By Paulo Loreto Lim

Following last week’s observance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People at the Binalbagan municipal covered court, Mayor Emmanuel Aranda recently called for more programs to help indigenous people, calling them the “Bantay Bukid” for the municipality.
He noted, with around 1,000 indigenous people either currently receiving education scholarships or on some type of government assistance, the mayor is hoping that particular population acquires more modern and sustainable livelihoods.
Around 3,000 indigenous people from across Region VI reportedly attended the event last week.
In 2007, the United Nations (UN) adopted a declaration recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples, crafting a “universal framework of minimum standards for their survival, dignity and well-being.”
According to the organization, “The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.”/WDJ