BONTOC, Mtn. Province – The question bugging the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) regional Director Atty. Cheryl Daytec-Yangot is whether Timicheg (one name) as documented in Belgium records is same as Timacheg as reportedly existing in the municipality.
The provincial government recognizes a shared historical narrative involving Timicheg, a Bontoc Igorot brought to Ghent during the 1913 Ghent International Exposition under conditions that today constitute human trafficking. He is therefore referred to as the first Igorot involved in human trafficking.
Initial research indicated that Timicheg might be Timacheg, a misnomer of sort, might be a misunderstanding of hearing earshot between the foriegners and the person.
However, if indeed there are “Timicheg” or “Timacheg” descendants, help is being solicited to please bring the information to this writer at the Provincial Tourism Office for proper evaluation and recording.
An Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2025 of Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan was issued and Resolution No. 2025-334 dated July 28, 2025 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan was enacted setting July 30 of every year as Timicheg Day against Trafficking in Persons in the province.
The United Nations declared July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and urging states and communities to raise awareness and promote the rights and dignity of trafficking victims.
A proposal is being prepared also to establish sisterhood ties between the province and the City of Ghent, Belgium.
The sisterhood aims to advance historical rectification, cultural understanding, anti-trafficking advocacy, and inclusive education, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and migrant communities.
Executive Order No. 13, Series 2026, issued by then Acting Governor, Jose O. Dominguez, ordered the creation of a Provincial Committee for Sisterhood Ties and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2026-24 strongly supports the proposal to establish sisterhood ties between the provincial government and Ghent, Belgium.
“We hope this will bear fruit”, said Atty. Daytec.
In the recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the DMW, selected agencies, and the provincial and municipal LGUs last April 23, 2026, Director Daytec pointed out that some 60 Igorots including “Timicheg” were brought to the Ghent, Belgium in 1913 in Ghent Expedition exhibited as barbaric dog-eating uncivilized people.
After accordingly amassing money, the handler disappeared and the Igorots were repatriated except “Timicheg” who opted to stay in Belgium. Being unlearned not being Sable to read and write, he roamed the place hungry and in colds. He died and was buried there.
A tunnel was named “Timicheg Tunnel” and functions up to now in honor of the first exploited Igorot, a victim of human trafficking.
Mayor Franklin Odsey commended the DMW for initiating to protect the interests of the people. He asked the director to be a “bridge” with the countries including Belgium to advance the goals of the MOA.
Other participants, including some mayor and their representatives, lauded the DMW and OWWA for the services they continue extending to the overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
MEANWHILE, Director Daytec intimated that DMW-CAR has disbursed minimal financial assistance to returning OFWs in the region.
“We understand that our culture as Igorots shun asking for financial assistance for whatever reason. But the program is there to be availed of”, she quipped.
She said that only P15 million were availed of while other regional offices have disbursed more than P100 million for such purpose.
She solicits OFWs to visit their office for assistance. “Especially those OFWS coming from the Middle East and affected by the war, we have financial assistance for them”, she added.**Roger Sacyaten
