BM Villamor propounded the Eskaya legislative measure as BM Bonita (in barong at the back) and BM Binlod listen during the regular session last week. (rvo)
THE conservation of the Eskaya, the only resident indigenous people in the province, has finally been given attention by the provincial government of Bohol.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol has approved in third and final reading the proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 015-2023, entitled, “An Ordinance to conserve the Eskaya Cultural Heritage and establish a Livelihood Development Program for the Eskaya Indigenous Cultural Community/Indigenous People and Appropriating Funds therefore.”
It took almost a year for the said ordinance to be considered for approval since it was proposed last year after meticulous study and consultation with various and concerned sectors.
Though the ordinance was authored by Bonita, BM Villamor stood to defend and solicit support from its colleagues the approval of the said measure.
“This is in local implementation and giving life to the Indigenous People’s Rights Acts of 1997 of Republic Act No. 8371. The said ordinance does not only conserve the Eskaya’s cultural heritage but provides livelihood and capacity for the Eskaya people for them to be self-sufficient. Cultural heritage value is bestowed by society. This is a decision with a level of consensus as to how we value it, and it is also our shared experiences that make our society a cohesive one. May our Eskaya brothers and sisters be ensured that our resources are accessible to them, shared with them, and preserved for them in order to be enjoyed,” Villamor pointed out.
Villamor moved for the approval of the measure and seconded by BM Binlod and without objection, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite banged the gavel for its approval.
The said legislative measure is principally authored by provincial Board member (BM) Dr. Elpidio L. Bonita. It is sponsored by Board Member Atty. Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor and co-sponsored by BMs Lucille Y. Lagunay, Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr., Nathaniel O. Binlod, Gloria B. Gementiza, Greg Crispinito L. Jala, Dr. Romulo G. Cepedoza, Aldner R. Damalerio, Tita V. Baja, Vierna Mae F. Boniel, Christian Victor S. Bolos III and Presiding Officer, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite.
The said Ordinance is said to be BM Bonita’s pet legislative measure. Bonita is residing in Guindulman town, where the said Eskaya tribe thrive.
Eskaya tribes are also inhabiting hinterland barangays in the towns of Pilar, Sierra-Bullones, and Duero.
Among the salient provisions of the ordinance under section 9 is the initial budget of not less than P5 million intended for development plan, training, museum and other programs. In addition, local government units where these Eskayas are located and national government concerned are also encouraged to provide funds for the same purpose.
The said ordinance provided under section 10 for the governor’s office to formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and create the technical working group, aside from a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that “shall form part of the implementation to identify the authority, rights, and obligations of parties.” (rvo)
