KATRIBU salutes its volunteers, advocates and allies

On behalf of KATRIBU Partylist, I salute our volunteers, advocates and allies who shared their time, resources and commitment to advance the historic bid of indigenous peoples for representation in the House of Representatives. Your vigorous support enabled us to hurdle challenges posed by scarce resources, political harassment and other limitations our campaign encountered.

We commend the voters who braved long walks and queues under the searing sun, particularly the indigenous peoples and advocates who placed their trust on us despite harassment and discrimination. Moreover, we congratulate the victors, especially those who fully supported us.

Even as we await the official election result, we challenge the Aquino Presidency and other newly elected officials to serve the interest of the people including that of indigenous peoples across the country. KATRIBU Partylist will join the people in exercising vigilance from day one of the new administration and in taking to task the outgoing Arroyo administration for its crimes.

The brave teachers who facilitated the first ever automated elections in the country also deserve our gratitude. And as we marvel at the quick automated count of the votes, we recall how a number of voters particularly indigenous peoples, were left behind and disenfranchised due to low awareness, unwarranted glitches and other failures of the automated election system. We call for accountability and correction of the system in future elections.

Whatever the result of the election will be, KATRIBU Partylist stands by its commitment to give a progressive voice to its marginalized and underrepresented constituents and in holding public officials accountable to their oath of office and to the people.

Our campaign marked an important milestone in the struggle for indigenous peoples’ rights. We shall strive to further broaden our ranks and continue our pursuit for genuine representation in Congress. The challenge to persevere in our fight to defend the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral land, self-determination and cultural identity is for us to face head on and with invigorated militancy.

Matago tago tako am-in. Mabuhay tayong lahat! # www.katribu.org

Beverly Longid
President
KATRIBU Partylist