By Anthony A. Araos
Quality of life determines the future of Ifugao’s Ayangan folks. Their aspiration to improve life’s conditions goes back to the First Ayangan Congress. Since then, it has continued to expand its quest in this upland province so divided along ethnic lines.
At the just-concluded Third Ayangan Congress- held at Haliap Elementary School in Asipulo, speakers tapped into their creative side and sounded some good ideas for the attendees. Nearly 500 folks took part in the two-day gathering. For some, it was a time for brushing up on their memories.
A few new insights were aired. The successful affair was organized by the Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office, headed by Roscoe Kalaw. Organizers now know better: Governor Jerry Dalipog provided all-out support.
Indeed, resource speaker Simplicia Hagada’s call for the appointment of an Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) at the powerful and influential Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Ifugao set the gold standard for these milestone celebrations, radiating her wisdom for the significance of asserting supremacy in the political sphere. Yet, I don’t simply buy the contention of “doing it” through “rotational basis.” It smacks of power-sharing scheme among the Ayangans, Tuwalis and Kalanguyas. Achieving it is easier than done. To achieve this objective, their leaders must talk seriously, openly and sincerely. There can be a sense of futility in applying this formula. Honestly, it isn’t surprising to hear. To hell with it!
Unresolved issues may appear harmless, but over time, they hasten to deep-seated differences that damage ties and solidarity.
In a delightful celebration of music, dance, emerging talent and promising voices of the young, the PHTO and others transformed this congress into a viable haven for social change.
What’s next for prime movers of this activity? To deepen its impact in this field, organizers opted to hold the next congress in Aguinaldo town where it is expected to consolidate this congress’ gains under the theme “Recognition of Culture and Ancestral Domain of Ijadjang.”
Looking ahead in 2027, key Ayangan leaders’ focus should remain tied on pursuing development programs for Ayangan folks. People’s plight on their blighted communities is very understandable. Their lives are in worse shape now.
For Board Member Orlando Addug of Banaue, Peter Bunnag of Alfonso Lista and Jordan Gullitiw of Asipulo, the challenge is to put up a “ten-year development plan” as a pathway of guiding their folks.
It is in my position that a people-centered program must be carefully calibrated in terms of addressing problems on poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and dismal production in agriculture. Poverty reduction measures, no doubt, will always hold their sense of meaningful relief. Recently, the proliferation of fake land titles being given to IPs in the Cordilleras was reported.
I’m also urging the SP to conduct a full-blown investigation into this. The public deserves to know who are responsible and what concrete actions will be taken by concerned government agencies (such as NCIP) to stop this nefarious practice.
Meantime, Ayangan folks look forward to the Fourth Ayangan Congress not only to celebrate its history but also strengthen the values that build them together. If they are looking for those elements, then one can make preparations to attend. Do not hesitate to actively take part!
Times are changing. The Aguinaldo edition should be about dynamism, innovation and creativity and it’s always about finding new ways to solve a problem to better serve the people.**
