BOTOLAN, Zambales — The indigenous people in this municipality made another big stride in their battle for equality with the assumption into office of a new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

Ladie M. De Leon, who was installed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) as the new IPMR for the municipality, received confirmation of her appointment on Nov. 29 by way of a certificate of recognition signed by Director Julie J. Daquioag, head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Luzon.

The certificate was presented to De Leon by DILG Zambales Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, together with Mayor Doris Maniquiz and Vice Mayor Doris Ladines.

As the IPMR, De Leon will also sit as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan to represent local indigenous people (IP’s) and indigenous cultural communities (ICC’s) here.

Local IP’sexpressed hope that with the appointment of De Leon, their concerns and aspirations will reach the national government. – Paulin Johanne L. Reyes