Archive for the ‘family’ Category
John’s Pond made during lockdown
Posted on: August 9, 2020
published by Sun star Sangal di kultura july 18,2020
JOHN’S POND GETS A FACELIFT DURING COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
People did a lot of wonderful things as the most uncertain situation persists during the threats of pandemic. Yet the dreamers continue to pursue dreams of creativity and purpose.
When the ”stay at home and isolation” became a by word, it was made into a reality by John D. Allan, isolating himself and wife in the retirement home beside the sea of Santo Tomas, La Union along Lingayen Gulf of the Western Philippine Seas. Most times would be spent in La Union while wife works at home and every two weeks will go up to Baguio. He continued to fulfill some dreams of “dig a hole here, cover it up and dig another hole.” In the small property enclosed with a fence of hallow blocks and interlink wires sits a bungalow house, a pond, fruit trees and a third of the property as a garden. The garden is actually a small farm field where camote, peanuts and sometimes rice were planted depending on the season.
During the community quarantine period, the property has made some development made on the right time in summer and as the rains come.
But the major improvement was the cementing of the perimeter of the pond which was finished just as soon as the rains come and the fingerlings were bought from BFAR and released in the pond.
Pandemic time was a time to bring to reality the dream of a nicer fish con duck pond. So together with a local worker and contacting a local sand and gravel supplier, they finally got the materials and worked on the pond while the water was still at a low ebbed, as it was still summer. The pond was manually dredged deeper, water was siphoned by a pump and the perimeter was cemented. The perimeter measures 60x80x7 feet deep. John would wake up early morning before the sun was up and with a shovel manually dredge the pond and put the sand on the edge of the pond as buffer.
While waiting for the rains to come and fill the pond, John made raised beds and planted some vegetables in one side of the pond. On the other side he planted bananas, tomatoes and papaya. As soon as these were planted the ducks came and started tearing them apart, thus it was another job to put individual fencing around the plants.
This is also the mating time and hatching of the ducks. In 100 quarantine days from 30 ducks, there were now more than a 100 ducks, with the first hatching at 26 ducklings followed by 42 another 24 ducklings. A dividing temporary fence has to be made surrounding the house so that the ducks are not able to invade the new gardens around the house. The rains came and the peanuts were uprooted from the field to give way to shallow pond of for the young ducklings. During QC there were three hatching, and when they first batch reached a free reign, the next came and they were caged. In the morning, they were fed in their cage and when they get released, out they go straight to the flooded field. At dawn, the older ducks are found in the pond frolicking and showing off strutting from one edge to edge of the pond.
Now, more than a hundred days of Community Quarantine time, the pond is completely enclosed, at least 2500 fingerlings of Carpa and Tilapia released. Early morning and afternoon sights are fun watching the ducks frolicking. The various plants are alive as the bananas, papayas and tomatoes joining the other plants lined up along the pond. It has become the center of activity during isolation and work at home mode. Now that the pond is done, John will start digging another hole and covering it after.
going back to South Korea
Posted on: July 10, 2018
AT PRESENT, the high level negotiations of the North and South Korea continues albeit with hitches and rhetoric.
But most of the South Koreans I met say they have relatives in North Korea and that the best would be to have just one Korea.
Two years ago, my husband and I visited the U.S Base in Seoul.
They had included a tour which included a visit to the border and the Demilitarization Zone; he went down the tunnel with all the other tourist, but I chickened out, scary for me.
After the tour and reading the literature he realized that they were there in the 1970s for a military exercise which unknowingly was to thwart a planned North invasion through the tunnels.
At lunch during the tour, our guide said that when some of the North Koreans came over to the South, they cooked their rice cakes with wooden saw dust because that was what they do in North Korea.
I love their rice cakes but with that story, I refrain eating them during that visit.
My first visit to South Korea was being a part of a winter school in 1993-94 through the Ullim Missions and Together in Christ Mission (Kapangan, Benguet).
It was Ruth Kim, the missionary of Kapangan who brought this school together.
We were in Seoul from November to January based in a house which also doubled as our training school.
That was where I had my first winter snow.
One afternoon I was sitting tutoring and all of a sudden we heard clapping and everybody went to the windows to witness the first snow falling, and eventually covering the grounds white with snow.
I remember it well as it seemed to have lightened everyone’s spirit.
Then this Korean man came and said “come we take snake” I said “no thank you” and he came three times and my response was the same. Until finally, he came with a plate and said, “Come.” And I realized he was saying “snack” not “snake” olala dummy me. The snack was delicious.
The winter school has two classes, the Koreans and the Filipino group. Koreans learning English and missions; the Filipinos were having a mission’s school.
I was teaching cross culture missions, and two Americans, Billy and Eddie, were teaching English. Ruth Kim was also teaching missions. Ruth was a persistent and God-loving Korean woman who has a passion for the lost.
Music was also briefly taught by Coppe Mero, but he left in less than a month and went back to the Philippines. Coppe and Adela Mero now have a ministry in Nagaland.
I lost contact with the other members of the training staff.
Our days started at 6 a.m. with personal devotions, followed by breakfast and lessons from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with lunch at 12:30 p.m.
After dinner was prayer for missions and our day ends at 10:00 pm where we can either watch movies, have chat time or sleep. But it looks nobody really sleeps in South Korea.
I remember one dawn, we were awakened and told to prepare because we are traveling to the prayer mountain, maybe the Koreans knew about it because they were prepared before the Filipinos.
And we went to Yonggi Chu Church or Yoido Full Gospel Church. It was huge and has cross monument before we go to the half circle main sanctuary.
Service was held at the sanctuary, where we were handed earphones for the translations. Translations included English, Japanese and other languages.
After that we joined a prayer group in a different area where we prayed though until midafternoon, it was lunch fasting time.
Watching how the Koreans pray put us to shame. They can kneel and pray for hours, with bottle of water beside them. After prayers we went to another church and they served us Ginseng chicken soup
There is a small whole chicken or chick in a bowl with ginseng and soup. It was a first time for me but it was delicious and nutritious, I ate it all except the bones.
Now we call the Korean prayer style as “popcorn” where everyone was praying at the same time.
Now, we join others to continue praying for a unified Korea, as most Koreans desire that to happen.
Many South Koreans have relatives left in the North. The boundary train can bring them as far as Germany if it were operational, but must past through the North.
May the Lord favor them.
Grass of the field
Posted on: March 9, 2017
Published by Sunstar under Opinion- Sangal di Kultura Feb 20, 2017
Grass of the field
“That is how God cloth the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you… but seek his kingdom, and these will be given to you… for where your treasure is, there your heart be also.” (Luke 12)
By virtue of a City council resolution No 107 of 2003 and Res no 343 of 2009 the City of Baguio became a Character City joining other cities in the Philippines and other countries. Based on the Character Cities organizations, as a city of Character Baguio has declared that it is a city where a) citizens are caring and of good character b) an effective government modeling service and good character to the community c) students understand and practice attentiveness, orderliness and self-control d) Homes and street are safe with a respected law enforcers and form harmonious community relationships. e) Businesses succeed honorably f) families are healthy, harmonious and united g) faith-based support and encourage good character h) media regularly features positive news about citizens and citizens of good character.
I was sharing with my sister and a friend of mine of how unfortunate that the values of our younger years seem no longer the values held by our youth today. And yes, we hear “sabali idi, sabali tatta” “your generation is not this generation.” Indeed, it is no longer. The week passed in review as we stand witness to the church wedding of Dennis and Angeli and be told that they remained pure for each other, making God the center of their courting relationship. On another day, I sat counseling my husband’s nephew to make serious their relationship with the mother of his five year old child. However, when I talked to the nephew’s mother, she does not seem bothered and at the same time telling me that the younger daughter is also pregnant. The contrast of values is evident within the same family; the value of purity comes against the acceptance of premarital sex.
Similarly, within the same family the contrast of church teachings divides the conduct of the burial service of the parents, where the surviving children belong to at least four different churches. Even so, there is ecumenism that should prevail.
We pray that “let there be peace in our time” but ever since President Duterte started blabbering “papatayin kita” and “cursing mothers- putang ina mo” the culture has changed. Social and regular media and daily conversation have highlighted a culture of violence. Someone posted a “car parked in front of a No parking sign” the reaction is “patayin iyan.” A drug user was caught and the reaction is “dapat patayin” the culture of death and a character of violence has been introduced and being propagated. Even faith-based organization have encouraged a culture of revenge and supported the drug trade killings instead of encouraging good character. Instead of supporting the stand of doctors that drug dependency is a disease and not a crime. Past law enforcers I talked with are not really happy with the extra judicial killings. I consider it an abuse of authority when the law enforcer becomes the apprehender, the judge and the executioner. It is pure violence and playing the role of God.
It is not easy during these times where the culture of violence towards women, girls, drug related, etc. is being proliferated by people in authority. By contrast in the US, Japan and other countries when the elected official is being accused of sexual harassment or extra marital relationships, he will resign and bow out of the public service, for no longer does he model acceptable public service. But not in the Philippines, they will be condoned and will blame the other woman as Gen Bato will blame women for the extra marital affairs of the law enforcer. Why not blame the PNP and let them “shape up or get out”. Similarly, I was debating about gambling with government official who espouse legal gambling. For as government personnel they have to abide with the Civil Service ethical standards and as a law enforcer be a “gentleman” or a lady of highest virtue.
We are but grass, temporary in this lifetime. May the Christian virtues be our standards of conduct and not a wishful thinking hope for the future. It is the now- it is the present where Good character is needed, for we are known during times of peace and in times of controversies and difficulties. We must treasure life everlasting with the Creator so we must live a life of character daily. (PLCWA 2-17)
Sangal di kultura -Siloken Clan
Posted on: July 17, 2016
SILOKEN – a reason to take a nostalgic trip
Going home to Besao is a nostalgic trip as it reminds me so much of my mother. She used to tell stories of the life in the village. When I was in elementary grades she sent me to Panabungen for a summer and I stayed with Lolo Weygan. That summer was very memorable as we roamed the mountains, rivers and the valleys. We danced during the church fiesta and when summer was gone, I came back to grade four full of stories to tell. When I was younger, mom and I spent some time with our Lolo Telba and Lomana in Padang an. I remember that at night there were many people in the house and they tell stories which lull me to sleep while I was keeping warm in front of the fire which was kept lighted to keep the house warm. In the morning I would find myself sleeping in the cot, presumably my grandma carried me during the night.
So it was not a surprise to my parents, when I requested that Raquel Haight and I would spend a whole summer in Besao for our practicum. We would work in the Municipal Hall and in the afternoon walk up the hill to Calvary and watch the sunset as we talk of dreams, of challenges and anything that we find worth talking about. I don’t even remember most of them. During the weekend, when we were not doing laundry or otherwise, we would join the babalasang and babalo for a picnic. At one time we joined a big group entered the caves and ended up in Lake Danu. They brought pots, pans, rise and chicken which ended up to be pinikpkan for lunch. For dishes we had talupac (banana stalk) and we kamet (ate with our fingers.) Many other stories come rushing in my mind whenever I remember Besao, where my forefathers came from.
Last May, the Siloken Clan gathered together in St James High School for the reunion. This was through the invitation of the host families led by Roman and Nelie Basilio as well as Modesto Daytec Gaab. So from Baguio together with Aiza and Jan Michael and cousins Lydia Andres and Balusdan we left on a Friday morning assembling in BSBT so that the scheduled 7:00 am became 8:00. Finally, going and taking stops taking photos at the highest point of the Philippine highway system; in Abatan for lunch and purchased vegetables, at the Mountain Province arc, in Sagada and finally Besao. Upon arrival, we went straight to the Municipal hall to settle taxes and other documentary needs before going down to Padangaan. It was a reunion of some sorts, as cousins came and we talk through the night.
The next day was the reunion and it was full of fun, food and stories. A whole bus came from Panabungen led by Aunty Mary the surviving child of the third generation of Siloken. I am considered a fourth generation and my niece Aiza a fifth generation of Siloken. Another jeepful came from Sagada, those who came from Agawa and the other villages arrived much earlier. People came from as far as Patiacan of Ilocos Sur. I do not know most of them, but many seem to know some and it was a time of tonton (trying to trace the families.) Upon arrival people went to the Reading center of the church for food or they went straight to the registration table.
The program started with all the preliminaries until the most important part of introducing the families. There were four siblings Coman, Mimitan, Damgasen and Lapeyas. So they flashed the family trees to show where the families can trace their roots. The biggest number of participants came from MIMITAN. They include the Balangayao-Langgomay; Sayen-Duday; Laayam –Manuel; Weygan- Engway; Weygan-Catimban. The other families were also presented. And yet in the Mimitan family alone, we do not all know each other so it was a lot of photos taken so we can bring home and see our relatives.
Other families includes the Koman-Tandangan; Damgasen-Attondi and Lapiyas-Lagman. Then it was too soon to end the program and we all went for lunch of pancit, pinikpkan and lots of rice and pork. We enjoyed fellowship meal together and time to catch up with each other before everyone went their way before the night falls. It was agreed the next year reunion would be in the farm of Col Ernest Gaab. My niece and nephew decided to go to Sagada and I trekked down to Padangaan for another type of reunion with cousins and kakaanakans.
Ecology and life systems in the Cordillera
Summer is here, the birds sing, the flowers bloom and the soggy pathways beckon to the earth lovers and hikers. The sky paints a changing hue and the brown land turns into green, yet the inhabitants of the land hastens the changing of the earth and all that is in it.
In attempting to maintain ecology, there is a continuing clamor for the protection of the trees and the forest, yet every day I drive through Marcos Highway where one third of a portion of the highway is barricaded by Moldex for their construction after cutting all the trees on the slope of the hill. We have complained several times, Mayor Domogan was able to let them remove that barricade twice but such impertinence because the road portion is again overtaken by that barricade for the past two weeks. Also there is a growing protest over some construction going on in Sto. Tomas.
Baguio is the highest city in terms of elevation, in the whole Philippine archipelago and prides herself to be the only city without the fumes from tricycles, but that is no longer true. Tricycles of all sorts now run through the streets of Baguio from Marcos Highway to Kennon road to Trinidad road defying a City Ordinance No 28 s.2012 banning all tricycles in the city territorial limits. The ordinance was passed after a series of public hearings and consultations with bikers, motorcycle owners and riders, the taxi organizations, drivers and operators and the general public and after that the result was to ban the tricycles because of the terrain in the city of Baguio, a 45 degree road is too dangerous for a tricycle to climb because the cars following it are slowed down and once it stalls, the rest of the cars following are being placed in danger because of evading hitting the tricycle.
Ecology in the Cordillera is not something new, the Igorot culture tells us of a web in the environment. Our forefathers have an intense sense of commitment in the preservation of nature. To them the land, the forest, the waters coupled with the social institutions, the rituals and traditions are sacred parts of community life that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another.
Ecological imbalance manifest itself in the form of drought, famine, abnormal changes in temperature, increasing poor health and sanitation, pollution of water, air and soil. Include vanishing forests, dried up rivers and lakes and these all lead to a vanishing tribe. Retrospection tells us that such drastic changes in the environment made changes in the life systems of tribes in the Cordillera. The very tribes of indigenous peoples have been threatened by the source of life which is unnecessarily compromised. Source of life is the God given land, the forest, the rivers and the air. These are free, yet have been commercialized by few and suffered by most. Food production is the traditional life in our villages where rice, fruits, vegetables, cattle, poultry and river life sustains them. The ecological changed has altered that balance. Trees were cut faster than they are grown; forests are bared quicker than they are carpeted. Food source is threatened thus subsistence agriculture is looking at its demise. Free trade threatened the Benguet vegetable industry because of Chinese produce is dumped in the market.
We all blame it to climate change, but climate change aside from decades of natural occurrences, is also brought about by global warming because of human decisions, priorities and greed.
The life systems of the Cordillera changes, faster than we have envisioned it to be, yet when the end will come, we hope to see the Cordilleran standing tall when all have fallen.
BANA-AO SUMMER, ETCHED IN MEMORY
Posted on: August 17, 2014
BANA-AO SUMMER, ETCHED IN MEMORY
After a month long stay in the US, my husband and I are back to Baguio, the City we love and where we grew up. The month was well spent especially because we had chance to bond with friends living with Ed and Minda in San Diego and with Grace, Royce, Alan and Raquel in Arizona. Arizona was spectacular with the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona experience that further strengthen faith in the Almighty Creator God and the commitment of people to preserve the present for the next generation.
Now, we are back and the past days have been gloomy and rains come easy, very much different from the summers I remember growing up. As a child, summer usually is no school except the Vacation Bible School, more time to play with friends and relatives. As a kid, I spent a summer in Bana-ao with my grandfather Juan Weygan and another summer in Padang-an with my grandmother Pinggay Cuanguey. In high school and college, summer was a lot of activities that included; summer class in BSBT or in college, attending weddings and other community activities with my mom or friends, climbing mountains and following rivers, raising pigs, planting corn and camote in Quirino Hill, and selling sayote in the market.
It was then right after Grade 5 that I spent my summer in Bana-ao. It is an “ili”/community of Besao, Mountain Province sharing boundaries with Tubo, Abra and Ilocos Sur. My parents “paw-it” or send me off with Aunty Bernice (one of our relatives) who was going home to Bana-ao. We took the bus to Besao Central and slept in a relative’s home. At dawn we took the pathway from Kin-iway down to the river and up to Bunga passing the regular foot path that circuitously went through the mountain side underneath the pine trees besides rivers and tall grasses that occasionally wave when the wind passes. I remember we would take short rest to drink water from the brook that runs beside the pathway, look up the fruit trees for snack and take twigs for walking stick. By late afternoon we reached Bana-ao and I was left with my grandfather in his house which is also near the houses of our relatives. It was a new place, new people with a new language. My grandfather’s house was elevated with a wide sala, three bed rooms and a spacious porch with a connective dining room and the kitchen made of wood slabs and GI roof. But I was told that they had cogon roof before it was changed to GI. Underneath is where the chickens and other animals as well as storage were housed. He had a yard, with avocado trees, bamboo and other fruit trees. At the back of the house he had a camote patch lined with camoteng kahoy/cassava plant and soy beans. There was a pipe that brings water comes straight to the kitchen and near the front yard where neighbors also use to come and fetch water.
It was a perfect rustic setting, perfect getaway for a grandchild who was requested for the grandfather to come visit. I do not remember going to the rice fields or the kaingin but I know some of the people go there and sometimes when I wake up in the morning I will see my grandfather coming back home from bringing the carabao and goats to pasture. I remember that I had fun with the kids going to the river, to the church and to different homes. We never lacked food for they grow rice, fruits and vegetables. I can’t remember meat but I remember that fish came from the rivers that we would eat bare fingers (no spoons) and lick our fingers too. Milk came from goats which they add to roasted rice or soya beans for our drink. Coffee was abundant and sometimes I would sneak a sip from grandpa’s cup.
It was also the fiesta/festival of the church and me and my age mates danced to the tune of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles. I cannot remember what we did, but I saw photos in my Aunty Mary’s house which will continue to remind me of that summer in the church. We were in white t-shirts and in maong pants and we danced in front of the church with the community people seated around the yard and in the slopes overlooking the church. During the fiesta we had lots of food – rice, meat, camote, root crops and rice cakes which they said was a tradition in the community and we had visitors from different places who trekked the mountains for the day. The women and men take responsibility in preparing for the activities and the food that everybody enjoyed. Children were carefree and roam the mountains, either for fun or for chores. Then summer was over and I have to come back to Baguio not even able to remember the names of my playmates and their parents.
Igorot Diapora – web of culture
Posted on: January 25, 2014
SANGAL DI KULTURA
Encounters with the Igorot Diaspora in Singapore
Christmas approaches with weddings, reunions and church celebrations. By December 23, my nephew Osmen Balokey Jr. and wife Lingwan will celebrate their wedded life the Besao tradition. The family now resides in Singapore for the past couple of years and decided to come home to celebrate Christmas and have a church blessing of their civil marriage. I have known JayR as he is commonly known when I frequented Besao during my stint in the Mountain Province from 1989 to 1995 and he was one time the Sangguniang Secretary. This time we will be going home to Besao for their wedding.
My first travel overseas was when I went with my dad to the Asian Convention of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship (FGBMFI) in Singapore in 1990. This trip happened after we relocated to Bontoc, Mountain Province while managing the community BSBT Foundation technical vocational school and leading the community education training of Upland Development Institute. In that first trip to Singapore, we were with the Philippine delegation and we met others from the different countries in Asia. The convention included a tour and we were able to visit Sentosa where we watched the dancing musical fountain, the dolphins and experience the man-made tropical forest. The aviary and safari was also fascinating to me at that time. (Later, it paled after I saw India, Indonesia and Australia)
After the convention we visited Fr. Alexander Paatan, who was then the rector of St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Katong Area. This was a church founded in 1934 and frequented by those living around the area which were mostly of Chinese descent. The church is described as sacramental, evangelical and charismatic church. We attended the English service celebrated by Fr. Paatan who hails from Sagada, Mountain Province. He also brought us to the St Andrew’s Cathedral, which is a landmark being the Cathedral of the Anglican Church in Singapore and a mother church of more than 26 churches and more than 55 congregations. It was established in 1856 and they celebrated their 150th year in 2006. It was in St Andrew’s Cathedral that we met more Igorots from the different provinces of the Cordillera who were serving in the business establishments as well as domestic helpers. They also brought us to the shopping mall where more Igorots where milling around. Some of them have been in Singapore for ages.
While based in Nepal as a Christian Missionary and development worker from 1996 to 2000, Singapore was my frequent stop over. It was at this time that I had more chance to see the Igorots. They were not organized but on Sundays, most would converge in St Andrew’s Cathedral where some would attend the sacramental service in the morning where the Holy Communion or Eucharist is part of the service. Some of them will attend the afternoon Charismatic service, and usually they continue the fellowship after the service, sometimes to welcome new comers of visiting fellow Igorots. In one of my stops, I attended a Wednesday evening prayer meeting and I was glad to meet one Filipino. And in the later years, I met some nurses, doctors, teachers, other professionals and skilled workers who are now working in Singapore. During those fellowships after service, most discussions were of the life back home, their children who are studying or refuse to study, the parents who are ailing and preparing for the next life. At times, they would pass the hat around for “abuloy” for a relative who died. Usually, they share a meal after service by going to a restaurant or a potluck which they share in the church grounds, I was blessed because they shared their meal to all, me included.
It is evident that the church becomes a converging place for Igorot Diaspora, unfortunately the church affiliations and doctrines, which are not necessarily Biblically based becomes the points of bitter discussions and disagreements contrary to what our LORD desires towards a unity of all peoples. This is reflected in our Cordillera communities today, that used to have one or two churches but in this generation, churches are more than the clans affiliations in the community. We witness a breakdown in family relations and community unity because of this. But though it is so, we also witness a stronger bonding because of the Igorot identity. When Igorot Diaspora call based on the ethnic lineage, a lot will come together for a feast, support a cause for the suffering or victims of calamities. The Filipino is a strong people, more so , the Igorots. As the social media is maximized for this purpose as it is evident in the Igorot Diaspora of Singapore coming together because of Ethnic affiliations. (Dec 15, 2013)
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Ug-ogbo: a spirit of volunteerism
Character formation is a universal aspiration of different people in different culture and place. Yet these universal characters find specific expression in cultures especially among Indigenous peoples. As a member of the Igorot community, our people continue to discuss and model generation age value towards character formation in our present day Igorots and express these generation old practices that must be passed on to the next generation. One of those values is “Ugbo, Ug-ogbo, Ogbo, Og-ubgo” and translated in English as cooperative volunteerism, reciprocal labor exchange, common community undertaking, mutual self-help and similar translations.
What was common in the uplands was Og-ugbo during planting and harvest time. A group of people with fields would band together and harvest the field of family 1. The field owner usually provides lunch and shows where the field is to be worked on. On the next day the group moves one to family 2 and this goes on until all the fields of those who banded together us harvested. This is just one example and is also done during the planting season, the “dapilan” or the sugar cane crushed to make sugar, the building of a house in the “ili” and the like.
In the common day life, it is practiced in tune with the current needs and situation. Among the Maengs of Abra, during the sports competition other out of town competitions, the families practice “ur-or” “or-or” where each family gives one chupa or cup of rice for the team as their food contribution to those sent out to compete. This is also practiced in other activities when food is needed.
But this practice is slowly diminishing as most things are now translated into cash equivalence and labor is being paid. The practice is sometimes limited to close family or clan activities.
In mid 1980s a group of young professionals aged 21 to 30 started an organization called Association of Young Igorot Professionals, Inc. (AYIP) The vision and ideals that these Igorots profess is the plowing back of resources, professional expertise and time towards the betterment of communities. This was the volunteerism that speaks of their expression of volunteerism.
Last September 28, 2013 the Soroptimist International of Baguio organized a barn dance titled “I LOVE YOU THIS BIG” where several groups came to join to render mutual help in raising funds for the beneficiaries. The singing Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr, Benj Cruz, Millet Juarigue, May Ann Balangue, Eva Marie Fianza, Pete Agoot were those who volunteered to sing with the accompaniment of the PRO Cor Combo. Groups who came to help raise funds included thee Veterans of foreign Wars Post 124 led by Post commander Willy Totanes and Past Post commander Larry Senato; Provincial Director Angela Gabriel of TESDA; PCI Dyann Bancawayan; BCPO city director Jess Cambay; Pastor Dante Ferrer, the Federation of Women’s Club; the Episcopal Church Women, Soroptimist Pines led by President Elisa Namoca; family and friends came together for self-help. Before the end of the night the Soroptimist International gave fifteen thousand pesos (15,000.00) to Kalipi Hillside Barangay to buy two sewing machine for their livelihood program and another fifteen thousand (15,000.00) to BCPO women and children protection desk for their one way mirror. The expression of self-help has reached a contemporary scenario where the basic need towards the livelihood program of the Kalipi Hillside Barangay is met through the cooperative effort of several sectors of the community. PSSupt Divina Mencio in her words of gratitude mentioned that the one way mirror has been a long desired need of the multi awarded unit.
In this present day occurrences’, the spirit of ug-ogbo seems so remote to Igorots yet in character transformation seminars this take the name volunteerism, community life and others. In those conferences and workshops of Igorot International Conferences (IIC) the International Cordillera BIMAAK Europe (ICBE) Conference; Grand Canao and other international conferences the desire to pass on good values and practices to younger generations persists. Yet, there are realities that seem to hinder these aspirations. Like what AYIP aspire and the “I love you this Big” activity it is then up to the people of today to anchor these volunteerism initiatives as expressions or even acts of deepening the appreciation of indigenous practices and values. It is fast diminishing because of the lack of knowledge and experience of the generation of Igorots today, thus it is highly encouraged to be taught not only in the dap-ay or ator but also in the sociology classes in the schools in all levels. Similarly, Character transformation should be anchored on culture and religious values. (Oct 5, 2013)
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BEGNAS and the parties we have these present days
This week we had a series of parties to attend, organize and participate in. My husband and I were discussing how “eat and run” “entako et adi, ta nalpas tako et ay nangan” syndrome has proliferated in these present times. We lack the grace to continue fellowship or friendly visit with the host family or other guests or family.
In one party we attended, the people left right after the meal and the celebrant was not even able to address the guests. We were one of the last to leave and as we did so, we met the musicians who were supposed to perform. We did not know if they did perform as there were only a few people left behind. At one party we attended, right after the prayer, even before the cooks had a chance to serve all the food, the people were already lined up at the buffet table to get their food. The cook finished cooking the other food and served them when half of the people were already eating. The people did not have the patience to wait.
I remember the parties my mother gave, we would have people coming to help butcher the pig and also staying after the party to help wash dishes and pots and clean up the area. There were always talks, laughter and teasing going around during the party and it would at times continue on until the late evening. People would be leaving after a prolonged period of time, bonding with friends and family.
Today, it has come to a point that a party centers on the food, and not the fellowship or community and friendship building.
The “Begnas” is the most common Igorot party celebrated in the “ili” before and even until now, it is an Igorot word that refers to thanksgiving or offering rituals. It’s their way of celebrating and giving thanks for blessings received. Begnas is celebrated ear round on various occasions, times and different manner.
According toDinah Elma Piluden-Omengan in her book, “Death and Beyond.” She talks about Sagada and noted a local calendar with certain holidays based on farming cycles and other community activities.
The Sagada local calendar starts in Kilalaw (which is approximately January) and followed by Opok (February), Bakakew (March), Kitkiti (April), Kiyang (May), Panaba (June), Bandaway (July), Adogna (August), Pogpogew (September), Kiling (October), Liponed (November) and Inana (December). There were several feasts like the “Begnas di Do-ok” when the rice fields turn heavy and golden with ripe grains between Kiyang (May) and Panaba (June), Sagada folk celebrate a major feast—the “Begnas di Do-ok.” During this feast, elders again invoke and thank the gods and spirits for a good harvest.
During the begnas feast of certain villages, they observe a three or five-day ngilin (rest) during which villagers take a break from their farms, especially their rice fields. For two nights of the ngilin, villagers play gongs as others dance to the gongs’ beat and rhythms. There are strict rules that the community observe during these festivities.
In these times, I continue to be amazed as how our parties are being done. Most parties are such that when one is invited, he brings someone along; my husband is still having culture shock on this one. And when they go home after the meal there is a bag they carry which is either food or dog food. Earlier I was so shocked on how much food is prepared, and it is because there is an allowance for take home food as well as dog food. It is amazing that someone takes a whole fish and then takes two bites and then it is packed for take-out or for the kitten at home.
I believe we can still improve on our sense of community. Our people in olden times take active part in the party during the preparation until it is finally over. During my stint as a city councilor I had committed same fault of “eat and run” and it does not speak well of our sense of community and propriety. Much still has to be done to orient our people; it is downright embarrassing how we do act during these parties. Not like the begnas where the elders lay down the rules and demand strict compliance of the people, when they say there is a two day ngilin (rest) then it is so and when they say it will be a sports activity to be done, then it will be so. In these present day festivities, it lacks the proper decorum. We need to improve on our character and spirit.
Why is one invited to a party? Do guests have a responsibility when they honor the invitation of a host and attend his/her party? (October 11, 2013)
LAND AND DEVELOPMENT: WILL THE SEARCH FOR GOOD LIFE BE THE DEATH OF A FEW?
Posted on: September 18, 2013
- In: abra | Baguio City | Crystal cave | culture | development projects | environment | family | Historical places | Igorot culture | igorots | land ownership | land use | philian weygan | Tingguian
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Land and Development: Will the search for good life be the death of a few?
Hot issues today include land ownership, use and possession as well as issues on developmental fund access, use and management. Olden times our people consider land, water and forest as free and beyond the commerce of man and for everyone’s use and benefit. From then to now; land, water and forest are now the objects portraying man’s greed, corruption and power struggles. Likewise, dubious projects are conceptualized, funds are diverted and government agencies tasked to guard the people’s money are cohorts of corruption and taking away from the poor and needy what is due them to make their life better.
Presently, the struggle for maximum benefit and representation continue for people greatly affected by development projects. Projects are ingrained with controversies like the billion pork barrel scam mastermind by Janet Napoles, blasting privileges of the 80 million drainage tunnel project from City Camp to Crystal Cave, 22 derivative titles within Busol watershed, millions used to address garbage problems “totoo nga, may pera sa basura”, the unabated mining claims and the titling of rivers and forest. These cause the death of people. Funds to increase medical and retirement benefits of our people are nowhere, thus “better life” is elusive to the greater majority.
It is also the lack of social services. When I was a councilor, every day two to ten people come to the office seeking medical assistance. This is so because the government lacks sufficient support for medical care. Every day we get solicitations for sports, education, trainings and all sorts. There is lack of holistic view of child care and survival literacy. In the city of Baguio, the Pantawid sa Pamilya program seemingly promotes city migration because beneficiaries are those who do not have houses in the city, meaning the migrants from the provinces and remote areas. It seemingly promotes illegal settlers and overcrowded boarding houses to thrive in the city.
Land is important for the identity and survival of the Igorots. Cordilleran Icon Macli-ing Dulag when asked about his title of the land said “ how can you say that you own it when it outlives you. You ask if we own the land. You mock us. Where is your title? Where are the documents to prove that you own the land? Title. Documents. Proof. Such arrogance of owning land when you are owned by it. How can you own that which outlives you? Only the people own the land because only the people live forever. To claim a place is the birthright of everyone. The lowly animals claim their place, how much more of human beings. They are born to live….” On the issue of developing the Chico Dam he says “If you (government) in your search for the good life destroy life, we question it. We say those who need electric lights are not thinking of us who are bound to be destroyed. Or will the need for electric power be a reason for our death? ”
Major developmental projects include mega dams, large scale mining, multibillion development plants and the like. A few days ago, Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) president, said that the country will not be able to meet the $16-billion mining investments target from 2004 to 2016 in light of the Aquino administration’s review of the industry’s tax regime. There are conflicting reactions, bad news for investors and capitalist of the industry; good news to the anti-mining advocates; mixed reactions from policy makers and legislators.
Generally, a few people or villages are sacrificed for the benefit of other people. In this lifetime, I have seen results of mass opposition to mega projects that changed the mind of development decision makers. I lived briefly in Bontoc and had the opportunity of visiting the villages that were supposed to have been submerged by Chico River mega dam. I have worked in Abra where a proposed multi-billion Cellophil project was the object of massive opposition, I have lived in Nepal and seen how the withdrawal of support by the World Bank from Arun III based on the recommendation of the inspection panel forced the government of Nepal to negotiate with the World Bank for the smaller, cheaper and better alternatives.
In 1986, the UN General Assembly adopted a Declaration on the Right to Development, which states that “every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized.” In every case, the alternative to refrain from carrying out the project (the “non-action” alternative) should seriously be considered, and people’s needs and environmental protection must be given due weight in the decision-making process.”
Culture in its dynamism has changed how Indigenous peoples perspectives on the land and development. I believe that projects should be participatory and transparent, involving the directly affected people every step of a project. Necessary protection, environmental impacts are properly assessed and internal displacements must be minimized. Similarly, international laws should be translated into local legislation and guideline for optimum benefits from local projects and funds. Development projects should not be seen in terms of money but total human and environmental development. It should not be expressed in terms of how much the project cost will be shared by those implementing or approving the projects. People’s taxes and foregone benefits should never go to destructive or ghost projects. Decision makers, not only God, should hear the cry of our people. (Sept 13, 2013
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