Folks call for strict observance of ‘ubaya’ including tourists

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA MOUNTAIN PROVINCE- Adherence to the cultural practice of ubaya (rest day) was strongly forwarded by residents of the  four central barangays of Dagdag, Patay Ambasing and Patay during a community meeting here November 23.

The community rule extends to   tourists aside from tourist guides.

Observance of the cultural  practice  was forwarded  following a question forwarded by  elder Cristina Giakaw  who asked why ubaya is not being followed citing that non-observance is not good for the ili and its observance bring good for the  community.

Animated discussion by  residents present during said assembly  presided by Demang barangay chairman Boone Bosaing forwarded that all in the community should follow the customary ubaya including the conduct of the agricultural festivity called  ‘begnas and ‘leben’ during burial.

Begnas is  celebrated  in different  parts of the agricultural year from seedbed preparation, prevention of   pests and diseases, rice planting, harvest and closing of wedding celebrations. 

‘Subdong’ referring to a leafy stem planted on entrances signifies that its ‘ubaya’ and the community is warned not to  go to prohibited sites.

Prohibited sites  include places where spring waters are found, ricefields, forested areas, caves, and waterfalls.  Bokong falls, Sumaguing cave, Lumyang cave and Ampakaw  hills are frequented tourist spots.

The ubaya is strictly followed in  northern Sagada where the most visited  Bumod-ok  Falls is located.

The prohibition forwarded the crafting of separate barangay ordinances penalizing anyone referring to tourists, tourist guides, owners of  fields and hired help, and to anyone who goes to areas prohibited to be going to during ubaya.

On exception are instances of ‘mamigat ‘(activities done early in the morning before 8 o’clock in the morning) where one goes to menwaned (bring waters home or to rice fields ), sumakdo (fetch water) or attend to plants needing immediate care.  

Unanimously approved during the assembly is the penalty of P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense and P2,000 for third offense and  non-practice of being a guide in cases of erring tourist guides.  

A declaration by the four barangays shall be written to reach  the concerned including the tourist information center, tourist guide organizations,  owners of inns; and ordinances to be separately passed by the four barangays. 

The  community rule is forwarded to be strictly  adhered to by January 2016   following  the necessary information to tourist guides, inns, community residents and to tourists.