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A Saving
Ifugao's Pride
(By Eva Govena)
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OTHER
INTERESTING ARTICLES |
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The Ifugao Rice Terraces are
the proud manifestation of Filipino ingenuity as
seen through the man-made stairways almost reaching
the skies. Perfectly accenting the Cordillera
mountainsides, the wondrous terraces were
intricately fashioned by the Ifugaos using their
bare hands.
It’s not hard to imagine how the famous terraces of
Ifugao province achieved global prominence and
recognition as the eighth wonder of the world. All
that have been said and written about the Ifugao
Rice Terraces reflected deep admiration for the rich
cultural beliefs and practices of the Ifugaos,
notwithstanding, of course, their indigenous skills.
It’s saddening however to think that its natural
beauty and cultural richness are slowly fading
because of socio economic and environmental
conditions threatening its existence. There have
been reports that the rice terraces are slowly
collapsing along with the ancient customs and
beliefs of its people. From this alarming situation
came efforts of the government and some advocacy
organizations to restore this significant fragment
of world heritage.
When news exploded about its worsening condition in
the 80’s, the government commissioned a development
and conservation plan for the rice terraces. This
plan focused on irrigation system restorations and
road improvements particularly for its four
municipalities namely Banaue, Mayoyao, Kiangan and
Hungduan. More are yet to be done though, especially
on preserving and cultivating the socio-cultural
aspects of the region.
In making this possible, the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) recently extended its
support to the provincial government of Ifugao
through a Php 50-million-grant aimed at restoring
the region’s cultural roots. The grant was received
by Ifugao Provincial Governor Teddy Baguilat, Jr.
from the NCCA, represented by its chairman Evelyn B.
Pantig.
More than boosting its agricultural potential, the
NCCA is particularly concerned in reviving Ifugao
traditional beliefs and preserving their cultural
significance. Among the almost forgotten rituals of
the Ifugaos is the chanting of the hudhud, a long
epic that depicts the exploits of their ancestors
chanted during rice harvests. In 2001, it was
declared by the UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral
and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in recognition
of its cultural significance to the Filipinos and to
mankind, in general. Other practices which are
seldom performed nowadays are the bakle, a
thanksgiving ritual during the harvest season and
the patipat, another ritual to drive away pests and
bad spirits in the rice fields.
It’s impressive how the Ifugao people have
successfully resisted Spanish and American
domination, being the only Filipino cultural group
to fight foreign aggression. They were able to
retain their identity and go on with their lives in
accordance to their sacred beliefs.
The Ifugaos may have succeeded to exist
independently without foreign influence, yet this
was not a guarantee that they have remained
unchanged throughout the course of time. Most of
their children whom they’ve sent to Manila for
education have assimilated the city life and have
been converted to Christianity. This phenomenon may
very well signal the gradual waning of the Ifugao
culture, yet there is still hope to save what is
left of the beautiful traditions in the northern
mountains.
The Roots of Ifugao Pride
The Ifugaos are undeniably among the most creative
and hardworking of Filipinos. This is evident in
their exceptional skills in craft making and
farming. The Ifugaos have brilliantly constructed
the rice terraces using the simplest hand tools even
at the risk of losing the land’s natural contour.
This, however, did not pose any problem since the
Ifugaos have acquired a thorough familiarity of
local drainage patterns.
From the valley floor to the mountain peak, the
Ifugaos mounted sturdy stonewalls that reached 50
feet, with each step built slightly higher to form
the amazing terraces. It’s truly incredible how the
Ifugaos managed to devise a unique irrigation system
where water flows through stone-lined canals and
bamboo logs coming from the streams and rivers above
the mountains.
Farming to the Ifugaos is more than just basic
sustenance. It also serves to prove their deep
affinity with nature and the supernatural forces
around them. The core of their religion lies on a
sacred rite called baki performed by their native
priest whom they refer to as mumbaki. The baki is
done to nurture their rice agriculture and protect
every phase of man’s life.
The Ifugaos believe in a supreme being called
Maknongan, the god of reproduction and controller of
man’s life to whom they offer their sacrifices and
rites. They also worship other gods like bagol,
dalom, lagud, daya, and daggahna. From among these
spiritual entities, the most famous to tourists is
bulul simply because of the many wooden effigies and
ornate pieces of the image available for sale. Bulul
is said to be the guardian spirits of granaries and
forests.
As highly skilled craftsmen, the Ifugaos are
renowned for their wood sculpted gods and unique
basketwork, not to mention exquisite textile designs
and body tattoos. During ceremonial occasions, the
common Ifugao is garbed in colorful body adornments
of native necklaces, earrings and headpieces made of
coiled copper, shells, and precious beads.
The Ifugao house is another display of noted
creativity as seen in the small-enclosed structure
embellished by hand-hewn native timbers elevated on
four huge trunks of living trees. Typical in the
houses of the rich Ifugaos are decorated attic
beams, doorjambs carved with human effigies, and
ornate exterior of native animals. Common Ifugaos,
too, keep artistic pieces of elaborately carved
shelves and other wood furniture.
Aside from the featured cultural expressions and the
awe-inspiring view of the rice terraces, there are
indeed more to marvel about the Ifugao province.
There are several unexplored caves, hot springs and
waterfalls. One must not miss Kiangan for the famous
Yamashita Shrine and the Ambuwaya Lake which is
perfect for fishing and family picnics.
Knowing that a large portion of Filipino cultural
heritage faces the risk of deterioration is enough
cause to seriously think about conserving the rice
terraces -- the Ifugao people and the whole
Philippines’ pride.
With the initial fund release of Php 10 Million to
the Provincial Government of Ifugao, the Ifugao Rice
Terraces and Cultural Heritage Office (IRTCHO) was
established in October 2002. Since then, it has
implemented the initial phase of the restoration and
preservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces which
includes the updating of its master plan; conduct of
community-organizing activities to instill awareness
and gather support from regional and local
stakeholders; and the starting of specific
activities to enhance and strengthen the physical
condition of the terraces. Also underway are tourism
and cultural development projects to complete the
presentation.
With all these efforts, the Filipino people are
assured that an important world heritage monument
will again withstand the ravages of time and bring a
rich, distinctive Filipino culture to the attention
of future generations.
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