NCIP Bukidnon slams misuse of Indigenous garments, accessories at “Lechon Festival” during Kaamulan Festival 2026
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), a government agency that protects native communities, strongly criticized what happened at the “Lechon Festival” in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon during the 2026 Kaamulan Festival. They said people broke the law by using traditional indigenous clothing in the wrong way.
Rolando Baya-on, who leads the NCIP office in Bukidnon, explained that traditional clothes and decorations belonging to indigenous groups were used to decorate displays of lechon (roasted pig). This action insulted indigenous people and breaks Republic Act 8371, a law that protects their rights.
“The Kaamulan Festival is a serious and important celebration of the culture and traditions of seven indigenous tribes in Bukidnon. It represents the dignity, identity, and honor of our native communities. Using their clothing and sacred items in ways that make fun of them or use them for business or entertainment purposes shows disrespect to indigenous people and breaks the law,” Baya-on said.
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Klook.comOn April 16 traditional indigenous clothing and sacred items were wrongly used as decorations on roasted pig displays. This made indigenous people very angry and upset.
The Kaamulan Festival happens every year and brings together seven different tribes from Bukidnon. Each tribe has its own unique culture shown through special clothing and accessories that they consider holy and important. The NCIP office in the province asked festival organizers, business owners, and the public to be respectful of indigenous cultures. They said people should talk to tribal communities and get permission before using traditional clothing and customs in festivals like Kaamulan. The agency promised to take action to make sure this kind of disrespect doesn’t happen again.
Republic Act 8371 sets serious punishments for people who break this law. Violators can be sent to jail for nine months to twelve years. They can also be fined between 100,000 pesos and 500,000 pesos or receive both jail time and a fine depending on what the court decides. People who break the law may also have to pay money to the indigenous communities they harmed.
The law also punishes people who enter indigenous lands without permission, treat indigenous people unfairly, and commit other actions that violate their cultural rights.
