Culture, identity and dialogue: Building bridges between the EU and the Philippines

In October the Philippines celebrates the National Indigenous Peoples Month following Presidential Proclamation No 1906.

- MASSIMO SANTORO

This is an occasion to honor and acknowledge the heritage, resilience and contributions of the country’s indigenous communities.

For the European Union, this celebration is deeply meaningful, especially in a country like in the Philippines where indigenous peoples constitute an important part of the population.

It is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to respect, protect and safeguard the rights and well-being of the indigenous peoples. Our values are anchored on human dignity, cultural diversity and sustainable development.

Since I came to the country more than a year ago, I am honored to have met with some of the country’s indigenous leaders. Last July, for example, I was acquainted with the tribal leaders from Upi, Maguindanao del Norte and officials from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs who will take charge of a common project supported by the EU, the “School of Living Tradition.” This school envisions itself to be a learning hub where living masters can pass on their knowledge and culture to the younger generation and, at the same time, promote unity and social cohesion within the community.

The indigenous peoples relayed to me their challenges, ranging from protection of their ancestral domain to the need for more livelihood and education. The EU has listened. The issues of the indigenous peoples and other vulnerable populations form an integral part of the human rights policy of the European Union.