ILOCANDIA RUMBLINGS

I'm not an Igorot, but I've worked with and lived in Igorot communities, especially those ravaged by destructive corporate projects and businesses. I’m not an Igorot, but I fell in love with one, who is fierce in struggle as she is gentle to her love ones. I’m not an Igorot, but I appreciate and respect them, their culture, the landscape, and the struggles by which these noble group of people identify themselves. I’m not an Igorot, but I wish someday to wear their colorful attire which I’ve seen them wear in different occasions, events and situations - in weddings, tribal occasions, the Panagbenga, while speaking before the UN and of course, in the parliament of the street. Since the photos of G-string clad protesters from the Cordillera, beating their gongs and marching the streets of the National Capital Region hugged the headlines this month, there have been widespread criticism about the use of the traditional Igorot attire during militant actions. People, including ...

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 ...

(This is Ilocandia Rumblings’ maiden piece and before we enjoy reading, let me give you a short introduction.) Ilocandia Rumblings was conceived to bring to the readership of Northern Dispatch some insights on and analyses of the issues and events in the Ilocos Region – mainly the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte from the point of view and standpoint of the oppressed and exploited. This blog aims to expand its reach and readers, and make the aspirations of the hardworking people west of the Cordillera; the rumblings in the peasant communities, workplaces, coastal areas and slums, reverberate in the web. In order to get to the bottom of every issue and event that will be written here, this writer will immerse in the communities and the different sectors in the Ilocos region, listen to the roars and whispers of people, and witness the transformation of society. It shall dissect Ilocos society and expound on It shall express the ideas and thoughts of the...