BAGO CITY – The culmination of the 2024 IP Games Visayas leg in Bago City, Negros Occidental, marked a significant stride in advocating for the rights and wellness of indigenous communities through traditional sports. This event, which concluded on Sunday, was not just a competition but a vivid celebration of indigenous heritage, attracting participation from over 300 members across 17 local government units.
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Richard Bachmann emphasized the importance of sports as a medium to address the rights of indigenous communities. He stated, "delivering the value of sports through a genuine cause for the IP communities is among the top priorities of the PSC." The event saw competitors engage in 10 traditional games, which included spear throwing, archery, and various indigenous games like palo sebo and tumba patis, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the IPs.
The two-day sports event was a cooperative effort between national and local governments, highlighted by the support of Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who expressed satisfaction with the governmental recognition of IP communities. The games were participated by athletes from diverse IP communities across cities like Bago, Cadiz, and Kabankalan, among others, encompassing a broad geographic sweep of Negros Occidental.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Western Visayas underscored the cultural significance of the games. They highlighted how such events serve not only as competitive platforms but also as vital means of preserving indigenous traditions and fostering unity. "With every event, we aim to protect these time-honored traditions for future generations while providing opportunities to discover and nurture potential talents within the communities," NCIP stated.
The IP Games Visayas leg thus stood as a profound platform for promoting peace and unity through the lens of sports, making a compelling case for the role of traditional games in cultural preservation and community development.