Panabo Indigenous Peoples Avail WHAPEE Services

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, October 15, 2015 - More than one thousand Indigenous People (IP) availed the Welfare, Health, Agriculture, Peace and Order, Education, and Employment (WHAPEE) Caravan of services by LGU Panabo during the opening program of the 4th Annual Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month celebration last October 6, 2015 at the Panabo City Gym.

The Local Government led by Mayor James G. Gamao expressed his gratitude to the different line agencies who offered their free services such as medical and dental services from PNP Region XI and 69th IB Philippine Army, free haircut from PNP Panabo, Councilors Janet Maboloc and Emmanuel Pamisaran, free manicure from Councilor Raquel Geraldo, Councilor Ferdinand Gocon also offers free photocopy of important documents and free I.D. lamination from Councilor Wahid Ranain.

Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina mentioned the importance of preserving and rekindling IP culture and traditions through gatherings and celebrations.The event carries with it the theme: “Lumadnong Kabataan, Kinaiyahan Ampingan.”

Meanwhile, part of the celebration IP Mandatory Representative Datu Rodrigo Ambasan, Datu Victor Pandian IP of Davao del Norte and National Commission on IP (NCIP) representative Emmanuel Cacal were also present to witness the 1st Lutong Tribu contest last October 7, 2015 at ARF Gym, Brgy.New Pandan.

Kagan Tribe was declared as champion in the cooking contest, Mandaya tribe won the 1st place and Tagakaolo as the 2nd placer.

Furthermore, in the Larong Tribu-Gukod Baboy Bae Vivian Asumbrado from the Mandaya Tribe was declared winner. Other proposed activities are 2nd Hiyas ng Binulig, Foot Parade and Boodle fight on October 29, 2015 at ARF Gym.

National Indigenous Peoples Month is an annual celebration issued in pursuance to Republic Act 8371 or Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) on October 29, 1997.(Jasz/CIO Panabo)