Good Life and the Peace Talks

Photo grab from GMA News Online
(http://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2016/08/640_ZZZ_082616_oslo_peace_talks_3_2016_08_26_10_48_31.jpg) 
Historians and social scientists have always attributed Ilocano diaspora on their search for friendlier environment and better livelihood. The narrowness of the land and harsh climate of the region had always made living a challenge for the Ilocanos. Land-strapped, the feudal exploitation is much more intense compared to others. Constant visit from dry spells and strong typhoons make bountiful harvests difficult. Economic opportunities are hard to come by, political dynasties of landed and merchant clans replaced foreign dominance that pervaded during the Spanish and American period in all aspects of society. These factors shaped the Ilocano to be hardworking and resilient, tirelessly struggling for better living conditions – for a good life or nasayaat a panagbiag in Iloco.

A study conducted by Joy Racquel R. Tadeo in 2012, then a student of Master of Arts in Anthropology in the University of the Philippines Diliman described the Ilocano concept of nasayaat a panagbiag. In her paper, Tadeo noted that across generations, nasayaat a panagbiag means the ability of providing the family’s basic needs, finishing study and getting employed, and be financially stable and can avail recreation. All of which are democratic aspirations, urgent demands from the exploited sectors of society and beyond the borders of Ilocandia.

These democratic demands are part of the mobilizing call for the peoples’ war waged in the countryside by the revolutionary movement led by the Communist Party of the Philippines. These are the factors linking the Ilocano’s pursuit for nasayaat a panagbiag with the national democratic revolution, hence, with the substantive agendas in the peace negotiations.

The second roundof peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Philippines commenced last week. From October 6-10, the two panels discussed the “center of gravity” of the talks – the drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).

CASER distinguishes the peace accord being negotiated by the two parties from other peace deals across the globe. IBON Foundation, an independent research and policy institute said that this is the “first peacetalks in the world to take up far-reaching social and economic reforms” since most settlements with rebel groups “just cover the laying down of arms with narrow economic benefits”.

This substantive agenda intends to resolve the structural cause of the armed conflict. It dwells on equitable resource redistribution by breaking the land monopoly – the backbone of feudalism, and ensures that the utilization of the country’s resources advances national industrialization. CASER also tackles measures on just and living wage, job security, and appropriate benefits for workers. Included in the discussion are mechanisms on providing sufficient and accessible social services such as education, health, and basic utilities.

A region with limited agricultural lands but rich in other natural resources, equitable resource distribution, and ownership of land is tantamount to a good life. Smashing land monopoly will end the intense feudal exploitation, increasing the income of farmers. Just wage and job security will warrant the provision of basic family needs. Social protection will guarantee the delivery of support and services during calamities and disasters. Prioritization of basic social services will allow the youth to finish their studies, for the sick to receive proper health care, and the aging to be well cared. Growth of local industries will ensure employment and will stump-out foreign monopoly.

It is also worth mentioning that several personalities from the NDFP are conscious of this Ilocano social concept for they trace their roots in Ilocandia. To start with, its Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison is from a landed family in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Consultants Alan Jazmines and Randall Echanis, both members of the Reciprocal Working Group for Socio Economic Reforms are also province mates of Sison. The late Antonio Zumel, the first Chairperson of the NDFP who greatly contributed in the signing of the first among the four substantive agenda – the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), grew up in Laoag City. Fidel Agcaoili, the newly installed chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel and concurrent head of its Human Rights Monitoring Team also traces his lineage in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

However, the presence of these NDFP luminaries is the least of the reasons why Ilocandia must support the peace negotiations. Ilocanos or not, these revolutionaries and the peace negotiation deserve our support especially now that CASER, the “heart and soul” of negotiations is on the table.

If signed, and properly implemented, CASER together with the CARHRIHL will make the quest for nasayaat a panagbiag much closer to reality.###





Location: Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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