By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
One time, I visited an older friend in their house. When she retired as a teacher, her children told her that now she is free to “pasyar”, to visit her children who are settled far and wide in many places in the world. But you know what she said? “Nan ngay social obligations ko?” (“What about my social obligations?”). So she stayed in the “ili”. Social obligations have become part of her fabric.
In the Cordillera, social obligations are deeply woven into everyday life. In many Igorot communities, attending weddings, senga (honga), wakes, burials, and traditional celebrations is more than a social activity. It is an expression of respect, solidarity, and shared humanity. While modern life sometimes portrays obligations as burdens, many of these long-standing practices continue to offer important benefits to mental and emotional health.
One of the greatest strengths of Cordilleran culture is the strong sense of community. During difficult moments such as illness, death, or personal hardship, families are rarely left alone. At wakes and burials, relatives, neighbors, and friends gather not only to honor the departed but also to comfort the grieving family. The presence of others, shared prayers, stories, food, and companionship can ease loneliness and emotional pain. Psychologists have long recognized that social support is one of the strongest protective factors against depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief.
In joyful occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and community feasts, social gatherings also contribute to emotional well-being. Celebrations allow people to reconnect with relatives, strengthen relationships, and create memories that foster happiness and belonging. For many elders, these occasions provide opportunities to remain socially active and valued within the community. For younger generations, they become reminders that they are part of something larger than themselves.
This sense of belonging is especially important today. Modern life often brings stress, migration, and isolation. Many people spend long hours working or studying away from home, sometimes feeling disconnected from family and culture. In this context, traditional gatherings become emotional anchors. Returning home for community events can restore a sense of identity, continuity, and emotional security.
Indigenous traditions also encourage the sharing of burdens. Community members contribute food, labor, finances, or time during major events. During weddings in the village, everybody, even passers-by and tourists, is welcome to partake of the dancing and eating. It is not RSVP. Outsiders wonder such how a seemingly poor small community can feed so many people, not only for lunch but for many meals before and after the wedding ceremony! Well, the village shares resources in the spirit of “og-ogbo”. This is an indigenous mutual assistance program that is understood and practiced by whoever lives in the village and even with nearby villages. This collective spirit reduces the feeling that one must face life’s challenges alone. Simply knowing that help is available can reduce stress and improve resilience during these occasions that require massive logistics.
Another positive effect of these social obligations is the preservation of cultural identity. Traditional rituals, music, dances, and oral storytelling strengthen pride in heritage and deepen intergenerational connections. Young people who understand their roots often develop a stronger sense of self-worth and community responsibility. Cultural belonging itself can be a powerful source of emotional stability. And identity is what young people need today. It is good that Besao has this “Umudong” program where young Igorots outside Besao go home and learn indigenous village life.
Of course, balance remains important. Social commitments should not lead to exhaustion or financial strain. This is where we appreciate further our indigenous Igorot practices. We have these healthy practices such as moderation, adequate rest, and understanding individual limitations. For immediate families who have had wedding celebrations and for those who experienced the loss of a loved one, they are not supposed to attend weddings or wakes or participate in any major event until after a year. They are not expected to and if they insist on showing up in such occasions, they are reprimanded. People will understand why they are absent. They are given time to recover from the physical, emotional and financial stress.
In indigenous societies, health is holistic. Aside from physical strength, emotional wellness, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging are equally important parts of a healthy life. The enduring traditions of the Cordillera remind us that healing often happens in community, through shared meals, comforting words, collective prayers, and the reassuring presence of others.
In a fast-changing world, the social obligations practiced in Igorot communities continue to offer something deeply valuable: connection, compassion, and the reminder that no person truly stands alone. These social obligations serve as natural support systems that modern society sometimes lacks.**
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“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
