BANAUE, IFUGAO – – Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog has lauded the gong relay tour for promoting the distinct cultural practices of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Mayor Dalipog said he is pleased with the decision of the Regional Development Council-National Economic Development Authority (RDC-NEDA) CAR to jumpstart the six-day unity gong relay activity in the scenic town of Banaue.
Under the planned scheme, organizers said the gong must be accorded its appropriate rituals in key towns and cities of the CAR. It is capped by a ceremonial beating of the gong by local officials. The Philippine national anthem shall be played to appeal to people’s patriotism. If we come to think of it, the simplest thing really is just to go back to the basics. Basic is to go for love of country, not being regionalistic. Thinking of the country is definitely not difficult and not impossible.
Thereafter, the relay moves to Mt. Palis at Sagada, Mountain Province, Tabuk City in Kalinga, Luna in Apayao, Bangued in Abra, Baguio City, La Trinidad in Benguet and Lagawe in Ifugao.
Mayor Dalipog said more than bringing the gong around the region, the young gong beaters or performers of today assumes new roles in addressing societal issues.
Banaue has been tapped as kickoff point of this year’s gong relay activity since it is remarkably rich in history and culture. However, the centerpiece is still without question is the town’s world famous rice terraces.
As gong beaters age, people have to take in consideration of educating and preparing the younger generation to take over.
Incidentally, there are only a few nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) deeply involved in teaching young folks in Ifugao. In Ifugao, where the gong is widely used in cultural presentations, it’s surprising how the propagation of gong usage through seminars is very low.
“It is important to teach our young people the relevance of the gong and, of course, the gong relay activity itself,” Mayor Dalipog told the ZigZag Weekly.
“Today there is much emphasis on the importance of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Cordilleras that one can’t help but wonder if, perhaps, it is becoming merely limited to certain age groups like adults or elderly,” he added.
Consequently, with the reactivation of the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council), Dalipog adds, “The provincial government should present the youth, with the roots or origin of the gong for their understanding, guidance and inspiration.”
From a developmental perspective, Mayor Dalipog sees the need to inculcate the young core values such as discipline and hard work.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to host the start of the unity gong relay in Banaue,” Mayor Dalipog pointed out.
Anyone attempting to deal with the study of beliefs, traditions and practices in the CAR will do so with considerably more confidence if he or she has a clear notion of the vitality of projecting and amplifying the role of the youth vis-à-vis this practice in the coming years. It is imperative to establish mechanisms that significantly raise the level of awareness and consciousness of the youth on this concern.
The mayor made an effort to promote history, customs and traditions of Ifugao and the CAR as well. He also made a mark in elevating the status of Banaue by emphasizing the essence of good governance in reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth and a sustainable future.
The mayor was at the regional consultation program on federalism in Baguio City where he met Consultative Committee members who drafted a new constitution.
Because of his programs and vision for Ifugao, Mayor Dalipog is said to be one of the most respected leaders in the CAR. He is a reform-minded and dedicated official.
Despite its conduct annually since 2010, there is a low perception of the youth in the gong practice and the activity’s thrust, leading to misconceptions even at the education sector. The unity gong relay activity is the brainchild of then Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-CAR Director John Castaneda.
Mayor Dalipog joins provincial and municipal officials, CAR policy makers and distinguished guests to delve on pressing issues such as autonomy that affect the various segments of society in the region.
In light of the need to sustain recent gains of autonomy advocates of the region in terms of airing their sentiments, continuous and progressive capacity development of stakeholders and no longer the politicians must be undertaken. People expect to attain aspects of solidarity in their relationships with others. Interaction is the key. In the end, these gongs became a symbol of unity for the Cordillerans.
Aside from the challenge of obtaining outright but nearly impossible autonomy status, Cordillerans also face the situation where the number of the poor increased, joblessness persists and many are hungry.
With the shared objective of achieving greater growth and prosperity for the people, many are now saying that incoming unity gong relay tours should instead endeavor to improve efficiency and competitiveness as well as raise the bar of good governance in the CAR. Likewise, the need to conduct this activity through a privatization scheme should be considered. There is the Panagbenga Festival to be replicated as a model. It makes no sense spending so much scarce and limited public funds. The participation of so many government personnel and usage of government vehicles is simply not synonymous to the tenet of judiciously using public funds.
For the kickoff program in Banaue, Alfonso Lista Mayor Glenn Prudenciano shall deliver the closing remarks. Other participants include DILG-CAR Director Mario Iringan, Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw and Governor Pedro Mayam-o.
The six-day activity highlights the theme, CAR@31: Regional Autonomy for Good Governance.
The upcoming event is part of this year’s Cordillera Month celebration program. Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is the keynote speaker of the culminating program on July 15 at the Don Bosco High School gymnasium in Lagawe. Pimentel, former Senate President, bar topnotcher and alumnus of the University of the Philippines, shall also be the main speaker of the “Pulong pulong” (town hall meeting) in the afternoon of the same day.
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan shall deliver his State-of-the-Region Address (SORA) as well as RDC-RPOC (Regional Peace and Order Council) accomplishment report in his capacity as its chairman.
In a related development, Hingyon-based engineer Julio Tindungan has expressed his full support for the conduct of the unity gong relay.
“I’m fully supportive of the cause being advanced by the organizers of this activity,” Tindungan said.
“Easily, it promotes our cultural values. Additionally, it helps promote the tourism industry but also increase trade between provinces in the region,” he added.
“Movement of good between these provinces will also be facilitated,” the internationally-on acclaimed engineer stressed in an interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
He emphasized that gong playing is something one can enjoy at any age and when combined with performing an ethnic dance number, it becomes much more real. Enjoying a gong performance also means supporting the aspirations of the family for a brighter tomorrow.
With the RDC-NEDA-CAR at the ‘forefront, the CAR can count on the backing of outstanding leaders in the private sector like Engr. Tindungan on a continuous transformation that will further get the region recognized as a cradle of history and a melting pot of culture. **By Anthony A. Araos
