ETHNIC INCLUSIVENESS | 53IB Participates in National Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration in Kumalarang

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) participated in the Pambansang Buwan ng mga Katutubo or National Indigenous Peoples Month in a community outreach program spearheaded by the Municipal Government of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur on October 22, 2021.

The Indigenous Peoples Month is celebrated pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 signed in 2009 wherein the Constitution mandates the “recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs)”.

The community outreach program initiated by the LGU led by Kumalarang mayor Ruel Molina benefitted the Subanen community of Barangay Limamawan in Kumalarang.

Said outreach offered services such as free circumcision; free medical checkup; and giving of school supplies, slippers, and sandals.The activity was also participated by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jackylyn Cruz, Limamawan Barangay Chairwoman Angelita Pano, Timuay Jimmy Tumalas, Dr. Florencio Caballero from Department of Education, and 53IB Charlie Company Executive Officer 2Lt. Magno Relado.