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Cultural Preservation and Inclusion for the Ifugao People

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DOI: 10.19184/jseahr.v2i2.8232

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 421
Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights, Vol.2 No. 2 December 2018. pp. 421-447
doi: 10.19184/jseahr.v2i2.8232
© University of Jember & Indonesian Consortium for Human Rights Lecturers

Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao

People
Ellisiah U. Jocson
Managing Director, OneLife Foundation Inc. (OLFI), M.A.Ed Candidate,
University of the Philippines, Diliman

Abstract
This study seeks to offer insight into the paradox between two ideologies that are
currently being promoted in Philippine society and identify the relationship of both
towards the indigenous community of the Ifugao in the country. Inclusion is a growing
trend in many areas, such as education, business, and development. However, there is
ambiguity in terms of educating and promoting inclusion for indigenous groups,
particularly in the Philippines. Mandates to promote cultural preservation also present
limits to the ability of indigenous people to partake in the cultures of mainstream society.
The Ifugao, together with other indigenous tribes in the Philippines, are at a state of
disadvantage due to the discrepancies between the rights that they receive relative to the
more urbanized areas of the country. The desire to preserve the Ifugao culture and to
become inclusive in delivering equal rights and services create divided vantages that seem
to present a rift and dilemma deciding which ideology to promulgate. Apart from these
imbalances, the stance of the Ifugao regarding this matter is unclear, particularly if they
observe and follow a central principle. Given that the notion of inclusion is to
accommodate everyone regardless of “race, gender, disability, ethnicity, social class, and
religion,” it is highly imperative to provide clarity to this issue and identify what actions to
take. This study aims to understand how the Ifugao people are perceived, implemented,
and integrated. The study will also look for manifestations in three culture groups of the
Ifugao, namely the Lamut, Lagawe, and Banaue. It is important for the indigenous people
of the Philippines to clearly understand inclusion in order to be guided in accepting its
mandates without jeopardizing their cultural identity. Likewise, this study would also be
beneficial in the fields of cultural and anthropological studies, as it raises the awareness of
the current state of the Ifugao by zeroing in on the paradox between the two ideologies.
The study uses a qualitative-case study design, obtaining data through a review of
documents and policies, interviews, and observations in order to identify the current
status of both ideologies in terms of implementation, integration, and acceptance for the
Ifugao people in the Philippines.

Keywords: Indigenous People, Inclusion, Cultural Preservation, Cultural Diversity

 422
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Indigenous People of the Philippines

Indigenous people make up 5% of the world's population and control

approximately 1 quarter or 14.7 million square miles of land in 87 regions.1 The
term “indigenous peoples” (IPs) is legally defined in the Philippine Republic Act
8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), as:

“A group of people or homogeneous societies identified by self-

ascription and ascription by others, who have continuously lived as
organized community on communally bounded and defined territory,
and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial,
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common
bonds of language, customs, traditions and other distinctive cultural
traits, or who have, through resistance to political, social and cultural
inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and cultures, become
historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos.”2

The Philippines is the only country in Asia to officially and legally use the
term, “indigenous people.” As legislation, the Republic Act 8371, or the
“Indigenous Peoples Rights Act,” mandates the protection, promotion, and
fulfillment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This acceptance of IPs
recognizes four distributions of rights: the right to ancestral lands and domains; the
right to self-governance and empowerment; the right to social justice and human
rights; and the right to self-determination.3; 4 In the Philippines there are a wide
variety of cultures, amounting to 110 ethno-linguistic groups composed of
approximately 14-17 million indigenous people (IPs) spread across the country
such as in Northern Luzon (33%), Mindanao (61%) and the remaining are

1
Daley, Jason “Indigenous Peoples Manage One Quarter of the Globe, which is Good News for
Conservation” (2018). online: <https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/indigenous-people-
manage-one-quarter-globe-which-is-good-news-conservation-180969689/>
2
Republic Act No. 8371 “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act” (29 October 1997), online:
<https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8371_1997.html>
3
Asian Development Bank, “Indigenous Peoples/Ethnic Minorities and Poverty Reduction”
(2002) Pasig City, Philippines at 4
4
United Nations Development Program “Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines” (2013) Makati
City 1226 Philippines.
online:<http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/library/democratic_governance/Fa
stFacts-IPs.html> at 1
 423
Ellisiah U. Jocson

interspersed in the Visayas region, therefore such legislation as the Republic Act
9371 earmarks social and protection rights for IPs as extremely necessary.5
IP groups in the Philippines can be classified under eight (8) major groups
that are scattered among the country's three main islands, Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao. These eight (8) groups are namely: the Negrito of Luzon, the Igorot,
the Mangyan, the Ati, the Lumad, the Bajau, the tribes of Palawan, and the tribes
of Panay. Figure 1 below illustrates the geographic distribution of the groups
throughout the country and Figure 2 shows the population of IP groups in each
region of the Philippines.

Figure 1: Distribution of Major IP groups in the Philippines.6

5
Alicias, Maria Dolores “The Socially Excluded Groups in the Philippines: A Context Analysis
for the Voice Program” (2017) Hivos, Oxfam Novib, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands. at 102-103
 424
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) 1,252,962

Region I 1,039,447
Region II 1,014,955
Region III 230,270
Region IV 714,527
Region V 185,488
Region VI and VII 175,109
Region IX 993,232
Region X 1,509,436
Region XI 1,882,622
Region XII 1,447,972
Region XIII 874,456
Total 11,320,476

Figure 2: Composition of IPs in the Philippines per Region.7

IPs inhabiting Mindanao consist of the Moros and the Lumads, with the
Lumads composing of the “Bagobo of Davao del Sur, South and North Cotabato,
and Sultan Kudarat; Mansaka of Davao del Norte; Mandaya of Davao Oriental;
Subanen of the Zamboanga Peninsula; B'laan of Davao del Sur, South Cotabato,
North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat; T'boli of South Cotabato;
and Tiruray of North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.”8 IPs in the
Cordillera region are collectively referred to as the Igorot, with groups such as the
Ibaloy, Kankanaey, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, Isneg, Tinggian, and Kalanguya
residing in the provinces of Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, Mountain
Province, and Baguio City. 9 However, identifying, recognizing, and classifying
people and minorities as indigenous is unclear due to a lack in data. With the

6
Foundation for the Philippine Environment “Where are Indigenous Peoples Distributed in the
Philippines?” (n.d). online: <https://fpe.ph/research/print_mpdf/26>
7
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples “Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines” (n.d)
online: <http://www.ncipro67.com.ph/indigenous-peoples-of-the-philippines/>
8
Asian Development Bank, “Indigenous Peoples/Ethnic Minorities and Poverty Reduction ”
(2002) Pasig City, Philippines at 4
9
Alicias, Maria Dolores “The Socially Excluded Groups in the Philippines: A Context Analysis
for the Voice Program” (2017) Hivos, Oxfam Novib, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands. at 103
 425
Ellisiah U. Jocson

numbers by government agencies and regional offices presenting disaggregated

statistics, the actual population of IPs in the Philippines has yet to be clarified.10
Indigenous people in the Philippines have their own social, political, and
cultural systems which they have continuously maintained before, during, and
after the country became colonized up until this modern era.11 The history of IPs
and their experiences are riddled with discrimination, marginalization, and
victimization. The implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)
seeks to address these experiences and help alleviate the status of IPs through four
categories of rights: the right to self-governance and empowerment, the right to
self-determination, the right to social justice and human rights, and the right to
ancestral lands and domains. 12 The specific components that determine an IPs
identity such as territoriality, communal boundedness, and homogeneity are also
stated in the IPRA, 13 but the components are contested due to its generalizing
effect in contrast to the changes that is occurring to IP groups.14
This legislation seems to be failing as IPs still belong to the most
disadvantaged and poorest groups which face discrimination, exclusion and
social inequities in health, education, and human rights.15 Actions from both the
local and national government and private organizations to continuously support
and assist IPs to achieve a streamlined social and environmental protection
through sustainable development plans, land conservation programs and capacity
building programs. IPs in the Philippines are also facing marginalization from
economic and political processes, displacement and the destruction of the
traditional way of life, practices, culture, and identity, so much so that some
groups resorted to violence and took up arms, resulting in conflicts such as the 40-
year old armed conflict in Mindanao.16

10
Tebtebba “Situation of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines: Submission to the 59th Session
of CESCR” (2016) online:< http://tebtebba.org/index.php/content/383-situation-of-indigenous-
peoples-in-thephilippines-submission-to-the-59th-session-of-cescr>
11
Alicias, Maria Dolores “The Socially Excluded Groups in the Philippines: A Context Analysis
for the Voice Program” (2017) Hivos, Oxfam Novib, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands. at 102
12
Alicias, Maria Dolores “The Socially Excluded Groups in the Philippines: A Context Analysis
for the Voice Program” (2017) Hivos, Oxfam Novib, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands. at 102
13
Republic Act No. 8371, “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act” (29 October 1997)
<https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8371_1997.html>
14
Alicias, Maria Dolores “The Socially Excluded Groups in the Philippines: A Context Analysis
for the Voice Program” (2017) Hivos, Oxfam Novib, Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands. at 104
15
Ibid at 110
16
United Nations Development Program “Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines” (2013) Makati
City 1226 Philippines.
online:<http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/library/democratic_governance/Fa
stFacts-IPs.html> at 1
 426
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

2. Cultural Preservation

Culture has various definitions, such as “…something that is shared and/or learned
by a group of people, but the content of the culture varies in di fferent
definitions.”17 Culture contains a set of traits such as behavior, knowledge, ideas,
beliefs, norms, and facts. 18|19 Another definition for culture is a “community or
population sufficiently large enough to be self-sustaining, able to produce new
generations of members without relying on outside people, with a collective
thought, experiences, and patterns of behaviour and its concepts, values, and
assumptions about life that guide behaviour and how those evolve with contact
with other cultures”20, and “with each society having its own shape, purpose and
meaning expressed through different forms.”21. Hofstede classified the elements of
culture into four categories: symbols, rituals, values, and heroes22, which can be
found in espoused values, basic assumptions, and observable artifacts.23
The need to preserve one's culture is essential, particularly due to the role it
plays in preserving the identity of a specific group of people. Having a strong
sense of self identity through culture creates a larger possibility for peaceful
interactions with other cultures while also observing respect for the differences
between groups. Maintaining cultural differences is in fact not new in international
law. 24 Cultural preservation, therefore, is vital for peaceful cooperation of
civilizations. 25 Culture, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(CRC), is a responsibility that all states and countries have to carry. Accordingly,

17
Birukou, Aliaksandr, Blanzieri,Enrico, Giorgini, Paolo, Giunchiglia, Fausto “ A Formal
Definition of Culture” (n.d). DISI, University of Trento, via Sommarive 14, Povo(TN), Italy
38100 online:
<https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6b6e/052a0c179581ef48b0aa6728b2dea4432c53.pdf> at 3
18
Ibid at 3
19
Axelrod, Robert “The dissemination of culture: A model with local convergence and global
polarization” (1997) The Journal of Conflict Resolution 41(2) 203ffi226. online:
<http://users.softlab.ntua.gr/~brensham/CourseSoc/Axelrod1997.pdf> at 208
20
_______. “Defining Culture and Identities”(n.d). online:
<http://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/45974_Chapter_1.pdf> at 6
21
Williams, Raymond. “Culture is Ordinary” (1958). Convictions. online:
<http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~cfrieze/courses/Culture_definitions.pdf>
22
Birukou, Aliaksandr, Blanzieri,Enrico, Giorgini, Paolo, Giunchiglia, Fausto “ A Formal
Definition of Culture” (n.d). DISI, University of Trento, via Sommarive 14, Povo(TN), Italy
38100 online:
<https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6b6e/052a0c179581ef48b0aa6728b2dea4432c53.pdf> at 3
23
Tharp, Bruce M. “Defining “Culture” and “Organizational Culture”: From Anthropology to the
Office” (2009). online: <http://www.thercfgroup.com/files/resources/Defining-Culture-and-
Organizationa-Culture_5.pdf>
24
Kugelmann, Dieter. “The Protection of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples Respecting Cultural
Diversity” (2007) Max Planck Yearbook of United Nations Law, Volume 11, 2007. P233-263.
Koninklijke. Netherlands at 239
25
Thomas-Hoffman, Elizabeth A. “Cultural Preservation and Protection” (n.d.) online:
<http://www.mesacc.edu/~bricl07041/un/hs/culture.pdf> at 1
 427
Ellisiah U. Jocson

Articles 8, 20, and 30 of the CRC states that cultural, ethnic, religious, and
linguistic components are part of the rights of children. The obligation to preserve
a child's cultural identity in recognition of its contribution to his or her
development must be carried out by the government and other legal bodies, 26
with the obligation viewed as a form of respecting the traditions that these cultures
value. 27 The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) is the UN's main arm in protecting and preserving culture, which
includes the protection of cultural sites and artifacts, human rights, intellectual
property rights for culture-specific art and languages, development, and tolerance.
Several policies and mandates have been enacted to strengthen this prerogative,
including numerous declarations, policies, and mandates all in the pursuit of the
promotion, preservation, and protection of the cultural and developmental rights
of all people. Examples of these policies are the Declaration of the Principles of
International Cultural Co-operation (1966), the Convention Concerning the
Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1976), the UNESCO
Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice (1978), the Declaration on the
Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance Based on Religion or Belief (1981), and
the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic,
Religious and Linguistic Minorities (1992). 28 The most recent and specific
mandate is the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), which
contains 46 articles that affirm, recognize, and emphasize the rights of indigenous
people.29
However, despite these mandates and the acknowledgment of the role that
culture plays in development and especially in the development of children,
translating policies into appropriate systems of delivery and other components
continue to be a challenge for many countries. 30 Threats to cultural preservation
also persist, with forces such as modernization, socio-economic development, and

26
United Nations “Conventions on the Rights of the Child” (1989) UNICEF UK 30a Great Sutton
Street London. online: <https://downloads.unicef.org.uk/wp-
content/uploads/2010/05/UNCRC_united_nations_convention_on_the_rights_of_the_child.pdf?
_ga=2.216050582.1629100116.1531192672-1628603561.1531192672>
27
United States Department of State “2005ffi2006 Annual Report on the U.S. Ambassadors Fund
for Cultural Preservation” Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States
Department of State (2006). online: <https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/2005-6afcpannual.pdf> at 5
28
Thomas-Hoffman, Elizabeth A. “Cultural Preservation and Protection” (n.d.) online:
<http://www.mesacc.edu/~bricl07041/un/hs/culture.pdf> at 2
29
United Nations “Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (2008). online:
<http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf>
30
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “Thematic Paper
on Education and Indigenous Peoples: Priorities for Inclusive Education ” (2014) Bangkok,
Thailand. online:
<http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/68/pdf/wcip/IASG%20Thematic%20Paper_%20Education%20-
%20rev1.pdf>
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Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

migration influencing indigenous people to absorb these ideologies and systems.

Ethnic identity is in peril of being lost primarily due to rapid urbanization brought
upon by the call to synchronize all societies into the strife for a global community.
This rapid urbanization forces minority groups to undergo autopoiesis, or the
process of self-reorganization of one's own culture. The aim for social
synchronicity, therefore, might results in de-culturalization of minority groups such
as IPs.31

3. Inclusion

Human development is an important component of human existence. It entails

freedom to fully realize the potential of human life. Human development has
greatly enriched ways of life; great progress has been made in the field of human
development, such as longer life expectancies, alleviation from poverty, greater
access to basic social services, and, generally, the removal of human deprivations.
Yet, not everyone has been reached by this progress.32 Efforts are being made to
reach the unreachable in order to attain universality. But, the question remains,
how can progress development offer a consolidated approach towards a highly
diverse world?
With the existing differences between people and social groups, it is often
wondered what is the most effective approach to take regarding the reception of
components that are deemed to be humanely just. Social groups that share
commonalities are often categorized into majorities and minorities, but this
categorization remains unclear due to the lack of a cohesive definition for the term
“minority.”33 Straying away from what a large group practices and implements,
such as having a different culture, can lead to discrimination and suppression
because that specific minority, through the eyes of a majority, is seen as different
or deviant. Social definitions of deviancy apply to persons or individuals that are
seen as significantly different, and the difference is valued negatively. 34 It must be
pointed out that it is society itself that determines who is deviant, with various
standards being used as the determinant of who is different and who is not. Its
implications to how one perceives a specific culture is enormous, and with the rich

31
Goda, Toh. “Urbanization and Formation of Ethnicity in Southeast Asia ” (2009) New Day
Publishers. Quezon City, Philippines
32
United Nations Development Program “Human Development Report 2016: Human
Development for Everyone” (2016) 1 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 USA at iii
33
Kugelmann, Dieter. “The Protection of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples Respecting Cultural
Diversity” (2007) Max Planck Yearbook of United Nations Law, Volume 11, 2007. P233-263.
Koninklijke. Netherlands at 237
34
Wolfsenberger, Wolf P., Nirjie, Bengt, Olshansky, Simon, Perske, Robert, Roos, Philip. “ The
Principle of Normalization in Human Services.Books: Wofsenberger Collection 1 ” (1972)
National Institute on Mental Retardation. online:
<http://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/wolf_books/1> at 13
 429
Ellisiah U. Jocson

diversity of groups and cultures, many are bound to become deviant through the
multitude of lenses seeking a standard way of life.
Normalization, or the “utilization of means which are as culturally normative
as possible in order to maintain and/or establish personal behavior and
characteristics, which are as culturally normative as possible” 35 is an effort to
uphold the rights of an individual who is viewed to be deviant. Initially focused on
persons with disabilities, this principle has progressed and evolved into the
principle of inclusion. This principle stems from the Salamanca Statement, a
cohesive stand of 92 governments in order to deliver equal rights for people with
disabilities. Inclusion seeks to accommodate all children regardless of physical,
intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic, or other conditions, as well as children
belonging to ethnic or cultural minorities and children from marginalized or
disadvantaged groups.36 Inclusion is a humanistic approach which emphasizes the
increased participation in education,the value of all students, and acknowledges
37
their right to education.
Since then, inclusion has been adapted by other fields and sectors apart from
education. Inclusive Development became an area of focus for many sectors, such
as businesses or social work. With the UNDRIP acting as a legislative support for
these developments, inclusive development of indigenous peoples is now
supported by numerous organizations. For instance, the International Labour
Organization (ILO) implemented a development program entitled Interregional
Programme to Support Self-Reliance of Indigenous and Tribal Communities
through Cooperatives and Other Self-help Organizations or INDISCO. 38 This
development program is run by a community-driven, participatory approach
aimed to preserve and promote indigenous culture, opportunities for income and
employment, gender equality, and protection and rehabilitation of the
environment and natural resources. The project involved two indigenous
communities in the Cordillera, four in Mindanao, two in Occidental Mindoro and
one in Zambales. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also
implemented programs such as the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants
Programme (GEF-SGP) that seek to promote biodiversity conservation, protect
international waters from environmental impacts, and reduce the emission of

35
Wolfsenberger, Wolf P., Nirjie, Bengt, Olshansky, Simon, Perske, Robert, Roos, Philip. “ The
Principle of Normalization in Human Services.Books: Wofsenberger Collection 1” (1972)
National Institute on Mental Retardation. online:
<http://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/wolf_books/1> at 28
36
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “The Salamanca
Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education” (1994) Paris, France.
online: <http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0009/000984/098427eo.pdf> at 6
37
Booth, Tony and Ainscow, Mel “Index to Inclusion: Developing Learning and Participation in
Schools” (2002) Center for Studies in Inclusive Education. at 3
38
International Labour Organization “Interregional Programme to Support Self-Reliance of
Indigenous and Tribal Communities through Cooperatives and Other Self-help Organizations”
(2007). online: <http://www.ilo.org/manila/projects/WCMS_125280/lang--en/index.htm>
 430
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

greenhouse gases. These have been translated into projects that involve NGOs
and IPs. The Philippine-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) seeks
to raise the living standards of poor and marginalized Filipinos with projects in
agricultural development and environmental management which involve
indigenous peoples. The World Bank has also included IPs in its operations, such
as with bank projects that allow IPs to be implemented through their Operational
Directive 4.20. The World Bank initiatives account for a total of 24 projects in the
Philippines. Local organizations also conduct projects where IPs live. These
projects deal in education, agrarian reform, water, finance, and other areas of
development.39
The acceptance and implementation of these mandates, legislations, and
projects are beneficial for IPs, particularly because it aims to equalize their status
in rights-reception by promoting what is currently being advocated in the
mainstream society, thereby including IPs and emphasizing universality. However,
this approach raises the question, “if a specific culture seems lacking in one of the
components proposed by the convention, or if one or more of the rights are
unobserved by a group, yet it is the norm of their culture, should there be
intervention?” The concept of cultural relativism, the idea that human values vary
with different cultural perspectives, should be regarded in the pursuit to promote
universal human rights.40 This is especially true for indigenous people. UNDRIP's
articles use terminologies that emphasizes the importance of the decision of IP
groups in terms of partaking in the tenets of mainstream society. The use of the
process of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) aims to address this concern.
However, despite garnering consent, IPs are still subjected to making decisions
that might result in difficulties in the long term, especially when a general
provision or policy is espoused.

II. THE PEOPLE OF IFUGAO

The word “Ifugao” stems from “pugaw,” meaning “earthworld,” which is believed
to be the habitat of humans and various groups of earth spirits in Ifugao
mythology. The Ifugao province is established under the Philippine Republic Act
4695 of 1966, dividing the old Mountain Province into four provinces: Benguet,
Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, and Mt. Province or Bontoc. 41 Ifugao is generally a
mountainous area, located in the southeastern section of the Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR) in Northern Luzon, the largest of the islands in the

39
Asian Development Bank, “Indigenous Peoples/Ethnic Minorities and Poverty Reduction ”
(2002) Pasig City, Philippines at 45
40
Thomas-Hoffman, Elizabeth A. “Cultural Preservation and Protection” (n.d.) online:
<http://www.mesacc.edu/~bricl07041/un/hs/culture.pdf> at 4
41
Dulawan, Manuel. “The Ifugao” (2006). National Commission on Culture and the Arts,
Philippines. at 1
 431
Ellisiah U. Jocson

Philippines. The province spans an area of 3,500 square kilometres, which

currently holds a total population of 202,802 people.42
The Ifugao have established their community, which is composed of 12-30
houses in the Cordillera region 43 sharing the area with other IPs such as the
Tingguian, Isneg, Bontok, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Ibanag, and Kalinga. 44 Together
with the Bontok, the Ifugao are regarded as cultivators of the Proto-Malayan rice
field terrace45, and they rely on agriculture as their main source of living. Based
on their mythical stories, the Ifuago ancestors came from the descendants of the
Kabunyan deities, Wigan and Bugun, who migrated to Pugaw, the place where
only earth spirits and deer lived.46 Their first settlement was set at a place near the
bank of the Ibalao River in Kiangan on the side opposite of the present town,
Lagawe. When a great flood submerged the whole Pugao, only two of their
children survived, making them agree to be husband and wife and populate the
Pugao again. Aside from the mythical story, there are other theories of the origin
of the Ifugao including those by Beyer, Keesing, and Barton. Cited by oral literary
and linguistic proofs, Dulawan is convinced that, centuries ago, people from the
Ilocos moved from their region to the Cordillera mountain region, while people
from the Tadian-Bauko area in Western Mt. Province also did the same. Through
the years, descendants of these migrating people populated the whole Ifugao. The
population of Ifugao was affected over time by epidemics of dysentery and
malaria, as well as the war between the Japanese and the Fil-American forces.
The Ifugao are composed of two distinct ethnic subgroups, the Ayangan and the
Tuwali. They are divided based on the difference in dialects, the Ayangan dialect
and the Tuwali medium, as well as through their customs and costumes. Tuwali
have their own chants called alim and hudhud which the Ayangan do not have.
Their costumes differ in design and color schemes. At present, the majority of the
Ifugao people belong to the Ayangan. In the search for better economic
opportunities, families from the Ifugao migrated to the lowlands while migrants
from Ilocos and Kalinga inhabited the Ifugao region which affected the population

42
Philippine Statistics Authority “Ifugao Quickstat” (2018) online:
<https://psa.gov.ph/content/ifugao-quickstat-june-2018>
43
Ethnic Groups of the Philippines “Ifugao Amganad” (2011). online:
<http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/people/ethnic-groups-in-the-philippines/ifugao-
amganad/>
44
Goda, Toh “Cordillera: Diversity in Culture Change” (2001). New Day Publishers. Quezon
City at 1
45
Ibid. at 1
46
Dulawan, Manuel. “The Ifugao” (2006). National Commission on Culture and the Arts,
Philippines. at 2
 432
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

of the area, 47 resulting to intermarriage between the Ifugaos and Ilocanos, the
native dwellers of the Ilocos region of the Philippines.48
Looking at the Ifugao's culture, traditions, past behavior, and lives as a socio-
cultural group, traditions such as myths, chants, genealogies, and other forms of
folklore are passed on orally due to absence of a writing system. 49 Early writings
about the Ifugao were mostly produced by Spaniards, whose main intentions were
to build their military bases in the area and put the Ifugao under their rule.
However, the Ifugao rejected these, leading to a revolt. This revolt led the Ifugao
to be known as “headhunters.” 50 Efforts were made to pacify the Ifugao
throughout the years.51
Economically, the Ifugao deal in agriculture, particularly in rice, fruits (such
as bananas and pomelos), and coffee products from Lagawe, Lamut, Kiangan,
and Asipulo. Progress in the area has boosted the influx of tourists and prompted
the establishment of business institutions being put in demand, such as lodging
52
houses, restaurants and eateries. These establishments and systems greatly affect
the Ifugao people. The developments that are progressively built put pressures on
the Ifugao, and the documented history of the pressures they face from modern
“civilization” is positioned negatively. Standardized school books and the
influences of foreign indoctrination are impeding the Ifugao from upholding their
rich heritage. The call for a “uniform pedagogy” unwittingly forces the Ifugao to
adopt the ways of the dominant Filipino culture. To ameliorate the forced
transformations and neglects that the Ifugao have experienced, it is necessary to
preserve the rituals, histories, and culture of these people along with other
indigenous groups. 53 Currently, the Ifugao have already faced the threats of
modernization and globalization. The cultural brainwashing and its effects on the
Ifugao youth have been “traumatic, sad and painful,” with most of the Ifugao
becoming strangers to their ancestral traditions and values due to their adaptation
and adoption of influences from standardized schooling and other religions. These
influences condition them into believing that anything that originates from the

47
Dulawan, Manuel. “The Ifugao” (2006). National Commission on Culture and the Arts,
Philippines. at 1-4
48
Interviewed members of the Ayangan and Tuwali tribes from Banaue, Lamut and Lagawe
areas.
49
Ibid, at 5
50
Ibid, at 9
51
Ibid, at 12
52
Ibid, at 22
53
Amores, Analyn, Enkiwe-Abayao, Leah, Martin, Marlon, Tolentino, Delfin “Ifugao: People of
the Earth”(2017). ArtPostAsia & Aboitiz Group of Companies. Philippines
 433
Ellisiah U. Jocson

Ifugao culture is “not good or inferior.”54 Such loss of appreciation posits a highly
dangerous position for the existence of the culture, its traditions and practices. 55

III. CULTURAL PRESERVATION IN IFUGAO

The Ifugao culture, being rich and colorful in terms of their tangible and
intangible heritage, is safeguarded, conserved, and protected through the policies
under the IPRA and sustained through local policies and ordinances. These
policies and ordinances include the Provincial Ordinance No. 2013-22, “An
Ordinance Enacting the Ifugao Cultural Code.” The main purpose of this
ordinance is to preserve and promote cultural heritage through establishing and
strengthening institutions such as museums, preserving relics, buildings and
historical landmarks. Another method of preserving cultural heritage is by
promoting the cultural resources, as well as protecting the Ifugao's ownership and
custody of each of their community's culture. The efforts of this Provincial
Ordinance involve their provincial government in creating programs that enable
the cultural transmission and education to the younger generations through the
restoration of their own languages and orthographies, which allows them to take
control over the cultural research and cultural heritage. There are also other
provisions in the cultural code which include the creation of a policy making
body, the Ifugao Provincial Council for Cultural Heritage, to ensure the
implementation of the programs, and the establishment of the Ifugao Registry of
56
Cultural Properties where all the cultural properties will be listed.
The Provincial Ordinance No. 2013-22 mandates the incorporation of the
Ifugao heritage studies in formal and non- formal education systems in the
province is given significance to ensure the transmission of the traditions. 57 In the
primary school years, through the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education
(MTB-MLE), 58 the Ifugao language is used, together with the Ilocano language, in
teaching their basic subjects. Traditions such as cultural dances, music, and rites
are also discussed in the Social Studies education. They also have a cultural fair in

54
Dulawan, Manuel. “The Ifugao” (2006). National Commission on Culture and the Arts,
Philippines.
55
Dulawan, Manuel. “Ifugao: A sociocultural and Political History” (n.d.) National Commision
for Culture and the Arts. Manila, Philippines
56
Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) “2014 State of Conservation Report: Rice Terraces of
the Philippine Cordilleras. (2014) Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office & Philippine National
Commission for UNESCO at 8-9
57
Ibid, at 9
58
Metila, Romylyn., Pradilla, Lea Angela., & Williams, Alan. “Investigating best practice in
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in the Philippines, Phase 2 progress
report: Patterns of challenges and strategies in the implementation of mother tongue as
medium of instruction in the early years: A nationwide study” (2016). Australian Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade and Philippine Department of Education. Melbourne and Manila:
Assessment, Curriculum and Technology Research Centre (ACTRC) at 9
 434
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

school in which they wear the costume of the tribe to which they belong. 59
Indigenous games, such as “bultung,” where children also wear the traditional
costume “bahag,” 60 are also played in their Physical Education classes. 61 During
special occasions, children and youth also dance the traditional dance, “cañao,”
which they dance to music played using “gadang” or gongs.62
Other efforts, such as conducting festivals called Gotad Ad Ifugao, are done
annually in order to showcase the rich culture of the Ifugao. “Munpaot”
(woodcarving), “bultung” (wrestling). “tayo” (native dance), “hudhud” (chanting),
and other indigenous practices are presented during the weeklong festival which
pushes for inclusive growth anchored in their culture and tourism. 63 One of their
valued properties that promotes tourism is the Rice Terraces. Heralded as one of
the Eight Wonders of the World, declared a National Treasure in the Philippine
Presidential Decrees (PD) 260 of 1973 and PD 1505 of 1978, and protected under
the Republic Act No 10066 of 2010. The Rice Terraces are protected and
managed by the Ifugao community through the Ifugao Terraces Commission. Yet,
even this feature is exposed to threats, and it was listed in World Heritage in
Danger in 2001 and has continuously been addressed by the provincial
government of Ifugao.64
In addition to the degradation of the Rice Terraces, the population of the
Ifugao people working in their farms faces reductions directly due to its youth
leaving the traditional way of the Ifugao in pursuit of better opportunities in the
cities.65 With the younger generation endeavoring to support their family's needs,
they have opted to study in universities in the cities and the lowlands, ultimately
influencing their decision to leave behind the ways of their people and stay in the
metro.66 This migration affects the further degradation of the Ifugao traditions due
to the gap that it presents in between generations. One of the salient traits of the
Ifugao culture is their extensive knowledge of genealogies, wherein their men and

59
Interviewed youth belonging to the Tuwali tribe in Banaue.
60
Malingan, Jamie Joie. “Gotad Ad Ifugao fosters development anchored on Culture and
Tourism” (2018) Philippine Information Agency. online:
<http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009325>
61
Interviewed a Pastor from the lowlands who attended primary school in Ifugao
62
Interviewed an Ayangan tribe member serving as an employee in the Community Livelihood
Center in Lamut
63
Malingan, Jamie Joie. “Gotad Ad Ifugao fosters development anchored on Culture and
Tourism” (2018) Philippine Information Agency. online:
<http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009325>
64
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “Rice Terraces
of the Philippine Cordilleras” (n.d.) online <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/722>
65
Malingan, Jamie Joie. “Gotad Ad Ifugao fosters development anchored on Culture and
Tourism” (2018) Philippine Information Agency. online:
<http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009325>
66
Interviewed youth belonging to the Tuwali tribe in Banaue.
 435
Ellisiah U. Jocson

women can recite the long list of names of their ancestors and family members.67
Comparing the Ifugao people who were born in the 50s and the younger
generation born in the 90s, the latter lacks the ability to recall their family
members and distant relatives from the tribe.68
While education, exposure to the city lives, and economic opportunities are
the major factors of the degradation of the Ifugao heritage, younger generations
have changed their traditions and often are not aware of what their ancestors
practiced due to the promulgation of Christianity.69 According to history, most of
the Ifugao rites are based on paganism, such as their beliefs in deities and evil
spirits and how they affect the health, lives, and fortune of the Ifugao. 70
Nowadays, most of the Ifugao are Christian. However, some of them, especially
the older generations, are still practicing some of the old rituals like “buni” or
“funi” which refers to a withcraft ritual 71 that involves sacrificing pigs and chickens
to their deities in order to heal the sick, to curse a person, to exact vengeance, or
to counteract ”funi” inflicted against them. Some Ifugao practice “funi” to honor
72
their ancestors or give thanks to the Christian Lord. Present generations refer to
the rites of sacrificing animals for different occasions by the generic term, “buni.”73
It is written in historical and anthropological accounts but can also be derived
from one of the deities Buni' ad Lagud. Unknown to most of the present
generations, Ifugao rites that involve butchering of animals differ in names
depending on the intentions of the butcher.74 However, younger generations view
this kind of ritual as impractical, because the high cost involved in order to have
pigs and chicken served.75 Another ritual that is viewed negatively by the present
generation is called the “bogwa,” or the death ritual, which involves the cleansing
of the bones, wrapping them in blankets, and keeping them in their homes. 76
While most of their rites are forgotten, the Ifugao still give importance to the good
traditions that they have such as “baddang,” wherein people from the community
help one another during harvest and the “imbango,” or the engagement, wherein

67
Medina, Carlos “CICM Missionaries and Indigenous Filipinos” (2000) St. Louis University.
Cordillera Research and Development Foundation Inc. Baguio City, Philippines at 14
68
Interviewed youth belonging to the Ayangan tribe in Lamut.
69
Interviewed youth belonging to the Tuwali and Ayangan tribes in Banaue and Lamut.
70
Medina, Carlos “CICM Missionaries and Indigenous Filipinos” (2000) St. Louis University.
Cordillera Research and Development Foundation Inc. Baguio City, Philippines at 16
71
Goda, Toh “Cordillera: Diversity in Culture Change” (2001). New Day Publishers. Quezon
City at 86-129
72
Interviewed a Pastor of the who have visited different Ifugao communities
73
Goda, Toh “Cordillera: Diversity in Culture Change” (2001). New Day Publishers. Quezon
City at 86-129
74
Medina, Carlos “CICM Missionaries and Indigenous Filipinos” (2000) St. Louis University.
Cordillera Research and Development Foundation Inc. Baguio City, Philippines at 24
75
Interviewed youth belonging to the Tuwali and Ayangan tribes in Banaue and Lamut.
76
Dulawan, Manuel. “The Ifugao” (2006). National Commission on Culture and the Arts,
Philippines. at 20
 436
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

a man who has plans of marrying a woman will give a pig as a gift to the family
and will serve it as a symbol of his true intention to marry the woman. 77 This
exhibits a figment of how the Ifugao practice self-determination but to a lesser
extent due to the influences of modern society.78

IV. INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN IFUGAO

Tourism has become one of the Ifugao's primary sources of living. Modern
establishments, such as hotels and lodging houses, are now scattered in the Ifugao
area. The diminishing interest in the agricultural prowess of the area is becoming
a problem. Even in farming, the use of newer machineries and farming methods
have allowed the Ifugao to set aside their traditional ways and focus on attaining a
status at par with those living in the lowlands and the cities.79 To discourage the
flight of the younger generations from the traditions of the Ifugao, the Provincial
government increased their support towards the Ifugao by sustaining their
economic viability and tourism activities. 80 Support mechanisms from social
services have also reached the Ifugao. In terms of finance, those belonging in the
lower socio-economic classes are given access to government programs and
projects in accordance to their rights stated in the IPRA. The Department of
Social Work and Development (DSWD) also implements the Conditional Cash
Transfer (CCT) program, locally known as the Pantawid Pamilya Program (4Ps) to
combat poverty through social assistance for the people of Ifugao. These initiatives
come in the form of cash assistance, social development, and human capital
investments. 8182 Access to health services, despite being in a state of lax, is still
present. In the Banaue area, the Good News Hospital is the single hospital
catering for the entire community. For the locals, this hospital is known in the
satirical expression: “Nu naka ospital ka Good News!” (You need hospitalization?
That's Good News!) 83 Despite the humor, the residents mentioned that the
hospital lacks equipment and is not fairly accessible, especially for residents in the
low-lying Barangay of Poitan. To get to the hospital, it requires travelling via a trek
77
Interviewed members of the Ayangan and Tuwali tribes from Banaue, Lamut and Lagawe
areas.
78
Solang, Benedict “On Defining Regional Autonomy for the Cordillera” (2011). Cordillera
Peoples Alliance. Philippines. at 1
79
Interviewed members of the Ayangan tribe from Banaue.
80
Malingan, Jamie Joie. “Gotad Ad Ifugao fosters development anchored on Culture and
Tourism” (2018) Philippine Information Agency. online:
<http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009325>
81
Reyes, Celia M., Tabuga, Aubrey D. “Conditional Cash Transfer Program in the Philippines:
Is it reaching the extremely poor?” (2012). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. 5th
Floor, NEDA sa Makati Building, 106 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City,
Philippines. online: <https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps1242.pdf> at 2-3
82
Interviewed members of the AyanganI and Tuwali tribe from Banaue, Lamut and Lagawe
areas.
83
Ibid
 437
Ellisiah U. Jocson

for 1 hour by foot, using steep foot paths which are only 2 feet in width, located
right beside a ravine with no railings. Pharmacies are rampant in the area, and in
the interview the respondents mentioned that they have access of healthcare by
means of the 4Ps, but it is the lack of the healthcare centers that remains a
problem.84
Upon observation, the area of the Ifugao have numerous elementary schools
and day care centers within 3 to 6 kilometers of each other. Tertiary education is
also available at the Ifugao State University in Lamut and Lagawe. Many Ifugao
youths are also attending the University of Nueva Viscaya, a province right beside
Ifugao.85
Agriculture remains part of the primary sources of income for the people of
Ifugao, and, throughout the years, other sources such as wood crafting and
tourism became part of their economy. However, over the years the Ifugao Rice
Terraces have been damaged, eroded, and abandoned, with 500 hectares of the
86
land needing rehabilitation. Having been introduced to other income-generating
87
means, the Ifugao are also subjected to price hikes in materials and resources.
Their products are sold in various stores, but they have also constructed a
Provincial Livelihood Center in Lamut that sells the handicrafts and woven items
to tourists. This establishment is also managed by members from the Ayangan
tribe as part of their cooperative operations.
Religious institutions have also actively influenced the Ifugao. Alternative
belief systems geared towards Christianity have encouraged the members of the
Ayangan and Tuwali to abandon some of their old beliefs and adopt the Christian
way of life. An emphasis is given in the reduction and total removal of “buni,” or
their ritual of witchcraft, which is deemed to be dually problematic due to its high
costs (pigs and livestock are slaughtered in order to feed the entire
tribe/community, which will sometimes continue for days) and paganist leanings,
as well as “bogwa” (removal of the dead relatives from the graves and placing
them inside the house). The organizations, however, also encourage traditions that
foster good relations, such as the “baddang,” and the “imbango.” 88 The impacts
of religion are not limited to the reduction of certain traditions and practices. In
the case of the Ifugao, the interplay of cultural and religious influences allows the
notion of the Ifugao being “uncivilized” to dissipate.
The efforts to help and include IPs in the Phillipines have fostered support
from various organizations. The government programs which seek to help and
equalize IPs' capabilities and status have already permeated the structures of IP

84
Interviewed members of the AyanganI and Tuwali tribe from Banaue
85
Interviewed AyanganI and Tuwali youth from Banaue and Lamut areas.
86
Rocamora, Joyce Ann L. ”DOT to Rehabilitate Banaue Rice Terraces” (2018). Philippine TV
News. online: <https://www.ptvnews.ph/dot-rehabilitate-banaue-rice-terraces/>
87
Interviewed an Ayangan woodcraftsman from Banaue.
88
Interviewed a pastor and members of the AyanganI and Tuwali tribe from Banaue, Lamut and
Lagawe areas.
 438
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

communities, as evidenced by the presence of establishments and businesses,

particularly hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, variety stores, etc. Pertinent programs
that are targeting the poorer IPs such as the Conditional Cash Transfer Program
(CCT) have also been delivered. However, some of these programs invoke
difficulties in terms of being culturally adequate. The CCT fails to address
geographical remoteness, cultural and language needs, and the lack of health and
educational infrastructures that offer culturally appropriate services in IP
communities. The Department of Health, on the other hand, issued a “No Home-
Birthing Policy” that penalizes traditional birthing practices and women who give
birth at home. With the lack of basic social services and accessibility to health
centers, IPs are subjected to additional burdens. Promoting the cultures of IPs is
supported through the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) of the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts, yet it is open to misrepresentation as it is
not under the control of IPs themselves. In terms of education, factors such as
remoteness, poverty, costs, and discrimination affect most IPs. In land rights, the
government issues land titles for their ancestral lands but encounters problems
due to slow registrations with other government agencies. 89

V. CONCLUSION

The idea of cultural preservation, anchored in the need to conserve and protect
the culture of a specific social group and to safeguard their identity and status, is
greatly beneficial in a multicultural society such as the Philippines. The
archipelagic structure of the country is reflected by the society residing in it. The
Philippine nation is one that is made diverse by unique differences and various
cultures that exist within the country. The mandates of inclusion or the removal of
the barriers that divide the society seem to counteract the mandates of cultural
preservation that seek to preserve the identity of a specific cultural group. In an
effort to bolster the connectedness of every individual through an equitable access
to rights and privileges, as well as acceptance, the seemingly competing ideas and
their effects are clearly not competing but overlapping.
In the era of rapid urbanization and modernization, the Ifugao, having a
different way of life, culture, beliefs, and identity, is affected positively and
negatively. The adoption of an inclusive development approach directly and
indirectly affects the people of Ifugao. Previous studies suggest that, aside from
influencing the youth of the Ifugao to abandon the traditional ways of their
people, education and the facets of modernization such as technology, better
paying jobs, and the alleviation from poverty sparked the interest and enthusiasm

89
Tebtebba “Situation of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines: Submission to the 59th Session
of CESCR” (2016) online:< http://tebtebba.org/index.php/content/383-situation-of-indigenous-
peoples-in-thephilippines-submission-to-the-59th-session-of-cescr>
 439
Ellisiah U. Jocson

of Ifugao youth. Rituals and other traditions are at peril of being lost90 taking the
precious Ifugao identity along with it. The findings of this research clearly show
how the Ifugao culture is gradually being reduced in value with the youth showing
disinterest in propagating their traditions reflected by the choice to move to the
lowlands and cities, and the efforts of government agencies to reignite it. Even the
main feature of the Ifugao, the Banaue Rice terraces, is in danger of damage and
degradation.91
However, limiting the participation of the Ifugao in the various components of
modern society counteracts the provisions given to them by local and
international laws and mandates. The overlap begins when the inequalities and
exclusions that are addressed, through UNDRIP and IPRA, find it difficult to
complement with inclusion. The articles contained in UNDRIP ambiguously
express the difference in valuation of “self-determination” and “cultural
preservation.” The right to pursue a life which a person deems that he or she is
entitled to cannot be removed from him or her. However, the responsibility to
protect a culture, to which that person belongs to, must be upheld, otherwise the
identity of that culture is lost. If a person chooses to adhere more to the principle
of self-determination than cultural preservation, should a legal body enact punitive
action? In Article 1 of UNDRIP, IPs are entitled to the right to full enjoyment of
all fundamental freedoms.92 Shouldn't it also entail the freedom to be free from
influences that may negatively affect their culture? In the case of the Ifugao, the
influences of modern society greatly affect how their youth thinks 93 which leads to
the reduction of the pride that they have in their cultural identity. 94
This is a dilemma that must be immediately addressed. These ideals must be
reconciled and the implementation clarified. Truly, indigenous people are
unwittingly becoming forced to adapt to the ways of the majority. It is an injustice
for the ethnic minorities to undergo this struggle in our strife to create an inclusive
society and build social synchronization. Care, therefore, must be taken in
enforcing ideals. Despite a positive intent, its underlying effects might be a

90
Martin, Victor. ” Ifugaos' Unique Ritual for the Dead Vanishing ” (2017) The Philippine Star.
online: <https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/11/01/1754835/ifugaos-unique-ritual-dead-
vanishing>
91
Rocamora, Joyce Ann L. ”DOT to Rehabilitate Banaue Rice Terraces” (2018). Philippine TV
News. online: <https://www.ptvnews.ph/dot-rehabilitate-banaue-rice-terraces/>
92
United Nations “Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (2008). online:
<http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf>
93
Malingan, Jamie Joie. “Gotad Ad Ifugao fosters development anchored on Culture and
Tourism” (2018) Philippine Information Agency. online:
<http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009325>
94
Dulawan, Manuel. “Ifugao: A sociocultural and Political History” (n.d.) National Commision
for Culture and the Arts. Manila, Philippines
 440
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

negative one. The need to practice cultural relativism is integral and therefore
should be enforced.95

VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

The effort to create a truly global community must include the process of
consulting the ethnic minorities and indigenous people, and the effort must be
constantly revised so as to streamline their inclusion. This ensures that these
communities are represented, their rights are observed, and that all possibilities
are explored. We must also consider revising the approaches that are employed in
pursuing an inclusive society, because, as it is now, it suggests a one-sided
mentality. The current approaches are, directly or indirectly, forcing the
indigenous people to transform themselves to absorb different ways in order to fit
into the majority. A truly inclusive society should address all differences and come
up with solutions that can level and address these differences, equally and
equitably, in a manner that is culturally sensitive and accommodating.
The intentions of the mainstream society should be reflected upon. Helping
IPs by bringing them the benefits that the mainstream society should not in any
way corrupt the community's ideals, traditions and cultural identities. Similarly,
the views of IPs being inferior or impractical should be diminished. The stance
should be firm: protect and uphold the traditions of IPs for all are one people, and
they are no less of a person. A truly inclusive approach will carefully adapt to the
diverse needs of its intended recipients.

Given the statements above, the following are therefore recommended:

Practice inclusion under the framework of cultural relativism to ensure that

each step in the implementation of inclusive programs is taken with careful
consideration for the sensitive but pertinent topics of indigenous culture and
traditions. Inclusion should, therefore, accommodate culture through awareness
and immersion programs which should be taught in schools. For understanding to
occur, it is recommended to subscribe to an adequate philosophical view.
Emphatic understanding can be fostered through philosophical views such as:

“Culture is bound by the people who subscribe to it, by the land that
hosts and the traditions that it harnesses and passes on; therefore, as
citizens of a nation, all is bound by the culture the country that they
reside in, however different from each other we may be. Hence, we
should forego of the divisive views that we harbor.”

95
Thomas-Hoffman, Elizabeth A. “Cultural Preservation and Protection” (n.d.) online:
<http://www.mesacc.edu/~bricl07041/un/hs/culture.pdf> at 4
 441
Ellisiah U. Jocson

1. For the Philippine Government

For a developing country like the Philippines, it is crucial to garner the support of
every citizen in the pursuit of sustainable development. The Phillipine's
multicultural society should therefore place an equally important emphasis on IPs
in the efforts toward the country's development. In order to do so, the Indigenous
People's Rights Act (IPRA) should be revised and added upon. Considering its
current scope, the act should be broadened to accommodate actions that will
boost the identity of IPs and raise it on equal terms with the mainstream society.
Provisions that tackle issues such as the protection of indigenous people's
knowledge, systems and practices (IKSPs), the protection from exploitation
brought by armed conflicts, discrimination, prejudice, and lack of opportunities
for growth in IP areas together with penalties and punitive actions towards
offenders must be created through consultation and dialogue with IP
communities.
The Ifugao are further marginalized by poverty and social exclusion.
Diminish their need to resort to the Conditional Cash Transfer Program (4Ps) by
building the capabilities of the Ifugao and focusing on traditional means of living
such as agriculture and woodworking by deputizing specific sections of the
government to help IPs to not simply become productive members of society but
also respected. Upgrade the Provincial Livelihood Center into a stronger
organization, acting as both supplier of the products of the Ifugao but also as an
advocate seeking to preserve the culture of the area and supports their economic
needs. The country should strengthen the agriculture sector to enrich the
deteriorating interest of the Ifugao youth towards agriculture and agriculture-based
jobs. A strong agriculture sector can garner enough traction to propagate farmers
which will enable agriculture-based societies such as the Ifugao to maintain their
traditions. Encourage the Ifugao youth to study agriculture and related fields, as
well as cultural protection, promotion, and conservation in order to rectify the
effect of external influences on them. These should be tackled by respective
agencies through a revised framework and plan of action, deputizing them to
implement programs and take punitive actions towards offenders and violators.
The Philippine Government should enforce this plan through legislations and
ordinances and see to its completion.
Apart from capacity building, the mainstream society can also help by
employing systems where IPs are represented in sectors of society (i.e. a specific
percentage of a company's workforce should be composed of IPs and be allowed
to maintain and practice their culture in the context of being a company
employee) to reduce the need to classify a specific social group as ethnic, as a
minority or as a majority, with geographical, cultural, and other differences
rendered moot. In summary, aim for sustainable development using both
inclusion and cultural preservation as a framework, ensuring that the overlaps are
 442
Inclusion and Cultural Preservation for the Ifugao People

removed and that all barriers, particularly disproportionality in rights reception

and privileges and quality of services, are reduced if not utterly diminished.

2. For Education

Promoting an equitable form of education involving a systematic identification

and needs assessment is more important than focusing on majorities and
minorities in addressing the growing disparity. Establish pride in indigenous
culture especially in those who do not belong to a specific tribe or IP group
through an overhaul of existing policies and ordinances. A Cultural Enrichment
program that fosters the acceptance of a culture through a constant valuation and
promotion, utterance, and showcasing can help alleviate the “inferior” status of the
Ifugao culture. Emphatic understanding is the key in removing prejudices and
barriers. Aside from the festivities, programs that boost the pride and
understanding of each IP culture should be included in the national curriculum.
That being said, the implementation of the Mother-Tongue Based, Multilingual
Education (MTB-MLE) should be continued.
Teachers should act as the primary enforcing agents in cultural preservation.
As the front liners in the education of the youth, teachers should revalue the
appreciation of IP cultures and traditions through their lessons and activities.
Implement and observe a “Cultural Month” where students all over the nation are
regaled with the various cultures and practices of Phillipine indigenous people, to
eliminate the atmosphere of ambiguity and familiarize the youth with the various
cultures and ethno-linguistic groups in the country. This may include
celebrations, discussions, dialogues, or immersions in IP communities to foster
inclusion in the context of preserving cultural identity. And, lastly, improve the
conditions of the schools, universities, and colleges in Ifugao, which must include
scholarships and other benefits to indigenous students to reduce the need of IPs to
migrate to the lowlands and cities just to attain primary to tertiary education.
Finally, endorse and implement the creation of a culturally appropriate structure,
curriculum and programs.

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Ellisiah U. Jocson

Ellisiah U. Jocson is an advocate of the educational needs of institutionalized

children and people with disabilities. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in
education major in special education from Far Eastern University and is currently
pursuing his Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of the
Philippines. A special education teacher and a behavior therapist by profession,
he finds time to volunteer to organizations that cater to special children such as
Virlanie Foundation Inc., Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc., and Tahan Tahanan
Halfway Home. At present, he serves as the managing director of OneLife
Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization seeking to establish communities for
people with disabilities.

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