Celebrity mother-daughter duo Angel Aquino and Iana Bernardez, known for their thespian skills as much as their advocacies, have joined forces for a series of infomercials on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Dubbed Alam Mo Ba? Indigenous Peoples’ Rights 101, the four-part video series was launched online today, in commemoration of International Women’s Day (March 8).
The pair host the educational video series, which discusses laws that protect IPs’ rights to land and the environment. The series is a project of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC), a non-profit that works with IP communities across the Philippines.
“We were so thrilled when Angel Aquino and Iana Bernardez agreed to be part of this project. Their following and influence will help popularize the rights as well as the struggles of Indigenous Peoples. Angel and Iana have consistently lent their voices to progressive issues, and LRC is grateful to them for getting behind this effort. It has been a joy working with them; to see their genuine concern for and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This four-part video series was produced to guide law students, environmental advocates, communities, and the general public through relevant laws which can be harnessed to uphold IP rights and to conserve nature,” said Maya Quirino, advocacy coordinator of LRC.
“Projects like LRC’s video series are important for helping Indigenous Peoples and communities understand their rights under the law, which can be intimidating. When LRC approached us with this project, we knew we had to do it. I hope that in our small way, my daughter and I can help popularize often complex concepts related to IP rights and Indigenous culture,” said Angel Aquino, a multi-awarded actress whose stellar career includes films Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita, Glorious, Donsol, Laro Sa Baga, Crying Ladies, Siglo ng Pagluluwal, among others.
Iana Bernardez, who is building a successful career in acting as well as film producing, immediately said yes to the project when it was broached to her. “We all know Indigenous Peoples are marginalized in society. The law provides them protection since they live in very insecure and difficult conditions. I hope that this video series also inspires more lawyers to take up the cause of the environment, which will help avert the climate crisis,” said Bernardez. Bernardez won Best Supporting Actress for Metamorphosis at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival in 2019, and served as producer on Babae at Baril, Urian winner for Best Picture in 2020.
Watch Episode One of Alam Mo Ba? IPR 101: