MABIKAs Netherlands joins grand canao in Bologna,Italy

By Christine Moncado
Photos: Christine Moncado
Bologna-Italy



Bologna,Italy -June 2:  With the theme, “Strengthening Our Igorot Legacy: Moving Forward with Pride and Dignity,” around 450 Cordillerans from the different Cordillera organizations in Europe, including representatives from MABIKAs Foundation- The Netherlands, attended the Grand Canao in Bologna, Italy last June 2, 2018.



Canao is a traditional feast celebrated in the Philippine Cordillera for good harvest and for progress. In some cases, it is also performed for healing purposes because offerings made during the ritual are believed to have appeased the spirits, and thereby, can bring forth healing to the sick. Even to date when many of the Cordillerans have already embraced the Christian faith, canao is still practiced but not as ritualistic as before.

The Grand Canao attended by Europe-based Cordillerans in Italy on June 2nd is a feast meant for merriment and solidarity. It is organized by BIBAAK Bologna. BIBAAK stands for the six provinces of the Cordillera( Northern Luzon,Philippines)namely Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc (in Mountain Province), Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga. Participants who came all the way from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, and Germany were warmly welcomed by Igorots in Bologna headed by BIBAAK Bologna President Mar Rojan Pis-oy (who is now on his 6th year term as President of the organization).

Mr. Archie Nabus, the Adviser of Igorot UK, served as this year’s guest speaker. On his talk, he encouraged participants to stand tall with pride and dignity despite indifferences or prejudices against the Igorots. Nabus also quoted William Henry Scott, the author of the book ‘Discovery of the Igorots’ , and said:

“The misconceptions and discrimination of the Igorots can be traced back to the Spanish Occupation of the Philippines.The Igorots paid heavily  for their independence.They have resisted the spanish for over 300 years and also suffered the consequences.The Igorot resistance has become the embarrassment of the Spanish colonizers because with all their modern artillery  and tactics. The Igorots armed with their old rusty spears and wooden shields proved too strong to conquer. As a result, the Spaniards described the Igorots as outlaws, barbaric,uncivilised,hopeless and uncontrollable.”

 Nabus commented that though it happened more than 300 years ago, discriminatory behaviour do still exist in the 21st century though it’s not as extreme as before. For instance, back in 1913, Nabus talked about a World Fair that took place in Ghent, Belgium, whereby 53 tribesmen (8 were Igorots)were displayed like an exhibit. They were brought there by an American impresario (or someone who organizes big events such as concert, plays, or operas), moving them from Paris to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and then Ghent. As they were displayed the re for foreigners and expectators to watch in amazement, these 53 indigenous people were asked to weave baskets, pound rice, carve wood, play gongs, and dance their Igorot dances. One journalist even described such major attraction a ‘colonial freak show’. During this period, one Igorot named Timecheg was the first one in the group to die of tuberculosis.

In December 2010, a passage tunnel was named after Timecheg in Ghent,Belgium. The Ghent Mayor Daniel Termont and others were opposed in naming the tunnel after him but the Committee in-charged took a stand and said that several street names in the area were named after some prominent Ghent residents who made fortune out of the world exposition in 1913, so why couldn’t they allow naming one of the streets after Timecheg, one little, unknown man, who lost his life due to this miserable circumstance. Thus, the Timecheg tunnel came into existence  to honor the life of this Igorot tribesman.

Apart from Timecheg, Nabus also named modern Igorot heroes who fought the enemy and help in preserving the ancestral land for future generations. They are Mateo Carino, Dulag Macli-ing, and soldiers of the 66th Infantry Battalion during the World War 2.

But even with the passing of time, despite all exploitations, indifferences and prejudices that the Igorots have to suffer, the indigenous tribes of the Igorots continue to preserve their legacy through the Canao, Adivay, Lang-ay, Ulalim, Gotad, Begnas  and other  traditions to honor our heroes and ancestors who fought bravely, so we can preserve our identity and our culture, which all in all keep us moving forward with pride and dignity. As a result, the Igorots have moved on with the times, and just like the rest of the Filipinos in the Philippines and people of the world, the Igorots are also educated, civilized, clothed, and up-to-date with the latest trends and technological changes.

 The  Consul General of Italy Ms. Irene Susan Natividad  who is new in the office was also invited to grace the affair. She expressed enthusiasm after being invited to witness the solidarity of the Cordillerans during the grand canao coming from all parts  of  Italy and from the rest of Europe . She also shared her fond  memories while she was studying in Baguio city and visiting other places of the Cordilleras describing the culture as unique and colorful.



 The grand canao showcased dances from the different tribes of the Philippine Cordillera region.

 

The Grand Canao in Italy is held every after two years in different parts of the country, where a BIBAAK organization is active.The next host for the Grand Canao year 2020 is Cordi- Rome.