IPs.”
A total of 89 IP scholars from the towns of Alimodian, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, Duenas, Lambunao, Calinog, Janiuay, Maasin, Tubungan, and Leon proved that not even discrimination nor status in life could hinder them from reaching their goals as they graduated from college this year.
Among the 89 IP scholar-graduates, there were two who graduated magna cum laude, while 15 graduated cum laude.
Those scholars who graduated magna cum laude were given a cash incentive worth P5,000, while those who graduated cum laude received P3,000, and P1,000 for others who also graduated. All the IP scholar-graduates were also given a medal and a certificate of recognition.
One of the IP scholars who graduated magna cum laude from West Visayas State University (WVSU) La Paz campus emphasized that it is important to work hard and have faith in God to reach one’s dreams.
“Tuod-tuod gid hambal nila nga hindi gid ya upang ang kapigaduhon, indi upang ang kalayuon sa kon diin ka man ya naghalin, as long as naghimakas ka, nagasalig ka sa Diyos, gina-ulikdan mo pamilya mo, makalab-ot gid sa padulungan mo,” said John Llyoyd Mendez of Barangay Nagba, Maasin, Iloilo who took up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at WVSU La Paz campus.
“I am the living witness of that nga naghandom lang para maka-eskwela sa college, now graduate as magna cum laude,” the 23-year-old Mendez added.
He also said that the recognition they received is just one way for him to inspire his fellow IPs to promote and preserve their culture.
“Tanan kita nagahimakas and it is time for us to inspire our fellow IPs nga nagahimakas man para makatapos sa pag-eskwela. Be a good example to them and ano man kataas sang aton nalab-ot, indi ta gid pagkalimtan kon diin ta naghalin,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. also noted during the event that their goal is not only to preserve the IP culture, but to also involve its community in national development.
Iloilo Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) also said that it is important to educate the public “that IPs have the same rights too and to ensure that the public recognizes that IPs are part (among) the vulnerable sectors that we should protect.”
This is also the first time that Indigenous Peoples’ Day was celebrated in a face-to-face setup since the start of the pandemic.
