Dayaw, the national celebration of indigenous cultural communities, will be held October in three locations in the three major island groups, according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Dayaw is the official celebration of October as National Indigenous People’s Month. It is spearheaded by the NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts.

“Dayaw” means “praise” in Waray, “to take pride in” in Hiligaynon, and “respect” in Ilocos.

Theme this year is “Katutubong Filipino para sa Kalikasan at Kapayapaan” (Indigenous Filipino for the Environment and Peace).

“Dayaw aims to highlight the importance and richness of indigenous cultures, to discuss issues indigenous peoples face today and facilitate interactions with other indigenous peoples,” NCCA said in a statement.

“It also aims to mine traditional knowledge as well as draw inspiration and insight from indigenous ways of life to find solutions for modern problems.”

The Luzon celebration will be held in Baguio City, Oct. 22-23, and will be participated by the Ivatan, Bontok, Ayta, Palawani and Jama Mapun.

The Visayas leg will be held in Bacolod City, Oct. 27-28, with the participation of such groups as the Ati, Panay Bukidnon, Waray, Abaknon, Hiligaynon and Cebuano.

Zamboanga city will be the host of the Mindanao celebration on Nov. 6-7. Participating are the Yakan, Bagobo, Tausug, T’boli and Maguindanao.

Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc. is NCCA’s partner for Dayaw Luzon and Visayas, while Zamboanga City Indigenous Peoples Council of Leaders is helping organize the Mindanao leg.

Call Rene Sanchez Napeñas, head of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office, at 5275529, 0928-5081057. E-mail ncca.paio@gmail.com; visit www.ncca.gov.ph.