SOLID NORTH PL CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR IP TRADITIONS

A vice chairperson of the House committee on indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples has called on tour operators to respect indigenous traditions, as she emphasized that “these are not spectacles for enjoyment but rather sacred practices deeply rooted in faith and community.”

“Paalala lang po sana sa ating mga tour operators—respetuhin po natin ang mga tradisyon ng mga IP at huwag lamang natin tingnan ang mga ito bilang pagkakataon para sa turismo,” Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos said.

The comments of the lawmaker came in the wake of reminders from Sagada officials and residents not to promote their long-standing tradition, panag-apoy, as a tourist attraction during the recently concluded commemoration of Undas in the country.

Some tour operators had recalled tour packages offering sightseeing tours of the panag-apoy –a Sagada tradition of honoring the dead by lighting saeng or pine fatwood–as a result.

The lawmaker said the events that had transpired in Sagada highlighted the need to revisit protocols for tourism that affect IPs and their communities.

“Indigenous practices and traditions are interesting to both local and international tourists, however, we must ensure that tourist activities do not encroach on these traditions or offend IP members,” Bernos said.

“All tourism involving IPs must be anchored on consent.”

In this regard, the solon emphasized constant communication and coordination among tourism stakeholders with IP communities, which she said is crucial in coming up with tour activities that uphold respect while also providing tourists with learning opportunities.