CAGAYAN de Oro City’s indigenous peoples’ (IP) representative to its City Council called on the public to observe the proper and respectful use of indigenous cultural attire.

 

In a special report during Monday afternoon’s (Feb. 23) regular session, Councilor Datu Roberto Cabaring said guidelines on the use of indigenous attire should be set up and cited an increasing misuse in recent trends.

 

Cabaring, who chairs the council committee on cultural communities, said indigenous clothing represents dignity and identity as well as symbols of history.

 

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Caraga advises that persons who wear traditional indigenous attire and accessories must first obtain permission or consent from the concerned community and ensure that these are used with respect and in the proper context.

 

Cabaring said indigenous communities have the right to determine the proper way their attire is used, highlighting the importance of consulting community elders and implementing clear guidelines to avoid confusion.(MDS/CIO/Photos by: Jomar Figuracion/CIO)