Igorots worldwide urge solons: Pass law vs race discrimination

By Gina Dizon

BAGUIO CITY- Following the infamous “Tao po ako, hindi Igorot” remark of actress Candy Pangilinan, Igorots from all over the world called for a special law against racial discrimination directed to the entertainment industry.

The online petition signed by 118 signatories was sent to congressional representatives Mauricio G. Domogan of Baguio City, Samuel M. Dangwa, Benguet; Solomon R. Chungalao, Ifugao; Cecilia M. Seares-Luna, Abra; Elias Jr Bulut, Apayao and Manuel S. Agyao of Kalinga who is also caretaker-representative for Mountain Province.

The petition asked Cordillera solons to come up with a bill against racism and the accompanying sanctions that go with it with respect to artists, entertainers, movie/TV and station managers, and those in the entertainment industry.

Canada-based Darla Reyes from Sagada, Mountain Province said, “These people in the entertainment industry are supposed to be models of integrity, character and respect because they are "idolized" by the general public. Hence their words, actions and deeds should be above reproach.”

Presidential adviser for Cordillera affairs Thomas Killip said, “racism only breeds hatred and injustice; it has no place in a society that claims to be civilized".

CHESTCORE director Abigal Tauli said, “This people in the entertainment field should be given education on cultural diversity and respect for tribes. They should be exposed to the other Cordillera provinces to see how beautiful and handsome Igorots are, otherwise they should be banned from entering the Cordillera Region.”

California –based Julio Tindungan from Ifugao said, “ I look forward to a law that provides teeth against discrimination. Without any anti- discrimination law, there maybe in the future restaurants who will not serve beefsteak and bulalou to Igorots.”
Mountain Province Gov. Maximo Dalog said, “

It is shocking and sad to know that in this modern world, even among the educated, there is Candy who does not even know about the Igorots. We invite her to see Igorotland where Igorots are, whom she referred to as not human beings.
Let me sincerely sign this petition to join all other groups in the global scenario if only to remind Candy that never again should she strip us off from humanity.”

The petition stemmed from a racist remark said by Pangilinan on May 9, during a show at SM Baguio City, when she said “Tao po ako. Hindi po ako Igorot” ( I am a human being. I am not an Igorot).

The remark gathered angry and hurt reactions from Igorots and other non-Igorots as well which jammed her blog demanding for her public apology as the city of Baguio declared her as “persona non grata” .

Petitioners said Pangilinan’s act and foregoing consequences “serve as a living reminder for artists to imbibe social responsibility in their chosen career, respect cultural diversities, observe human and collective rights of peoples, sustain the molding of relevant Filipino and sound cultural values while maintaining artistic freedom and expression.”

Petitioners said “espousing racial slurs breed hostile and/or uncomfortable
environment where one is made to feel inferior while the other is superior. And while this continues, propagated by some artists in Philippine cinema, ethnic bias will alarmingly disrupt good community relationships between and among anyone regardless of race, ethnicity and color.”