Imee Marcos pushes national holiday for Indigenous Peoples

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee R. Marcos has renewed her call for the recognition of the country’s Indigenous Peoples (IPs) through the passage of Senate Bill No. 1130, or the National Indigenous Peoples Day Act, which seeks to declare August 9 as a special non-working holiday.

Marcos said the proposed holiday would honor the “original Filipinos” and their enduring contribution to Philippine culture and history.

“Parati nating hinahanap ang Pilipino identity—dapat kilalanin ang IP, ang OG na mga Pinoy. Kinuha na natin halos lahat ng kanilang lupain, ngunit itong isang araw lang na para sa kanila, ayaw pa nating ibigay,” Marcos said.
(“We are always searching for our Filipino identity—let’s recognize the IPs, the OG Filipinos. We have taken almost all their lands, yet we still refuse to give them even one day.”)

The bill also proposes to declare the entire month of August as National Indigenous Peoples Month, celebrating the rich traditions, heroism, and cultural heritage of IP communities across the Philippines.

Marcos pointed out that while many sectors already enjoy special holidays—Christians, Muslims, and others—the country still lacks one dedicated to its Indigenous Peoples.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa walang pasok. Ang holiday na ito ay magiging hudyat ng mas malawak na pagkilos para sa kapakanan ng mga katutubo,” Marcos explained.
(“This is not just about having a day off. This holiday will serve as a catalyst for greater action toward the welfare of our Indigenous communities.”)

Alongside this measure, the senator is also pushing for the Traditional Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (S.B. No. 1131) and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act (S.B. No. 429) to provide stronger protection against abuse, discrimination, and the exploitation of Indigenous lands and cultural resources.

“Isang araw lang ang hinihingi ko, pero ang halaga nito ay isang buong kasaysayan ng pagkilala, respeto, at katarungan,” Marcos concluded.
(“I’m only asking for one day, but its value represents an entire history of recognition, respect, and justice.”)