Ifugao
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03.10.08Apologies for the Past
I first thought of just adding this to the quick links I posted earlier but then thought that maybe it needs a post of its own.
I think the Japanese tend to have a longer memory than Filipinos so it’s good that they continue to remind us of the lessons of the past. In the GMA News article which you will find below, two Japanese women went to Kiangan, Ifugao to apologize in behalf of some Japanese soldiers for the horrors of World War II.
I’m sure you’ll agree that apologies like these are welcome. Still, in addition to these individual apologies, the Japanese government should also apologize for forcing women to become sex slaves during the war. It’s refusal to apologize on this matter continues to be a thorn in Japan’s otherwise good relations with the Philippines as well as other parts of Asia.
Anyways, in case you missed our earlier posts on the heroism of our people during the second World War, here are the links: Those Gallant Igorots; A Video Documentary; Those Gallant Igorots: A Word From the Producers; and Major Dennis Molintas.
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03.07.08Quote of the Day
“It is ironic that this administration is asking the governors to declare support yet it could not act on simple requests like the tax my province is entitled to. This administration appears to have a selective amnesia.”
“My support for [Ms Arroyo] is conditional. For the moment, I am for the rule of law. I, too, would like to know the truth. For most Ifugaos, the issue of supporting [Ms Arroyo] in this troubled times depended on Malacañang’s willingness to address my constituents’ concerns.”
– Ifugao Governor Teddy Baguilat. Read the Inquirer report here.
This is how you play the game, folks. If you support a president who never received the mandate of the people, at the very least, you should demand something in return that redounds to the benefit of your constituents. Hindi yung blind support lang na wala kang mapapala.
It’s a good thing that the Ifugao governor is using his support for Gloria as a card to ask for the taxes that should rightfully go to Ifugao. In an ideal world however, those taxes should have been given to Ifugao from the very beginning. And in an ideal world, Gloria should not be sitting in Malacañang.
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03.03.08Let There Be Light
Remember the first time electricity came to your town or barangay? I was in elementary school when it came to my village. If I remember correctly, they “turned the light on” during the birthday of President Marcos, September 11. Tapos sabi nila, gift daw iyon ni Macoy sa mga iSagada. Talk about patronage politics and building a personality cult.
Anyways, I have to admit that I once thought that you will die if you touch the electric wires inside the house. What do I know, hehe. I’m not from the boondocks for nothing.
So why all this talk about electricity? Because I’m excited for our kailiyans in five Mayaoyao barangays who will soon be having electricity. I’m sure it will make life easier for them. We hope that our officials and the power cooperatives will continue to bring light to the villages. Go Ifelco!
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01.30.08Native American Woodcarving - Made in Ifugao
Hey kailiyans in the U.S. did you know that those carvings of Native American chiefs came from Ifugao. Really? Maybe not all of them but some of them are. From Jennie Durant who was a Peace Corp Volunteer in Ifugao:
Ever wonder where those impressive, six foot tall Native American chief carvings come from? The ones you see in New Mexico and Arizona when you’re on a road trip through the Southwest?
I never thought about it, honestly, I suppose I assumed they were carved by Native Americans. Well, the other day I was bumping along in a tricycle on my way to a barangay called Kiangan. I was looking around, enjoying the scenery—the overhang of green, the small shops along the road, the mothers standing outside chatting with their children on their hips. We passed a carving shop, and under the cover of a tarp I saw a three foot tall Native American head, complete with an elaborate headdress. I was completely stunned. Did I see that right? What was a Native American chief carving, complete with an elaborate headdress, doing in Ifugao?
Read the whole post here. Hah, didn’t we tell you that Native Americans are our long lost relatives (like 56th degree cousin or something). We’re brothers/sisters forever as Renaldo Lapuz would say.
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01.29.08Ifugao Sponsors Terraces Tour
I like it when local government units seek to gain control over their local tourism industry. That is how our communities can directly benefit from tourism. I like it too when officials look at tourism beyond organizing that street dancing thing that Panagbenga has become. Good move Ifugao.
From Sunstar Baguio:
In line with the continuing promotion of the rice terraces as an eco-cultural destination, the Ifugao Provincial Government is sponsoring a package tour, which would show the series of cycles involved in the planting of rice in the hand-carved rice terraces.
The tour, which is scheduled on February 9 and 10 (two days, one night) and February 8 to 10 (three days and two nights) is part of the series of rice terraces cycle tours, which the Save the Ifugao rice terraces movement offers — from land preparation (lodah/mamanong), to harvesting (botok, pfoto) and the thanksgiving or bakle.
For a minimal fee of P2,800 per person for the February 9 tour and P3,600 per person for the February 8 tour, participants can expect meals on the day of arrival to lunch on day of departure, lodging transportation, guide, entrance and environmental fees will be provided to visitors.
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01.18.08Vote for a Kailiyan
Let’s help an Ifugao kailiyan, Aislynn Lanag Liao, who made it to the final round in a design competition. Her design, pictured above, is competing against 19 others. Please vote for her design here. You will be asked to type in some personal info (name, email, etc.) — I think to deter double voting — but that should not discourage you from voting for a talented kailiyan.
Voting ends on February 2, 2008 so make sure you vote before then. Thanks.
INFO SOURCE: hackenslash forwared from ifugaoyahoogroup.
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12.11.07Photo of the Day
- Banaue, Ifugao. Photo credit: Luis at webshots.com
