The installation of indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMRs) in all municipalities, livelihood, and ancestral land grabbing are just some of the issues Purita Seguritan, the incoming IP representative to the Palawan provincial board, will address.
A member of the Pala’wan IP in Rizal town, Seguritan who is scheduled to take her oath on February 11, said Tuesday that her plans are to pass measures that will improve the lives of the members of tribal communities in the province.
“Marami akong plano bilang napili na IPMR ay gusto ko maiangat ang kabuhayan ng mga katutubo. ‘Yong pagkakaroon din ng mga IPMR sa bawat barangay at munisipyo. Lahat po ng mga suliranun ng mga katutubo sana ay matugunan natin,” she said.
She also vowed to provide better services to her constituents according to her mandate.
“Huwag lang tayo lumayo sa direksyon natin. Basta makabubuti lang sa mga katutubo,” she said.
She will replace incumbent provincial IPMR and Aborlan municipal councilor Joel Lumis Jr.
Seguritan was supposed to take her oath Tuesday, but it was moved because some board members were not present.
Lumis said in a separate interview that Seguritan was elected by the Pala’wan leaders.
He said that all tribes in the province will be given the opportunity to be represented in the province.
“Susunod na sa Pala’wan ay galing na sa norte, depende na sa pag-uusap nila doon kung Cuyunon, Agutaynen o anong tribo ang uupo. Lahat po ‘yan ay uupo pero dadaan ‘yan sa proceso, pagbobotohan ng mga leaders ang gusto nilang umupo. Kung Pala’wan ang uupo ngayon ay mga katribo niya lang rin ang boboto,” he said.
