NCIP, pinuna vlog ni Diwata sa Benguet dahil binastos umano nito ang mga IP

- The NCIP criticized vlogger "Diwata" for a video filmed at the Strawberry Farm in Benguet

- The commission called the act of Diwata as disrespectful towards Indigenous peoples

- Diwata referred to traditional clothing as a "costume" and also did some demeaning gestures, which in turn sparked outrage among Igorot communities

- The NCIP stressed that the incident highlights the need for better cultural awareness and education and encouraged owners of businesses catering to tourists to better educate the latter

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) called out Deo Jarito Balbuena, known as "Diwata," over a video which was filmed at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The commission found the video as culturally insensitive, citing how it allegedly mocked Indigenous communities.

NCIP-Cordillera reminded the public to respect cultural expressions and traditions, emphasizing that Diwata’s vlog allegedly caused widespread outrage.

In the video, he donned traditional Indigenous attire but paired it with gestures perceived as offensive.

Read also

STL collector na may utang na P2K, patay nang pagsasaksakin ng naniningil sa kanya

Additionally, he referred to the clothing as a "costume," reducing its cultural significance and failing to acknowledge its deep-rooted meaning to Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs/IPs).

Many members of the Cordillera region, particularly those who identify as Igorot, voiced their disappointment, criticizing the video for misrepresenting and disrespecting their heritage.

The NCIP acknowledged that while Diwata may not have intended harm, his actions reflect a broader societal issue regarding misconceptions about Indigenous cultures.

"The incident highlights the persistent challenges in the Information and Education Campaigns (IECs) aimed at decolonizing the mindset of the Filipino population towards ICCs/IPs. These campaigns strive to dismantle and exorcise the stereotypes and misconceptions that are deeply entrenched in the Filipino psyche," the NCIP-Cordillera stated, highlighting the need for continuous education on cultural sensitivity.

The commission urged business owners, particularly those operating tourist-focused establishments, to help educate visitors on the respectful use of Indigenous cultural elements.

Read also

Mag-tiyahin na nagbebenta umano ng pampalaglag sa tabi mismo ng simbahan, arestado

"We urge them to educate and subtly remind their patrons about the appropriate use of ICCs/IPs' cultural materials and expressions," the NCIP emphasized.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering genuine respect for Indigenous identities and traditions in the Philippines.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable just about with everyone.

In a previous report by KAMI, a guest in a camping site in Rizal called the Rainbow 89 Ecopark Camping & Trekking was struck in the face by a male employee of the place. The said guest, Dawn Cuenzo, was reportedly heartbroken and stressed in life that's why he went to the camp site to release all of it once and for all. However, he was confronted and asked to leave by one of the employees of the site when he was heard cursing.

Read also

Teenager na sangkot sa viral wiper video, nahuling may improvised firearm

In another viral local report, a suitcase containing a dead body of a minor girl was found floating on a river in San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan. According to a report by Bea Pinlac in GMA 7's 'Unang Balita,' residents of the area have been complaining about the foul odor coming from it. When police authorities came to inspect what was inside the suitcase, they found a bloated body of a minor girl. According to the police, the body was in fetal position, clothes were intact, but wounds were found on her body.

Source: KAMI.com.gh