In time for the 39th Kadayawan Festival this month, the deputy mayors of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes in this city have called on the public to respect and properly wear tribal attire during the festival.

In a press briefing Thursday, Pamikiren Latip Arumpac Jr., the deputy mayor of Bangsa Iranun, said tribal attire should be used only after consulting and coordinating with the elders of the 11 tribes, especially during the festival.

Arumpac emphasized the importance of properly using the different Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Moro attire by locals and tourists alike.

“It is important for people who wish to wear our attire to know the proper way of wearing our clothes as well as the cultural and traditional customs regarding our attire,” he added.

He cited situations in which non-Muslims wear Muslim attire, but make the sign of the cross during prayer or show their bare legs.

Erwin Adolfo, the deputy mayor of the Bagobo-Klata, also reminded the public of the city’s ordinance on the proper use of IP attires.

Although tribal-inspired outfits as fashion statements are beyond their control, Adolfo said it is still important to reach out and adequately coordinate with the 11 tribes.

In 2018, the city passed an ordinance requiring prior consultation and orientation by the tribal elders on the correct use of tribal attire in events, including parades and other public activities. (PNA)