The Tagbanua and Palawano tribes: Why Representation Matters
The Tagbanua and Indigenous People of Southern Palawan can be classified as one of the oldest tribes in the Philippine archipelago. We existed through the years with the guidance of our customary laws and the leadership of our Masikampo. But as years went by, the Tagbanua nation found itself on the fringes of the society. Poverty is rampant and brought a vicious cycle of under-representation in the local and national government. During his time as Masikampo, Ignacio Joya worked hard to connect us with the government; thus our grandparents remembered how life was better in the old days. Now his son, Masikampo Ruben Joya, is the leader of the Indigenous People and continues such legacy that his father left for members of the IP. He has laid out clear policies for education, health and alleviation of poverty. Masikampo Ruben Joya is in talks with the executive and judiciary branch of the Philippine government to make them aware of the Tagbanua's place in the society. Pictured a...