Sen. Loren Legarda reaffirmed her commitment to Indigenous Cultural empowerment and inclusive development during the Ummong Festival held at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) on October 3, 2025.
Addressing local leaders, educators, students, and Indigenous cultural bearers, Legarda emphasized the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in shaping national identity and safeguarding the country’s cultural wealth.
‘In our celebration of Ummong, we forge a chapter of unity, dignity, and renewed hope for our communities,’ Legarda said in her opening remarks, paying tribute to the province’s enduring contributions to its indigenous communities.
The Ummong Festival, now on its fourth year since its launch in 2022, is a cultural gathering organized by NVSU. Rooted in the word ‘ummong,’ meaning fellowship and reverence for one’s origins, the event brings together IP communities from across the province to showcase traditional songs, dances, crafts, and customs, promoting the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, and a staunch advocate of cultural preservation, highlighted key initiatives she has championed in support of Indigenous rights.
‘With all my heart, I fought for and continue to push for laws and programs that strengthen the rights, culture, and livelihood of Indigenous Filipinos,’ she said, citing the Cultural Mapping Law, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the establishment of Schools of Living Traditions such as the Kalahan Academy in Sta. Fe.
The four-term senator also underscored the importance of language preservation through the Bantayog ng Wika program, noting the installation of a monument in Bayombong honoring the Gaddang language.
‘We also promote the Bantayog ng Wika to preserve and give honor to our Indigenous languages and traditions,’ Legarda said.
Legarda called for continued support for Indigenous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their role in strengthening local economies.
‘Our support continues in order to strengthen the livelihood and self-sufficiency of communities,’ she affirmed.
Reflecting on the spirit of the festival, Legarda described Ummong as ‘a celebration of unity and respect for our origins, way of life, and wisdom.’ She further urged communities to continue passing on indigenous knowledge and values to the next generation: ‘Let us continue the respect and solidarity, the learning, teaching, and transmission to the youth of the wisdom and skills of your community.’