In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994, and pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, the month of October is declared as the National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCS) /IPs.

This 2023, the theme “Buhay na Dunong: Pagkamalikhain at Kalikasan” (Living Heritage: Creativity and Nature)” highlights both the creativity of the IP and the richness of nature to sustain intangible cultural heritage. The celebration will consist of various activities, including forums, fairs, demonstrations, and performances promoting the visibility of Philippines ICH, particularly its interconnectedness with nature and the creativity of the IP.

All government agencies are enjoined to take part in related activities for the promotion of the celebration such as:

1. 1. Sharing and posting of ICH and IP-month related activities and content, including the Official Poster, Facebook Banner/s, Calendar of Activities including photos, videos, news features, and other collaterals released through the NCCA Website  (https://ncca.gov.ph/), and Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/NCCAOfficial/) using the hashtag #Dayaw2013 and #BuhaynaDunongPagkamalikhainatKalikasan, and
   2. Organizing National IP Month and ICH-related activities such as cultural exchange, seminars, webinars., workshops, lectures and exhibits.
      1. Kindly fill-out the 2023 National IP Month Activity Form (https://forms.gle/ibt5AZ4MvTTHYEA28) for inclusion in the Calendar of Activities on or before 28 September 2023 (Thursday). The 2023 National IP Month reference materials can be accessed through this link: https://rb.qy/qk4w4. Activity implementation reports with high-quality photos shall be submitted to scca@ncca.gov.ph in a Word document file with the following details for inclusion in the 2023 National IP Month Booklet on or before 2023 (Friday).