Every October, we see posters for National Indigenous Peoples Month around school. To be honest, I used to think it was just about wearing traditional costumes or watching cultural dances. But looking at this year’s theme Weaving Culture, Enriching Future I’ve realized that indigenous culture isn't just a part of our past; it’s actually a huge part of our future.
For me, the most impressive thing about indigenous communities is how they’ve been "green" since day one. Long before people started talking about climate change on TikTok, our IP brothers and sisters were already practicing sustainable farming and protecting our forests. They have this natural wisdom about medicine and the environment that we usually ignore because we think "modern" is always better. But if we want to save our planet, I think we really need to start listening to them.
I also believe that "empowerment" shouldn't just be a fancy word we use in essays. To me, it means actually standing up for their rights. It’s hard to celebrate their culture if we aren't also protecting their ancestral lands or making sure they have a seat at the table when the government makes big decisions. We shouldn't just treat them like a "tourist attraction"—they are active partners who deserve respect and a voice in how our country grows.
At the end of the day, being Filipino is like a giant tapestry. Without the unique languages, stories, and arts of our indigenous groups, our national identity would be pretty empty. Learning about their rituals and values makes me feel more connected to my own roots. It teaches me that real progress doesn't mean forgetting where we came from; it means bringing that heritage with us as we move forward.
References: https://share.google/XUCns345eDmONnPfE
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