The recent appointment of an Ati leader to a seat in the municipal council of Isabela, Negros Occidental marks a significant stride towards genuine inclusivity and representation in local governance. This groundbreaking move not only amplifies the voices of indigenous communities but also paves the way for a more diverse and equitable political landscape, setting a commendable example for fostering unity and understanding in the province.
Teresita Enario Sinceda, 68, is the first Ati woman in Western Visayas to become the IP mandatory representative (IPMR) in a municipal council and is also one of the three cultural masters in the country awarded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) this year.
The award, given on Oct. 22 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, recognizes Sinceda’s expertise as a cultural master in ensuring the transmission of “Buhay na Dunong” in the School of Living Traditions and continuing to enrich indigenous cultures and traditions.
Sinceda also sat as one of the panelists for the NCCA’s Ugnayan Forum on Living Heritage: Creativity and Nature along with cultural workers from the various Schools of Living Traditions located across the country.
Meanwhile, as the IPMR of about 10,000 IPs living in eight villages of Isabela, she said they now have a voice in the locality, where they can serve as partners for development.
“We feel less discriminated because we are now better informed and empowered,” she said in an interview, after taking her oath as a member of the municipal council earlier this month.
Under Section 16 of Republic Act 8371 or the IPRA of 1997, indigenous cultural communities or indigenous people’s structures are given the right to participate in decision-making that affects their rights, lives, and future.
The Ati people, an indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage, have long been an integral part of Negros Occidental's history. Their appointment to a position of influence within the local government is a remarkable step towards recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions and perspectives of indigenous groups in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives and communities.
The Ati leader's presence in the town council not only symbolizes a triumph for indigenous representation but also signifies a turning point in the pursuit of social justice and equity. It emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between different cultural groups and ensuring that everyone's concerns and aspirations are heard and considered in the corridors of power.
Moreover, it serves as an inspiration for other regions and communities, highlighting the significance of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in various spheres, including politics, thereby fostering a more united and harmonious society.
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