NCIP: IP’s traditional attires are not ‘costumes’ 

The traditional attires of indigenous people should not be considered as costumes as they are part of important customs, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples said on Friday. 

“Mayroon po tayong sinasabi na mga kasuotan na hindi po maaring gamitin sa makabagong mundo, na napakasagrado po at tuwing may ritwal lang po ginagamit,” said NCIP chairperson Jennifer Sibug-las in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. 

(We have some attires that you cannot just simply wear, because these are sacred and are only used during rituals.) 

The NCIP also reminded that IP attire should not also be worn on occasions like halloween.

“Ayaw rin po natin na magamit din po sa halloween. This is not a costume, it’s really a traditional attire,” she added. 

(We also don’t want our attires to be worn during halloween. This is not a costume, it’s really a traditional attire.) 

While there are no national laws penalizing misuse of traditional attire, some local government units have passed such ordinances. 

Davao City has passed an ordinance in 2018 requiring prior consultation and orientation by the tribal elders on the proper use of tribal attire in events like parades and other public gatherings.

Further, the NCIP is hoping that the further knowledge on indigenous culture will be integrated in the school curriculum. 

“Kaakibat yung ating mga ahensya na tulungan na magkaroon talaga ng matibay na pagsulong ng indigenous studies pagdating sa curriculum para mas taasan ang kamalayan, kamulatan, at kaalaman ng publiko patungkol sa ating mga kapwa katutubo,” said Sibug-las. 

(Along with other agencies, I hope we can further promote the inclusion of indigenous studies in our curriculum so our public will have a better understanding and insight on our indigenous peoples.) 

— LA, GMA Integrated News