NCCA ‘Dayaw’ to be held at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024

NCCA’s Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA), in partnership with Klowil Kem Libon Ong, Inc., is set to celebrate the National Indigenous Peoples Month at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on October 3 to 5, 2024.

Entitled ‘Dayaw’, the SCCTA’s flagship program comprises of activities that aim to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of Indigenous Peoples all around the country. The term is coined from the same Ilokano word which connotes celebration. The festivities are done in line with Presidential Proclamation 1906, signed in 2009 declaring the month of October as the ‘National Indigenous Peoples Month’ and mandates the ‘recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/IPs. 

For 2024, the theme of Dayaw is “Katutubong Filipino: Pagtibayin ang Tagumpay 2030 (Indigenous Filipinos: Strengthening the Success by 2030) which highlights how the celebration will focus on the significant role in bolstering the accomplishments and progress of the Northern, Central, and Southern Cultural Communities, focusing on sustaining and enhancing their successes while safeguarding their ICH as we approach the year 2030.

Attending the opening ceremony in Lake Sebu are Senate President Pro Tempore Hon. Sen. Loren Legarda, NCCA Chair Hon. Victorino Manalo, NCCA Executive Director Hon. Eric B. Zerrudo, NCCA Commissioner Reden S. Ulo, Provincial Governor Hon. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and South Cotabato 2nd District Representative Hon. Peter Miguel with Lake Sebu Municipal Mayor Remie M. Unggol welcoming the guests. A cultural parade is expected to precede the ceremonies.

The IP Month celebration will consist of in-person activities attended by and centered around Cultural Communities such as the promotion of the Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) and Cultural Masters of the Schools Living Traditions (SLT) to ensure the continued safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Various cultural performers shall be present to showcase their talent as well as give the attendees a glimpse of their culture through their performances. Alongside culturally-rich activities, ‘Dayaw’ will also conduct an outreach program featuring demonstrations for food, arts, and crafts in select locations and high schools across Lake Sebu and South Cotabato.

On October 5, Dayaw Indigenous Peoples Forum will be held at the Lake Sebu Municipal Gymnasium. Panel discussions, cultural performances, a demonstration on wearing of proper traditional attire, and closing recognition will follow. Other activities at the national and local levels shall be held on the day of the celebration.

With an approximate number of 270 representatives from Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Communities, ‘Dayaw’ will be aired on various social media platforms in different formats to ensure the widest dissemination, support, and participation of all cultural communities.

For inquiries about the Dayaw Festival, you may email dayaw2024@gmail.com and sccta@ncca.gov.ph.