It pays to be a member of the Onjon?

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Roger Sinot

As a bonafide Ibaloi in the land of my ancestors, I have been supportive of the Onjonni Ovadoi Association since it was formed. Although I was not I the limelight I always felt obligated to help in its annual affairs, the Ibaloi Day festival, and saw to it that I attended its meetings.

I noticed how the organization was managed. During one meeting before the February 23, 2013 Ibaloi day fest, an officer suggested the date be postponed because “city officials cannot attend since the Panagbenga parade of the Baguio Flower Festival was scheduled on the same day. We were reluctant but had to tell the officers why we should not postpone Ibaloi Day to another date.

First, February 23 of every year was officially declared by no less than the city council as Ibaloi day, so why would they set the Panagbenga parade on the same day? Second, Ibaloi day is an affair for Ibalois, not theirs. Third, what will be our excuse to the Balikbayans who postponed their homecoming trips last December and to come home February instead, just so they can attend the Ibaloi gathering? So we did a “raising of hands” and won overwhelmingly for the show to go on February 23, 2013.

           

Please don’t get me wrong. I am all out for the organization and believe that Ibalois in Baguio and Benguet should be united. We are scattered but not divided. Last election I was expecting that Onjon poses in front of a camera with our Ibaloi political bets and for the pictures to be published in newspapers, simply endorsing them because they are our fellow Ibalois, but this did not happen.

They were Baguio candidates Poppo Cosalan, Peter Fianza and Joe Molintas, who could have been the second Ibaloi mayor of Baguio next to Dr. Jose Carino, if all Ibalois in Baguio voted for him. I felt bad when I heard that the Onjon’s 2013 set of officers were inducted into office before election day by one who is not Ibaloi but by the incumbent city mayor, an insult to many of us.

The officers could have asked Benguet Congressman Ronald Cosalan, or Manang Bridgette Pawid of the NCIP, or any other Ibaloi to induct them into office, but not mayor Batman who ran against Ibaloi mayoralty candidate Joe Mol, the Lone Ranger. Bantiwel! What will the Onjon say in case Joe Mol won? If that happened, all the more that many of them might “get high” with the Ibaloi “shy mango” complex.

Recalling Ibaloi day of 2011, the late auntie Cecil Afable then emphasized that the Ibalois of Baguio and Benguet be united. “Agkitejo kumaman babahal, mansaksahey kitejo,” kwantud ma programa.  (We should not be fighting, let us be united, she said during the program). “This place is for everybody.

Even though this was where we lived when I was small, we now have the place as a common area for all” she said, referring to the area between the orchidarium and the children’s park. “We should possess, occupy and utilize the Ibaloi park, sharing common bonds, perfection of the Ibaloi language, customs and practice our traditions.

May this park be distinct and differentiated from other parks in Baguio,” and most especially she mentioned her dream of having an Ibaloi mayor for Baguio one day. Now, we cannot just say “waytud man” or “kenshattu” (gunshot to), or that’s the way it is. With RA 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act on our side, the Ibalois should be happy.

We should avail of our rights as IPs and be proud Ibalois. The Onjon organization should now act as a mother to all and see to it that Ibaloi clans and associations be counted as members. Regardless of age, religion, big or small, preacher, sinner or saint, farmer, lawyer still they are Ibalois. Anyway, what is the park without people?

If one goes to look at the park, it is just an open space.

As Auntie Cecil had said, it should be utilized in a way that it also earns financially enough for Onjon to spend during the festival, instead of soliciting from public officials every time February comes near. Onjon should be independent. And as an umbrella association of Ibaloi organizations,

Onjon should see to it that government recognizes the dignity and cultural rights of its members. It is time the Onjon starts forming its political structure and council of elders that can make important decisions, and send a representative who can participate in the city council.

The “light at the end of the tunnel” is defined as something that brings hope after a difficult time. It is my wish that the Onjon niIvadoi be a “light at the end of a tunnel” for Ibalois. Happy trails to all Ibalois.