Ifugao, Benguet identify rich culture for historical mapping

By Marlo T. Lubguban

The Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) and National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera conducted another provincial consultation for mapping and marking of historical sites in the Cordillera.

The mapping and marking of Cordillera historical sites is a joint project of MPSPC and NEDA-CAR as part of the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program.

One of the purposes of the SPCAR program is to enhance regional identity of Cordillerans.

One of the ways of doing this is to create markers for sites in which the pursuit for self-determination was exhibited.

In Ifugao, the Ifugao State University hosted the 5th provincial consultation for Ifugao on Oct. 15 as part of their week-long 98thfounding anniversary celebrations.

Ifugao elders from the academe, local government units and tourism offices all provided their inputs on sites that they deemed worthy to be mapped and marked as part of the region’s history of self-determination and autonomy.

Considered as Ifugao heritage, the participants of the workshop agreed to map several clusters of rice terraces in the province: The Nagacadan Terrace cluster in the municipality of Kiangan, the Hungduan terrace cluster, the central Mayoyao terrace cluster, and the Bangaan terrace cluster and the Batad terrace cluster both in the municipality of Banaue.

Also included is the rice terrace cluster in Barangay Burnay in Lagawe claimed to be carbon-dated as far back as the 6th century AD.

Participants also recognized the Ifugao peoples’ bravery and patriotism and decided to map two sites that demonstrated this: The Awa Victory site in Julongan; and the famous Yamashita 1945 Surrender site in Kiangan. The participants also agreed to include Julongan in Kiangan it being the site of the 1897 Ifugao victory against the Spanish government that set up a command center in Kiangan in 1896. Both sites are already recognized by National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

It was also acknowledged that Ifugao played a role in the pursuit for Cordillera autonomy. Hapao, Hungduan was considered an important site signifying autonomy struggle in the province. Lagawe, as the capital town of Ifugao, was also cited with Ifugao as the sole province that voted ‘yes’ to autonomy in the first plebiscite.

One participant added, “These are tangible structures that could educate our youth and urge them to read further about the struggle.” In Baguio City, Benguet elders from the academe, local government units, civil society organizations, tourism groups, and regional line agencies gathered in Baguio for the final provincial consultation on mapping and marking of historical sites in the Cordillera on Oct. 23. The event was coordinated by the MPSPSC and NEDA-CAR This was the last leg of provincial consultations before the regional workshop in Baguio in November to finalize the list of sites where the markers will be placed.  UP Baguio Dean of the College of Arts and Communications Dr. Jimmy Fong presented a lecture on the local history of Benguet. Citing the 1987 Constitution as the primary basis in selecting the sites, Professor Fong emphasized that sites should exhibit the distinct historical and cultural heritage that portrays self-determination and the autonomy struggle. The Benguet folk were quick to list sites that showcase the history of self-determination of the province. Sites that exemplified self-determination include the Battle of Tunglo in southern Benguet and the site of the Spanish Garrison in Puguis, La Trinidad. Accordingly, it is at these sites where Ibaloi warriors resisted early Spanish rule and prevented further influence in the Cordillera. However, the exact location of the Battle of Tunglo cannot exactly be identified. Elders approximate it to be somewhere in Crystal Cave going to Tuba, Benguet. The Binga and Ambuklao Dam sites were also among the favorites for mapping and marking; a reminder of the lack of free prior and informed consent done by the national government in implementing these projects in the past. The construction of these dams were also the basis of the outrage over the Chico River dam project of the 70s.

The most notable site is Camp John Hay as part of the property of Mateo Cariño. Mateo Cariño’s case was not just the basis of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, “it was the first legal win of Indigenous Peoples, not just in the Philippines but all over the world, especially in recognition of ancestral land ownership”, according to Atty. Harriet Abyadang of NCIP Benguet.

These sites, including those listed in other provinces will be presented during the regional workshop which will be held November in Baguio

These sites, including those listed in other provinces will be presented during the regional workshop which will be held November in Baguio.