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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)
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
STORIES THE STONES HEAR
Posted on: September 11, 2013
SANGAL DI KULTURA
STORIES THE STONES HEAR
In 2007, the column “Sangal di Kultura” was launched, a Maeng phrase meaning “Web of Cultures.” The column always considered Cordillera culture vis a vis other cultures. This was based on more than 15 years experience and study that I had in the Cordillera, the Himalayas and other parts of Asia.
The column took a leave after I assumed office as a city councilor of Baguio. The column resumes as we celebrate the 104th Charter day of the City of Baguio and I share some stories about the early times in Baguio.
During my tour of duty in the city, I was able to come across several Dap-ays structures in public offices as well as in the barangays. Dap-ays is part of the culture of the Maengs of Abra and the tribes of the Mountain Province including Sagada and Besao. This is similar to the Ator and Ato of the Bontoc tribe. There are several structural features of the dap-ay but the most common is the circularly arranged stones with a seat and a backrest with a fire pit in the middle. The Dap-ay is one of the cultural practices of the Maengs of Abra that sets them apart from the rest of the tribal groups of Abra.
In the olden times, the Dap-ay was the recognized formal institution of learning, leadership, legislation, justice. It was the seat of governance and rituals that preserve the identity, peace and order and their spirituality. There are still Dap-ays that continue to function as such. Though the rituals, discussions and decisions are the more important aspects of the dap-ay, it is the circularly arranged stones that is commonly seen as the symbol of the Dap-ay.
To archeologists and students of culture, stone carvings unearthed or built have much to say about the history and culture of people. Stone walls portray skills, imagination and functionability.
More recently, Dap-ays have been constructed in various places around Baguio City. Most popular among them are those found in Café by the Ruins, PIA-Car, DILG, Bontoc Village, Guisad Barangay.
Guisad valley in the 1960s, according to my husband was one wide children’s playground with perimeters that stretches from what is the present Campo Filipino, Cresencia Village, Pinsao, Pinget, Dizon Lucban, Quirino Hill and the Guisad Barangays. In those times the valley perimeters were forested and the most common activity they do was to explore the caves, gather mushroom after the rain, kid fights to determine who is the “King of the Mountain” and raiding the kaingin “umas” for camote, corn, peanuts and bananas.
They raid the strawberry fields of the Bureau, slept in uninhabited tombs and build huts in the mountain where they slept during summers. They were also known as the fire fighters during those days. But accordingly they were the ones who set the bushes on fire so they can gather the vintage bullets and cannon balls of the war remnants.
Not many may still remember Guisad valley, but part of revisiting and holding on to history maybe the reason that on January 07, 2010 with RA 9918, the Pines City High School annex located in Cresencia Village was named Guisad Valley National High School. ( Sept 1, 2013)
Panangipateg: Cory opened changes in the Cordillera region
Philian Louise Weygan
published by Cordillera Today
August 21 is significant in Philippines history as it brings us back to significant incidents in the life of a couple –Ninoy and Cory Aquino – who made impact in lives of many, the Igorots and Cordillerans included. By mid 1980s the political scenario changed with the assassination of Ninoy, the snap election, the Edsa non-violent revolution, the Cory Administration, the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region and many other movements in the political scene. It is reawakening memories of the past, millions mourned when President Cory was laid down to her final resting place on this earth. And within the same month, we remember the death of Ninoy, people will consider this significant enough to awaken the memories and emotions of the 1980s.
We were not isolated from these changes as some of us – friends, and family, were immersed, and affected due to these events. The sudden change in the national scene had greatly affected the Cordillera region with the creation of the different bodies that was supposed to give meaning to the administration and respond to the concerns of the region. How they conducted themselves is a different matter for discussion. These events were only made possible after a “sipat” between Conrado Balweg and President Cory in Mount Data. The Sipat signifies the process of a peace pact of the people and government.
During mid- 1980s well meaning people who shared similar aspirations and ideals, converged into different organizations. It was then when I became part of the Association of young Igorot Professionals (AYIP), Upland Growth through Basic Opportunities (UGBO) Cordillera News Agency (CNA) and similar coalitions for the region and for Baguio City concerns. It was like a sudden upsurge of non-government organizations after decades of being suppressed so much so that some friends became part of the underground movement.
With these organizations I was able to travel deep into the region for medical dental missions, environmental assessment and concerns, children and women programs, peace advocacy and other concerns. Earlier before the autonomy referendum, I became part of an UGBO research on the Cordillera Life systems which was published serialized in the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a backgrounder on the Cordillera Autonomy. That involvement in the also brought me to be based in Bontoc for five years when we established the BSBT Foundation,Inc as an SR of BSBT and the Upland Development Institute as a spin away organization of AYIP. I left Bontoc in 1995 with a very rich experience having worked among our people in Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Benguet. It was only when I came back in 2000 that my Abra roots were connected through a research on the peace pact.
I believe the changes that happened in the National scene brought about by the incidents happening in the lives of Ninoy and Cory made things possible for the civil society to become a movement and for common people, like us to be part of that movement. Those life changing incidents, many of us may never have experienced what it freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, two of the cherished freedom suppressed by the Martial law days.
But despite the changes it did not stop armed groups to harass and intimidate people who were working for the communities. In two separate but related incidents we were harassed along the Bontoc-Tinglayan road by elements of the CPLA which similarly were being integrated as CAFGU. Likewise, in a seemingly peaceful town of Sabangan, we were harassed by the Municipal police because of the use of two way radios. In those occasions, the peace pact holders and the Provincial military command were those who we turn to for them to take control of these situations. At one time we have to get hold of Ka Ambo. Peace pacts were nearly broken, as I would make sure that during these travels I would be with a Binodngan for safe passage into the villages. BSBT Foundation Inc. was instrumental in bringing in the two way radio system in the Mountain Province. We coordinated the training and licensing from NTI and we organized the pioneering group named “Tokwifi communications Inc.” composed of business, government and church people. These freedom and dialogue were only made possible because of restored democracy.
From Wikipedia : Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the “Icon of Philippine Democracy”, serving from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female president of the Philippines and the first female president of any country in Asia.
And the day of reckoning comes, cherish those things we hold dear, remembering what triggers the blast of actions, the catalyst that made changes and the enriching lives we now have because these gems to treasure. We treasure you President Cory, we will remember Ninoy!
(August 21, 2009)
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