Politics · Philippines Bureau
NCIP chief challenges broad use of 'Lumad' label for Mindanao indigenous groups
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples has objected to the blanket application of the term 'Lumad' to describe all Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao, asserting that such groups retain the right to define their own identities.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — The head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has raised concerns about the indiscriminate use of 'Lumad' as a catch-all term for Indigenous Peoples throughout Mindanao, contending that external parties should not unilaterally determine how these communities identify themselves.
The NCIP official stated in a social media post Thursday that the terminology issue reflects broader questions about autonomy and self-determination for Indigenous groups. The remarks underscore ongoing debates within policy and academic circles regarding appropriate nomenclature for Mindanao's diverse Indigenous populations.
The term 'Lumad,' derived from Bisayan and Malay roots meaning 'native' or 'indigenous,' has been widely adopted in public discourse and media coverage. However, the NCIP's position suggests that individual Indigenous groups may prefer distinct tribal or ethnic designations that better reflect their particular histories, cultures, and governance structures.
The intervention highlights the complexity of representing Mindanao's Indigenous communities, which comprise numerous distinct ethnic and linguistic groups with separate traditions and social organizations. Advocacy groups and government agencies have increasingly emphasized the importance of respecting community preferences in matters of identity and representation.