Pursuant to the provision of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Right Act of 1997 (IPRA), the Local Government of Dipaculao welcomes Hon. Randy O. Salo as the new member of the local legislative body on January 19, 2015.
Hon. Randy Salo, IP representative to the SB while taking his oath of office before Hon. Reynante Tolentino, Municipal Mayor
In front of the municipal employees, Sanggunian Bayan members, IP tribal chieftains and national agencies, Hon. Randy Salo took his oath of office and expressed his gratitude for the support given by Mayor Reynante Tolentino to realize the advocacy for mandatory representation of indigenous people in the local legislative body. He confirmed his commitment to pass ordinances and resolutions that are beneficial not only to the indigenous people but also to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors. He also said that Ilongot, Igorot and Dumagat tribes will continuously support the programs of the municipal government of Dipaculao.
Mayor Tolentino said that he recognizes the importance of having an IP representative in the Sanggunian Bayan to further develop more programs for the IPs. He emphasized the need to have a collaborative action between the executive and the legislative to attain sustainable development.
Vice Mayor Teresita Obillo said that even before the passage of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representation (IPMR), the IPs were already represented in the Sanggunian Bayan because of her presence. Being an Igorot, she is grateful that an additional IP will be a part of the legislative and will help them create ordinances and resolutions for the benefit of their brothers and sisters.