Senate aspirant Teddy Baguilat Jr. pledged to defend the rights and ancestral domains of indigenous peoples (IPs) as they hold the key to the country’s future.
At a ritual blessing by seven Mangyan tribes in Mindoro, Baguilat noted that IPs “have cross-generational knowledge about environmental protection that can lead the country’s actions against climate change”.
Baguilat, together with the leaders of the seven Mangyan tribes and other stakehokders in Mindoro Oriental, also signed a covenant recognizing the critical role of IPs in national development, environmental conservation, and the need for government to uphold IP rights.
The tribes also committed their support for Baguilat’s candidacy.
“It is high time that IPs are recognized and called to action to support the country’s development, especially as we face climate change and various environmental disasters,” Baguilat said.
Baguilat is vying for a seat in the Senate under the unified ticket of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. He aims to bring to the Senate the IP perspective which nurtures the environment, culture and human rights.
