In the picturesque mountains of the Cordillera region, a popular Igorot song emerges not only as a celebration of culture, but as a transformative force that has played a pivotal role in curbing communist insurgency. This melody, deeply embedded in the Igorot heritage, has become a symbol of unity, fostering social cohesion and providing a powerful inspiration against the communist armed conflict.
The popular Kalinga song “Sissiwit ku” which means “my bird” was originally recorded by the “Simple Tone” Band. It was composed and sung by Hilair Wacdagan of Tanudan, Kalinga. The said band is a regular performer in concerts-for-a-cause. The tune became extremely popular in the North (Ilocano speaking regions in the Philippines) and is usually sung and performed during weddings, programs, events and happy occasions, accompanied by traditional Cordillera dances.
This unconventional, upbeat, easy to sing and memorable song united not only the Cordilleras but the whole of the North, inspiring change by engaging the youth through arts and indigenous songs and by bringing the people together as “one” for peace.
Beyond its cultural significance, however, this melody has emerged as a catalyst for change, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among the Cordillera people.
Cultural identity vs. insurgency
In the context of the Cordilleras, insurgency has been a historical challenge. The song, with its rich symbolism, has become a powerful brand for reinforcing cultural identity as an antidote to the allure of insurgency. By celebrating their heritage, communities have found a shared ground that supercedes the divisive narratives of conflict.
“We branded our anti-insurgency campaign on Sissiwit,” said Helen Tibaldo, head of the Philippine Information Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PIA-CAR) office on Monday, December 4, on the sidelines of the awarding ceremony of the 5th anniversary of the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
PIA-CAR is one of two regional offices of the Philippine Information Agency that were recognized by NTF-ELCAC in conducting peacebuilding information campaigns. The Northern Mindanao office of the PIA is the other awardee.
We named our brand the “Cordillera Convergence Winning against Insurgency and Terrorism” its acronym, C-C-W-I-T, similarly sounding to Sissiwit when pronounced, Tibaldo explained, adding that the PIA regional offices were tapped to lead the Strategic Communications Cluster, one of the 12 Lines of Efforts of the NTF-ELCAC, the whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.
“We’re constantly in touch with all the agencies as a whole-of-nation approach. Our collaboration in Cordillera is good. Like one whole government,” Tibaldo said.
“Yes, that’s our best practice. And CCWIT, our branding.”
To date, the National Task Force asserts its 100 percent establishment of its regional task forces, ELCAC, across the country. In addition, it reported the eradication of all active guerilla fronts in the country. Moreover, it said that 79 percent of its localities declare the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata.
The success of using cultural practices to curb insurgency in the Cordilleras serves as an inspiring model for other regions facing similar challenges. It underscores the potency of culture as a force for positive change and social transformation.
In the mountains of the Cordillera region, the song, and now the brand, have become beacons of hope, resilience, and peace. As the Cordillera peoples continue to sing melodies of their traditions, they continue to exemplify the profound impact of culture in shaping a future free from the shadows of insurgency. **PIA-NCR
