RDC pushes rectification of Cordillera culture gaffes

In celebration of IP Month
By Marlo Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – The Regional Development Council’s committee on indigenous people’s concerns recently pushed rectification of what it called “numerous issues of misrepresentation and cultural misappropriation of Cordillerans” over the years in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month last October.
    Speakers said such had to be addressed during two of four webinars hosted by committee co-chair Ryan Mangusan on Oct. 7 and 14 wherein guest speakers from Cordillera academe discussed “cultural injustices” faced by Cordilleran indigenous people.
    UP Baguio chancellor and history professor Raymundo Rovillos and Benguet State University director of extension services and social sciences professor Stanley Anongos gave their take on cultural misrepresentation and cultural appropriation respectively.
    The activity was organized by National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Administrative Region as secretariat of RDC and CIPC.
    It was bared Cordillera IPs have called out labeling in various Dept. of Education-approved textbooks of Aetas as natives of Mountain Province and Banaue Rice Terraces as being found in the Ilocos Region among others.
    Outcry also came about with the release of sandals labelled “Kankana-ey” from a known local footwear brand and as well as attempts to reproduce Kalinga tattoo artist Whang-od's designs on hats and shirts by an international clothing brand.
    Rovillos said existing cultural misrepresentation among Cordilleran indigenous peoples was a product of long-standing institutional factors over centuries of ethnocentrism, discrimination, and plain ignorance brought about by colonization.
    He said centuries of a colonial power decided on what was considered  culture.
    Those they were unable to colonize, he added, were labelled  “savages” or “uncultured.”
    “These misconceptions were entrenched in the day-to-day life, educational institutions, and even government policies of the country, Indigenous peoples can take part in the narrative and use the advantages available now to help change these misrepresentations.”
    Anongos cited challenges that IPs in the region face in terms of representing their culture and heritagein her talk on “cultural appropriation.
    She said, ”appropriation in itself is not necessarily a negative practice. Anongos cited various indigenous fabrics being used as commercial products that have created widespread appreciation of Cordilleran weaving.
    However, he said people must be critical in observing these appropriations so as not to make the mistake of using the name of an ethno-linguistic group to describe footwear.
    Like Rovillos, Anongos cited need for proper research and documentation of cultural heritage in all levels from the material such as weaves and sculptures to the more abstract like knowledge systems and dances.
    “In this way, the people themselves can agree and determine the proper use of their culture by themselves and by outsiders.”
    The RDC’s CIPC held four webinars throughout October for this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Month Celebration.
    This year’s nationwide theme of “Correcting Historical Injustices for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Welfare” recognizes progressive steps made towards recognition of indigenous peoples and their plight while reminding the country that the work is not yet done.
    RDC IP concerns committee chairman and National Commssion on Indigenous Peoples CIP regional director Manuel Jaramilla bared over 90 activities in six Cordillera provinces and the City of Baguio led by the private and government organizations throughout the month.
    The activity was organized by NCIP and the NEDA-CAR.
    RDC chairperson and Abra Gov. Joy Bernos opened the IP Month activities saying while IPs of the nation have come a long way in representation and development, there was still much progress to be made. “We struggled for rights over our resources. We seek genuine autonomy and development,” she said.
    Bernos said historical injustice against Cordillera IPs has left a lasting negative impact.
    “Over the course of its history, its people have been subjected to many forms of injustice and discrimination which have impeded the growth and development of the communities within the region”, she said.
    Guest of honor Kalinga Rep. and House of Representatives committee on indigenous peoples chairman Allen Jesse Mangaoang said while indigenous peoples in the country have been empowered since enactment of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, he urged IPs to continue to assert “the right to be involved in decisions that affect us”.
    Benguet Caretaker Congressman Eric Yap, represented by Anthony Kuan of Buguias said while Cordilleran IPs have been deprived of progress and development as defined by contemporary standards, Igorots remain rich in natural resources and culture.
    “Our wealth isn’t just money or gold but richness in heart and culture, a precious culture that we should take care of. This culture is something we can be proud of and develop for the next generation.”
    Kuan cited the importance of past leaders in guiding his personal journey, a trait he said, which is crucial in indigenous communities especially in the Cordillera.
    The IP Month celebrated passage of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act on October 29, 1997, a landmark law which recognized the legitimacy of the plight of IPs across the country.
    It is based on four rights: right to ancestral domains and lands, right to self-Governance and empowerment, social justice, human rights and cultural integrity.