Land is life…ancestral land and indigenous socio political systems…self-determination…bodong/peace pact..ayew..tapis. These concepts and slogans, seen especially during October being Indigenous Peoples’ month, embody our indigenous peoples’ identity.
But even before it was fashionable to speak of “Traditional or Indigenous Knowledge (TK/IK),” as popularized in the international arena, the militant Cordillera mass movement has been in the forefront of research, promotion and actual use of Indigenous Knowledge to further the people’s interest. The basic campaign of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) on Indigenous Peoples Rights (IPR) since the early 1980’s, and its long running campaign on Defense of land, Life and Resources (DLLR), since early 1990s are concrete manifestations.
To further strengthen unity on understanding of TK/IK/ and the Cordillera mass movement, a Study Conference was held last September 24-25 in Baguio City. This was attended by more than 50 participants from NGO’s, elders, urban poor, teachers, church workers, youth and students, peasants, health workers and some members of the academe and government employees.
The Cordillera People's Alliance and the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera held the activity for greater clarity and unity on the topic among their networks of NGO’s and People’s Organizations (PO’s). They shared experiences, gains, and lessons in upholding – nurture- and advancement of Cordillera indigenous peoples’ TK/IK/ . The Study Conference also served as an opportunity for actual transfer of knowledge from the sharing of Elders to the younger participants. It was also clarified that TK refers to any local community, while IK refers only to indigenous communities.
It was shared by Task Force Indigenous Peoples (TFIP) that there is recognition by the international community on TK/ IK/ being a tangible and valuable asset with the Convention on Biological Diversity, that was signed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. This was the first international environmental convention to develop measures for the use and protection of TK as related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. But despite such signing, the campaign for respect and protection of TK has a long way to go. In the discussion and sharing especially by the elders, TK was defined to encompass the wisdom, knowledge and teachings of their ancestors and their indigenous communities. The traditional view of indigenous peoples about ancestral land as a source of life, that cannot be owned by few individuals or entity, is a knowledge which has been passed from generation to generation. Communal land ownership is observed. The land is owned by the community and not by certain individuals. Everyone has equal access to, and partakes of the fruits of the communal land, and all are responsible for the care and protection of each other. Many of these traditions were passed orally and are expressed through stories, rituals, songs, folklores and unwritten customary law.
According to Ama Banag, a Kalinga leader and peace pact holder, Traditional Knowledge is a way of life among indigenous peoples. It is not formally taught, like through formal education; but it is passed on and practiced from one generation to another. The encompassing view that life is rooted in the land - the environment, is a value that is honored and practiced. Indeed, Land is Life.
The prevailing theme throughout the two-day conference is the role of the Cordillera Mass Movement in the struggle for self determination, which has largely been in defense of ancestral land and indigenous people’s rights. This has been highlighted by the Kalinga's and Bontok's fight for their ancestral land and way of life, including their indigenous knowledge, that would have been submerged if the Chico Dam project had persisted. The struggle united the Bontocs and Kalinga and other peoples of the Cordillera region. It also complemented the growing national democratic movement.
The role played by the mass movement in the Chico Dam struggle and the anti-Cellophil logging in the 80’s, the campaign and lobby for regionalization of the Cordillera, as well as for Regional Autonomy (RA) and then later raised to Genuine Regional Autonomy (GRA), are part of continuing advocacy for the right to self determination of indigenous peoples in the Cordillera. This includes indigenous socio political systems and cultural values that embody indigenous knowledge.
The indigenous socio-political systems (ISPS) and cultural values which manifest the superstructure of Cordillera subsistence economy based society, during earlier times, still apply today; albeit with changes. ISPS like the Bodong(Peace Pact)and the Dap-ay or Ator; continue to evolve appropriately and effectively to uphold the people’s indigenous identity . And although in various states of disintegration, cultural values still persist, especially if they serve the people’s need. Even with changes in the socio-economic base, ISPS persist if they evolve to serve the people’s interest.
The Conference recognized that traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples is facing problems in modern times. Indigenous culture is being commercialized such as rituals, dances and songs. Some socio-political systems such as bodong/peace pact are corrupted. Unless addressed, the ignorance of ili/tribal youth on the practices, values and culture of their ancestors, is a serious concern.
The function of TK in the modern world is also a challenge for indigenous peoples and the movement for social change. TK among indigenous peoples should be upheld as part of indigenous people’s rights, and it can evolve appropriately to be relevant and effectively serve the peoples interest in changing times.
As a result of the Conference, the participants resolved to compile all reference materials and for participants to have a copy, which can be used in disseminating what were learned at the Conference. It was also recommended that all unwritten researches be finalized and the result given back to the community. New areas of research must also be undertaken such as in health, women, and cultural values.
There is also recognition that elders played a very important role in the fight, preservation and survival of traditional knowledge especially in the struggle for the defense of land, livelihood and resources. It is a challenge among indigenous youth to emulate their elders and to ensure that TK/IK will persist, for the benefit of the people, even with advanced technology and changes in the economy during modern times.
