NCIP scholar waives Covid relief citing ‘Inayan’ values

By Rocky Ngalob

BAGUIO CITY -- A National Commission on Indigenous Peoples scholar has waived her Covid-19 relief goods saying the government better give it to less fortunate folks.

“We still have supplies and ample amount of food to spare,” said Noemi Pal-og, scholar under the NCIP’s Educational Assistance Program when asked where will they will send her relief.

Pal-og suggested to the Commission to give her share to her fellow students who are less fortunate than her particularly to those who are stranded in this city away from their families in the province. “They are left to fend for themselves because their families can’t send supplies due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine. We are not rich, we simply just have enough food and supplies which we believe can sustain us throughout the lockdown.”  

As a true blue Kankana-ey (indigenous ethnolinguistic group of Mountain Province and parts of Benguet), Pal-og carried with her from her province the indigenous value of “Inayan.”

Inayan or the recognition of karma and/or the fear from their supreme deity, Kabunian. is an inherent value of indigenous people of Cordillera particularly in Mountain Province.

Most of the time, Inayan plays as the unseen conscience. It guides the IPs to do what is prudent and right and if at fault, to correct the wrong and to repel the same which may cause harm.

“I guess my share of relief, if given to less fortunate students than me, will help ease their burden which they are facing right now. So perhaps that’s one less problem for them? In turn, they can focus more in complying with their school requirements instead,” added Pal-og.

Aside from living-up and keeping true to her indigenous value of Inayan while in the City, Pal-og also brought with her from her province her “indigenous green thumb.”

Pal-og disclosed that they practice urban farming and have been cultivating their backyard in the city.

Their backyard according to her have managed to produce them food not only in today’s lockdown but also during the regular days.            

Pal-og is currently a sophomore taking up Mass Communication at the University of the Cordillera (UC).

Pal-og is joined by her brother and his family at the latter’s residence in Camp 7. She lived most of her elementary and high school days in Tadian, Mountain Province and only went up to Baguio for her college degree.

               Reliefs for the NCIP – EAP grantees/scholars came from the different good hearted donors of Baguio and nearby municipalities.

               This was made possible through the initiatives and collective coordinating efforts NCIP – CAR personnel.