CAPAS, Tarlac – The municipality of Capas came alive with color, music, and tradition as it celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Month through a series of meaningful events on October 15-16, 2026, culminating in a landmark education announcement for the Ayta community.
Cultural Night Showcases Rich Heritage
On the evening of October 15, the Capas Event Center transformed into a vibrant showcase of indigenous culture as various Ayta communities gathered for the Ayta Cultural Night. The event brought together ancestral domains and Ayta communities from across the municipality, including Ayta Hungey of Sitio Sapang Kawayan, SaManiBaag, LAYE LABAY KU, and Pagmimiha.
Chieftains, indigenous leaders, youth representatives, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) led the evening’s performances, highlighting the community’s rich traditions and ancestral heritage.
Parade and Traditional Ritual Mark Araw ng mga Katutubo
The following day, October 16, more than 200 indigenous peoples converged at the Capas Event Center following a spirited parade through the town. Participants from various ancestral domains and sectors wore their traditional costumes and IP-inspired attire, creating a colorful spectacle throughout the municipality.
The program officially opened with the traditional “Dururu” ritual, conducted in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Agriculture, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine Army joined the celebration in solidarity. The Provincial Government of Tarlac, led by Governor Christian Yap, and the Bureau of Customs–Port of Clark were acknowledged for their contributions, including a rice assistance program for the community.
The day-long festivities featured music and dance performances that brought together indigenous peoples and non-indigenous attendees alike, including a special presentation from the Igorot Youths of Cordillera.
Landmark Education Initiative Announced
In a significant development for the indigenous community, local officials announced the allocation of 10% enrollment slots for Indigenous Peoples at Lyceum of Capas during the Araw ng mga Katutubo celebration.
Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez emphasized the importance of education in creating opportunities for indigenous youth.
“Ing munisipyo po automatic magpa-scholar ya karing katutubong [bisang] mag-college. (The municipal government automatically provides scholarships to indigenous students who want to pursue college education.),” Mayor Rodriguez said in Kapampangan.
“Ngeni po atin tanang local community college, ing Capas atin neng kolehiyo. Migreserba kami pong 10% nung pilan la ring mag-enroll king Lyceum of Capas, ing 10% karen lang kapatad a katutubong bisang magaral. (Now that we have our own local community college—Capas now has a college—we reserved 10% of enrollment slots at Lyceum of Capas for our indigenous brothers and sisters who wish to study.),” Rodriguez added.
The mayor cited success stories of two indigenous scholars who previously received assistance from the municipality. Both have since graduated and are now employed at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD) and the Municipal Veterinary Office.
United in Culture and Community
The celebration was realized through the full support of the local government, led by Mayor Rodriguez, along with the committee headed by the Capas Tourism Office under Paul Alata, the Municipal History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Council under Liezl Sanchez, Municipal IPMR Antonio Gutierrez, and Muller Bato, OIC-Chief of NCIP.
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was when Ayta community members, Igorot guests from Cordillera, visitors, and government employees joined hands in a symbolic dance at the Capas Event Center—transcending differences in color, ethnicity, and social status.
The powerful display served as a reminder that culture does not divide but rather unites everyone as one Filipino nation.
