MARIVELES, Bataan- Two tribal leaders of this industrial town took their oath the other day before local and indigenous leaders in a simple ceremony held inside the Mayor’s office here.
Manuel Pacayay, a wild animal hunter and Maritess Literal, were appointed as new members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mariveles and Sangguniang Barangay of Biaan, respectively representing the minority group based on Republic Act 8371, an act creating the National Commission on Indigenous People ( NCIP).
Their oath taking was administered by Mayor Jesse I. Concepcion and witnessed by Municipal Administrator Luis Gonzales; Municipal DILG officer Bornette Dela Torre; Engr Michael Baldonado, former head of the NCIP-Bataan and other tribal leaders.
Barefooted and clad only in a piece of cloth wrapped around his waist, Councilor Pacayay said that he will work for the interest of his tribe composed of 35 families living in Barangay Biaan, the remotest barangay in this town, located near the boundary of Bagac town.
“Ipaglalaban ko po ang interest ng aking tribu at kababayan para magkaroon naman ng magandang boses at maipaparating sa kinauukulan ang aming pangangailangan,” Pacayay added.
