Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Rizal Remembered Through Ilocano Rendition of Masterpiece


by Marciano Paroy Jr.


Rizal's life is one of the most documented among 19th century Asian treasures due to the vast and extensive records written by and about him. With all the literary wealth that he has produced, , there is this one literary piece that has truly stood the test of time. Everytime it is read and recited, it does not fail to evoke deep emotions - which is the very intent of Dr. Jose Rizal. This is the “Mi Ultimo Adios,” or “My Last Farewell.”

As the 109th anniversary of his martyrdom is remembered this month, a number of institutions and organizations ingenuously came up with the idea of further popularizing the masterpiece using the true vernacular of the North - the Ilocano dialect.

Initiated by the 501st IB, 21st IB, and LGU-Kalinga – with strong participative support from the the Provincial Toruism office, the Kalinga Media Organization, the KASC Alumni Federation, and the Kalinga Mountaineering Society – a poetic rendition of Rizal's piece “Maudi a Pakada” was held at the Tabuk Gymnasium on December 17.

Participated in by high school students who were officially selected to represent their respective municipalities, the activity, in the welcome remarks of Tabuk Mayor Camilo Lammawin Jr., “would hopefully widen the reach of Rizal's appeal in inspiring the youth.”

Kalinga Governor Floydelia Diasen was also on-hand to encourage the young contestants and mostly high school audience. In her message, she stresses the importance of “Rizal's long-lasting dream of a nation whose transformation depends on the leadership roles that the youth of today choose to undertake.”

Emerging as victors were Jasper Garobo (1st place), Warlie Alagao (2nd place), and Gretchen Dawaton (3rd place). Consolation prizes were given to Cherry Mae Crystal Bautista, Glen Mike Sobrepeňa, Reuben Dale Soriano, and Windy Mosing.

Cash prizes and expensive tinted fiber-glass plaques were handed out to the winners – made possible through the funds contributed by Hon. Allen Jesse Mangaoang (Balbalan), Hon. James Alunday (Lubuagan), Hon. James Edduba (Pasil), Hon. Chris Maek dela Cruz (Rizal), Hon. Johnny Maymaya (Tininglayan) and Hon. Camilo Lammawin Jr. (Tabuk). Aside from Mayor Lammawin, Hon. Alunday was the only other Mayor who graced the affair.

Selecting the winners were Dr. Carmelita Ayang-ang (VP of KASC), Dr. Marylinda Santos (of Dep-Ed Kalinga), Dr. Romulo Gaerlan (of KPHO), Sir Oliver Gacuya (of the City Information Office), and BGen. Johnny Corcha (of the 5th ID, PA).

Overseeing the whole activity, from the planning stage up to its culmination, were Dr. Amelia Miranda (who came up with the idea), Lt. Col. Francis Lardizabal, CO of the 21st IB, Col. Roberto Morales CO of the 501st Brigade, and Ms. Grace Kidang, Provincial Tourism Officer and KASC Alumni Federation President.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Grace Kidang Crowned Ms. AMH '07


Crowning Glory. Ms. Grace Kidang proudly wears the crown as the Ms Alumni Mega Homecoming ’07 – one of the highlights of the CICM celebration of their contribution to the history and development of the province in the light of Christianity, education, health and socio-cultural values.

KASC Accepted Into ASPAP

by Marciano Paroy Jr.


KASC, with its curricular offering AB in Public Administration (in the baccalaureate level) and Master of Public Administration (in the graduate school), has formally become part of the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP).

The membership of KASC entitles its Public Ad instructors and professors to take advantage of training that the association gives to members. In fact, Mr. Jeremias Ammakiw attended the international conference, entitled “Public Administration and Governance at the Forefront of Change: Dimensions, Dynamics, Dysfunctions and Solutions,” last December 5-7.

The affair, which was jointly organized with the UP- National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) and the Network of Asia-Pacific Schools and Institutes of Public Administration and Governance (NAPSIPAG), provided a venue for discussion and sharing of knowledge and experiences in dealing with the dimensions, dynamics and dysfunctions of development challenges and concerns.

“It was during the conference when I submitted to ASPAP our proposal for The First Forum on Good Governance for the City of Tabuk” Mr. Ammakiw said. “which was accepted and approved with enthusiasm. Atty. Daniel Fariňas, Vice-Mayor of Baguio and the Dean of the College of law of UB, even expressed his desire to be invited to the forum.”

Tentatively scheduled on March 2008, the forum might even open doors for a series of similar activity in the region which ASPAP-Cordillera is currently considering. The project is the result of the collaborative efforts among College President Eduardo Bagtang, Extension Director Maximo Garming, Graduate School Dean Marymina Odiem, Institute of Arts and Sciences Dean Joy Grace Doctor, and IAS Extension Coordinator Jeremias Ammakiw.

Membership in ASPAP is open to any school - public or private - offering public administration/management education programs. Currently, the association has 120 member schools covering the country's regions from Northern to Southern Philippines.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Kalinga’s Ullalim Wins Innovative Choreography Prize

The yearly staging of the Grand Parade of Cordilleran Festivals, more commonly known as Cordillera’s Best, was held from November 28 to December 2 at Baguio City. Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, the activity is a rendezvous of Cordilleran festivities unique from each province, along with products, artworks, crafts and tourism destinations.

Only in its third year, Cordillera’s Best has easily found a strong following from home-based as well as foreign tourists. The participating provinces, through their Provincial Tourism Officers, have consistently sent their contingent to compete in the various contested activities.

Grace Kidang, chief tourism officer of Kalinga, chose to field the Tanglag Cultural Group, made up of Baguio-based Kalinga cultural performers, for the Theatrical Performance Competition and the Indigenous Choral Competition held at the Center for Culture and the Arts at Saint Louis University.

For the Street Dancing, the group’s performance of the “Ullalim” Festival was adjudged as having the Most Innovative Choreography, for which they were awarded with P15,000.00. The “Lang-ay” Festival of Mountain province garnered the first place, with P45,000.00 as prize money.

The "Adivay" presentation from Benguet won for The Best Indigenous Communication Practices, with P15,000 cash prize. "Gotad ad Ifugao" from Ifugao won for The Most Colorful Festival, with P15,000.

As it has been a practice in the past, non-traditional performances were also staged. Baguio City National High School’s “Ragragsakan” was cited as the Best in New Concept" with P20,000 cash prize; the Cordillera "Paet" performed by the Saint Louis University was judged as the "Best in Audience Impact" with P15, 000; and the Cordillera Gardening Festival performed by the Baguio City National High School Quezon Hill annex was also given citation, with P10, 000 cash prize.

“Aside from the cultural performances, we also participated in the showcasing of our products, events and tourism attractions via an exhibit at the SM City-Baguio,” Ms. Kidang said. “I would like to stress that the provincial government is actively encouraging the different local government units, the Municipal Tourism Councils, and other organizations to promote their distinct cultural dances, songs, products and tourist destinations,” Kidang said.

Prior to the cultural performances and the provincial exhibits, the Regional Toruism Conference was held on November 29, which was attended – alongside with Ms. Kidang – by Mrs. Natividad Sugguiyao of NCIP, Mayor Johnny Maymaya of Tinglayan, Noel Macaiba and Clemente Basing-at (of Tinglayan’s Municipal Tourism Action Office), Tanudan Vice Mayor Eddie Pugao, SB Samuel Bongabong, PPDO Alice Busiley, Balabalan’s MTAO Sonia Duggoy.

Hon. Fernando Abay was the sole elected Kalinga provincial official who attended this actual gathering of all that is best in the Cordillera during the Cultural Parade on the November 30.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

National Month of the Community Press

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared December, through Proclamation No. 1187 dated Dec. 7, 2006, as "National Press Congress Month and the Month of Community Press in the Service of the Nation" to be observed under the auspices of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI).
The proclamation is an unequivocal recognition by the President and this government of the potent and unifying role of the community press in building bridges of understanding with the people.

About time, community press practitioners might sigh. But, in a global environment, where exactly does the community press stand?

Cebuano historian Resil Mojares seems to have the perfect answer when he said that “the community press lives a very peripheral existence.”

It is understood to mean that, aside from being physically far from the nation’s capital, community or regional newspapers are generally less well-off than the national publications, they have limited resources and, in many cases, they are less able to cope with attacks on their ability to perform their work.

Yet, community newspapers have the wide-scope task of reporting information of great significance to a number of people. This is information not normally carried by the metropolitan newspapers.

In Tabuk alone, there are loads of news that people, including the reading public, are not aware of. Their preference for the national papers are quite understandable – one which has grown out of habit. But the national papers cannot address information needs specifically packaged for the local populace.

The book “Connecting with Communities: Public Journalism Experiments in the Philippines” lays down the painful truth on the community press’ uphill climb for recognition. It is a pioneering publication on how initial experiments on public journalism in the Philippines have challenged the community press to evolve new thinking about the craft. These experiments promote the idea that information provided by media and journalists should encourage citizens to find solutions facing local communities.

These are concerns that this paper has committed itself to address.

This month, as community papers across the nation are recognized for their contribution to rural development, GURU re-strengthens its role in Tabuk’s overall development process – and, therefore, we refuse to be seen as part of the periphery.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

KASC’S Student Writers Win in Region

by Marciano Paroy Jr.

Earthline, the official student publication of the Kalinga-Apayao State College, participated in the 8th Annual Press Conference for Tertiary School Papers in the Cordillera Administrative Region on December 7-9 at the Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative, Inc. (BBCCCI) training hall in Baguio City.

Formally opened by Dr. Freddie Bernal, OIC-Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education, the three-day activity was participated in by tertiary institutions in CAR – both private and state-run.

When prodded why the affair was again held at BBCCCI, overall organizer Dr. Mariano Marchan said, “the reason why we are again utilizing the facilities of BBCCCI is due to the difficulty in taking the commitment of tertiary schools to stage the whole activity. Besides, it is easier for schools in the province to converge here in the City than for us all to travel to a school in, say, Abra.”

Earthline writers from KASC that managed to be included in the Top 5 of their contested activities were Ser Antoni Ramos (2nd place – Editorial Writing in Filipino, 4th place – Opinion Writing in Filipino), Ren Geramis Bais (2nd place – Editorial Cartooning, 4th place – Comic Strip, 5th place – Literary Graphics), and Janice Catalig (Newswriting in Filipino). Campus journalists who landed in the Top 5 will be joining the Cordilleran Team for the Luzon-Wide Press Conference in Tuguegarao City on February 6-8, 2008.

The White and Blue paper of Saint Louis University ran away as the Overall Champion with the most number of awards, including the Best Tabloid Award. The Alternative (University of the Cordilleras) placed 2nd, The Mountain Collegian (Benguet State University) placed third, while Earthline (KASC) ranked as the 4th Best Tabloid.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

FITS-KASC Database Management Undergoes Upgrading


by Marciano Paroy Jr.

The Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center of KASC joined the band of other FITS Centers in the country whose websites are being maintained by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) for a three-day training on web content management at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad from December 5-7.

Representing Kalinga-Apayao State College is Marciano Paroy Jr., being the Information Services Specialist of the KASC FITS Center.

The training is targeted at building-up the FITS Information System – a web-enabled system, which allows simultaneous updating of data by various FITS centers nationwide. In this manner, collection of important data and information in the Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (AFNR) sectors are fast and easy. In this way, the evaluation and monitoring functions of PCARRD are made easier.

FITS Information System aims generally to serve as a viable tool to facilitate faster access of information to fast track the delivery of services to AFNR clients. Moreover, it also intents to organize data available on technologies, whether from local, regional and other sources; to provide an up-to-date inventory of agriculture-related publications and other communication materials that are available in the FITS/Techno Pinoy Center; and to make ICT-based services available to FITS clients.

FITS IS utilizes the following databases, described as follows:

The Farmers Database contains the farmers’ socio-economic profile which includes personal information, total farm size and characteristics, commodities and other agriculture-related activities, and annual income and its sources. It also documents farmers’ information and technology service needs, thereby serving as a dynamic feedback mechanism to ensure the relevance of service being provided by the FITS Center.

The Experts Database provides an inventory of agriculture and natural resources researchers that can be tapped for technical and consultancy services by the FITS clients in the area. The FITS center staff refers to this database in such case where a client needs to avail of the expert’s services such as pests and diseases management, latest production technologies, etc. The experts’ profile is not limited to experts within the locality but also includes researchers/scientists from other regions.

The Contact Firms Database contains the firms/establishments, which the FITS Center may refer to clients for business partnership.

The Publications Database provides an inventory of publications and other print materials that are available in the FITS Center. The Videos Database provides an inventory of technology/information materials in video packages.

The Technologies Database captures data on agriculture and natural resources technologies generated by the R & D institutions in the area. These technologies are considered mature and are ready for dissemination to clients within the locality of the FITS center and nearby communities. Likewise, this database serves as source of technologies that are being subjected to validation and assessment as to their potential for becoming an enterprise. Indigenous or rural people’s knowledge is also being considered for documentation but with some provisions for validation by both the knowledge generator and the concerned R & D institutions prior to dissemination.

The Clients Database is a compilation of clients seeking professional advice or services from the FITS Center. It stores the data on the clients and their inquiry made upon visiting the FITS Center.


Thursday, November 29, 2007

The Mass wedding at Ab-abaan

By Regie Wacas

Joining an IEC (Information Education Campaign) caravan of the local government unit of Balbalan with Mayor Sonny Mangaoang, brought me to Barangay Ab-abaan, a landlocked Barangay just adjacent to the municipality of Pinukpuk. The nearest jump off point in going there is via Limos in Pinukpuk. There are other routes but ascending from Limos is gradual compared to the more steep routes on the other side. But some locals have encourage me to try the more challenging routes because according to them, the path is dotted with beautiful waterfalls which I found to be abound in Balbalan. Certainly that’s a good hint for an upcoming documentation project on the town’s beautiful spots, people, culture, and worth emulating local governance practices which the LGU is venturing into. I bode the suggestion will surely bring me back to that sky land Barangay via the suggested route. Taking the Limos route in the company of the mayor, the Municipal Social Welfare and development officer- which I’ve found out to be a native air wizard, the Municipal Planning and development coordinator and some LGU employees took as almost three hours wading through the mud on the trail. Someone suggested me to use a rubber boots which I readily followed and it did solve my worry slipping on the trail- of course I’ve been used to such trail conditions because Tanudan has a lot more of it but I just couldn’t fret on doing some comical gymnastic balance on wet clay with quite an overweight figure, so the advise has served me well. Some of the LGU’s “men of action” (that’s how DILG Provincial Director Francisco Gamatero describes them) went ahead of us which includes the municipal agriculturist and the ever youthful local civil registrar. Every office is represented in the IEC caravan and that practically validates Director Gamatero’s adjective on the Balbalan LGU employees. What with the hands on leadership the mayor is exhibiting, which is inspiringly towing the personnel into whatever activity the LGU is undertaking. Of course the primary reason why the mayor is obliging his presence getting imbedded into the IEC caravan is that, he owes the people every bit of explanation and presentation on the different programs the LGU is undertaking to uplift their status.

From earlier accounts of the LGU employees who have been into the early itineraries of this activity it’s quite physically tormenting going up to the barangays but the ordeals usually are mended with the festive atmosphere that is being brought by the conduct of the civil mass weddings. Even I have more interest on the mass wedding after I was informed a priest will also be there to validate for the church. Balbalan people by history are always in high spirits in social celebrations and in the Ab-abaan mass wedding, it was indeed a typical show on how they really put their heart into such occasions. But in my observation, it might even be gauged as more than the usual considering the attendance of nursing mothers who have stayed with us till morning the following day and maybe trying to deduce the meaning of their beloved barangay’s name with their babies lugged on their backs.

It was getting dark when we arrived at Ab-abaan but our worn out energies were recharged with the warm reception we received from the villagers. We came upon a mass about to be started by Father JB Mubeke, A missionary from Zaire, Congo who is into his second year as parish priest in Allagiya, Pinukpuk. Being notified of our arrival Father JB told us that he’ll just go on with the introductory part of the Eucharistic celebration and whenever the mayor is ready, he’ll just give way for the mayor’s solemnization after which he shall validate it in the church rites. There were eighth couples ready to tie the knot that evening. Without letting father JB wait for so long Mayor Mangaoang just washed his shoes camouflaged by the mud and joined the priest at the altar vividly in sweat soaked polo. The solemnization went on upon the arrangement of the good priest and after the mass the native action peaked.

While on the sidelines watching the celebration going on and snapping a few shots from my camera, I ask Fr. JB if he could recall one occasion in his priestly life having been a party to weddings solemnized simultaneously in the civil and church rites. His answer was none. I raise the same curiosity with the mayor and still the answer was in the negative. Even my memory can’t recall of the same occasion to have happened at least in Kalinga. The rarity of Ab-abaan mass weddings being done in civil and church ceremonies put historical ingredient on its occurrence and that’s now were the point of interest lies in writing about it despite the many other issues that could be tackled on this column.

Much has been said about “only in Kalinga” stories”. The potteries of Dalupa, the loom weaving of Lubuagan, sleeping beauty of Tinglayan, the pinikpikan festival of Rizal. Now, like its neighbor barangay of Poswoy made known for its sweet “Poswoy Olen” Barangay Ab-abaan will now put in the map and be added to the long list as host to that historic mass wedding. And what about another rare show of sportsmanship during the last Barangay Elections where the losers carried on their backs the victors of that election and made a round of the school plaza. If that’s not historic then it’s still a proud of the “InabAba-abaan”.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

PRC Scrutinizes Agri-Eng’g Program of KASC




by Marciano Paroy Jr.

A team from the Board of Examiners for Agricultural Engineers of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) visited the Kalinga-Apayao State College last November 22 to look into the present developments of the Agricultural Engineering Program of the school.

Headed by Examiner Domingo Tabbal, the team also included Engr. Eduardo Tadeja and Engr. Abraham Os-osas. The visit was in consonance with the mandate of the Board to assess schools offering Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.

The Board of Examiners for Agricultural Engineers was created to regulate the practice of agricultural engineering in the country. Realizing the need to promote and upgrade the practice of agricultural engineering in the Philippines, the Congress enacted on February 26, 1998 Republic Act No. 8559 or “The New Philippine Agricultural Engineering Act of 1998.” The law which took effect on March 23, 1998 expanded the practice of the profession to reflect current developments in agricultural engineering and resulted to better agricultural engineering career prospects.

It also hastened the delivery of basic and technical agricultural services in the countryside. Today, 4,752 agricultural engineers registered with the PRC ensure food security for Filipinos.

During the post conference with the faculty of the Institute of Mathematics, Engineering and Applied Technology, headed by Dean Amado Imper, the team gave positive feedback as to the direction being taken by the school.

PDEA-CAR Team Visits Kalinga Schools



by Marciano Paroy Jr.

Following its mandate as the main implementer of the anti-drug law (RA 9165 – Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – CAR visited some schools in the community, with the leadership of Regional Director P. Supt. Oliver Enmodias, from November 21-22 to hold symposia with students.

St. William’s Academy, St. Louis College of Bulanao held the symposium on the 21st while the Kalinga-Apayao State College had its turn with the Regional Director on the 22nd.

For the KASC affair, Hon. Alma Sandra Uyam, City Council Chairperson on Environment and Health, briefed the students on the city government’s plans and accomplishments with regards to the city’s problem on drug abuse and drug-pushing.

“You, the youth, are our immediate concern when we speak of drug abuse because you may be easily influenced to try these things,” the Councilor said in her message. “That is why the City Government of Tabuk is seriously taking steps to save you from such self-destruction.”

During P. Supt. Enmodias’ turn, he gave a visual presentation on the effects of drug abuse. Also, he discussed why people turn to drugs, emphasizing peer pressure and the adventurous spirit of the youth to try new things.

The Regional Director also enlightened the youth on the history of PDEA. He said that the enactment of RA 9165 reorganized the Philippine drug law enforcement system.

“While the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) remains as the policy-making body, RA 9165 created the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA) under the Office of the President. The new law also abolished the National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention Coordinating Center, Philippine National Police Narcotics Group (PNP Nargrp), National Bureau of Investigation Narcotics Unit (NBI NU), and the Customs Narcotics Interdiction Office (CNIO). Personnel of these abolished agencies continue to perform their tasks on detail service with the PDEA subject to a rigid screening process,” P. Supt. Enmodias explained.

The Regional Director ended his talk by enjoining young men to join PDEA as employees in the third level positions which the agency has opened recently. Successful applicants would be detailed to the Legal and Prosecution Service and in the Internal
Affairs Service.

The KASC symposium was made possible through the efforts of the Office of

Student Services under Dr. Adoracion T. Taguba, with able support from Student Coordinators Placido Alsiyang Jr. and Tulles Banwa.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

KASC Papers to Compete in Malaysia


by Marciano Paroy Jr.


Researchers from KASC continue to put the name of the state college in various research forums, not only in the regional and national levels, but in the international level as well.


Two papers – Geographic Information System (GIS) Utilization in Project Development (by Manuel Bilagot Jr.), Patch Cultivation Among Tribe-Based Communities in Kalinga (by Jovita Saguibo and Ernesto Miguel) – will be competing in the conference of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) in Malaysia on December 12-14.


Earlier, these papers were brought to the national conference of ISSAAS- Philippines in University of the Philippines-Los Baňos last October 26, with the theme “Impact of Climate Change and Bio-Fuels on Agriculture.” In UPLB, Dr. Bilagot’s GIS paper was awarded as the Best Paper in the Oral Category, while that of Dr. Saguibo and Dr. Miguel placed first in the Poster Presentation.


Having won in their respective categories, the researchers shall present their studies in the international forum in Malaysia where their undertakings would be put under more stringent scrutiny by other scientists and technical experts from the Southeast Asian region.


The GIS Program


This study was conducted to develop a GIS program to support Project Development efforts in the province of Kalinga, like the Barangay Electrification Program (BEP). BEP is a program of the government to support the number 6 item among the ten-point agenda of President Arroyo’s Administration. This is the provision of electricity to the un-energized places in the country.


The DOE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Kalinga-Apayao State College (KASC) as the implementing arm of the Department in the province through the KASC-ANEC program. This program is mandated to support the implementation of the renewable energy in the province. It has been identified that there is a high number of renewable energy sources in the province – specifically micro hydro. Anchored on its desire to support this program of the government in planning, implementing and monitoring and evaluation of these installed micro hydro sources and to support a faster implementation of the energization of Kalinga, this GIS program was developed.


The Patch Cultivation Paper


This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with Swidden Farming or Patch cultivation in Barangay Magao-gao, Pinukpuk – zeroing-in on the factors why the rural dwellers there are so much dependent on the environmentally harmful practice. It focused mainly on the factors of Socioeconomic, Cultural and Political aspects in the community.


Results of the investigation showed that the factor of culture and tradition is the main reason for patch cultivation in Magao-gao. The socio economic factors on labor, capital and knowledge also showed strong factors.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS TO FAIL

When you look around you and everything seems to fall to pieces, you stop momentarily in your tracks and contemplate: what, the hell, is going on... and where exactly did you go wrong?


In school, as I walk through the corridors and the pathways that lead from one building to another, I get this feeling that I am not the same person I sued to know: vibrant and energetic in attitude. While it is true that I continue to function efficiently my tasks as a college instructor, there no longer seems to be the heart that took me to the teaching profession in the first place.

And so i brood... wondering what is wrong.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

SAGKA Mountaineers Team Up With KMS for Mt. Patukan Climb


SAGKA Mountaineers Team Up With KMS for Mt. Patukan Climb

by Marciano Paroy Jr.

Sagipin at Alagaan ang Ganda ng Kalikasang Atin (SAGKA) Mountaineering Society – a Manila-based group headed by upstart film director Noel Montano – recently visited Kalinga and teamed up with the newly organized Kalinga Mountaineering Society (KMS) for the planned trek up Mt. Patukan in Tanudan.

“But before my group forged the partnership with SAGKA, I had to subject my newly recruited KMS members to a rigorous training,” Nathaniel Dalanao, KMS founder, said.

The KMS training for the neophyte climbers was a basic mountaineering course that included a seminar on environmental awareness, first-aid application, knot-tying, anchoring and tent-pitching, rescue procedures, map-reading, trail sign-reading, basic rapelling, day-packing, full-packing, water-proofing and back pack water-riding.

The two-day basic mountaineering course (October 29-30) was held at the St. William’s grounds and at the Pasunglao bridge.

The adventure took the two groups to Upper Tanudan where the villagers’ warm welcome impressed the Manila visitors.

“Everything we have heard about Kalinga was proven wrong,” Montano expressed. “Our parents and relatives had been warning us about practices they have heard about the province, but instead we were immersed in a community full of friendly and hospitable people.”

Aside from the usual mountaineering activities, like the rapelling experience at a hanging bridge in barangay Pugo, SAGKA and KMS held a meeting with barangay officials and the villagers on environmental awareness. Having seen the immediate needs of the clustered barangays in Upper Tanudan, SAGKA promised to solicit the help of some NGO’s in Metro Manila for the installation of septic tanks.

The whole experience had a twist when, on their way back to Tabuk, the mountaineers chanced upon a stranded pick-up truck, with its passengers exposed to the harsh cold wind and the stinging drizzle from the storm.

“Without hesitation, we responded to the passengers’ needs by bringing out medicines, bondages, thermal blankets – especially so that three of the passengers were babies bound for a check-up in Tabuk,” Montano recounted. “We had to heat them up by boiling water for their milk that we still had in our supplies.”

“The ropes we had with us were used for pulling the truck from where it was ditched,” Dalanao recalled, “while some were sent to nearby Se-et to call for a rescue.”

As for future activities lined up for KMS, Dalanao envisions Balbalan to be in their hit list soon. He said, “As soon as we have completed the gadgets we need, we would be scheduling our next climb. KMS is not just a group of mountaineers, we are also environmentalist and rescue volunteers. We also involve ourselves with community projects.”

Which is perhaps why the group was able to seek the support of its sponsors Hon. Manuel Agyao, Hon. Jocel Baac, Hon. Camilo Lammawin Jr, Hon. Rhustom Dagadag, SWA Batch of 1992 and the Provincial Tourism Office.

As of now, the e-media is the most active promotion engine of Kalinga tourism, particularly the kalingatambayan website of Mr. Dalanao, which is now ranked #1 by the infophilippines.com on Travel and Places category.

“I just feel sad sometimes that Kalinga people are tourists in their own province,” Dalanao lamented. “I hope that KMS would be able to help in changing that.”

Joining Mr. Dalanao in his vision is the first batch of KMS that include April Joy Gayagay, Fanaliza Sacki, Jayson Bacacao, Bryan Baggas, Moises Manganip Jr., Brendon Awingan, Janelle Mangatam, Agagon Gumbawan, Roderick Wangi, Joji Banawa, Jeremias Baggas.

“The experience was quite fulfilling. Kalinga, indeed is beautiful,” Elpidio Lopez, a SAGKA member, ended.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Vice Governor Baac Inducts UCSCO Officers

Kalinga Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac in a meaningful ceremony inducted the officers of the United Cordillera Students’ Cultural Organization Inc. (USCO) held on September 23, 2007 at the Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao Mini-Gymnasium, Balzain, Tuguegarao City of Cagayan.

Inducted during the event are the following Chapter Presidents: Charles O. Banag as CCT-UCSCO President, Ceasar M. Apil as USLT-UCSCO President, Ben Fawas F.L. Vargas-UCSCO President, Froilan C. Malaga as CSU-UCSCO President and Melodio B. Bayongan Jr. as the President of the Centralized-UCSCO.

Inducted as advisers on the other hand were: SI-3 Norman Revita, SI-3 Filomeno P. Visaya, Jr., Hon. Raymond Joaquin S. Magsaysay, PO1 Din B. Sibaro and Engr. Vincent Talattag, with Miss Cynthia O. Banag as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Mr. Gary Arnel Damian as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The UCSCO’s objective as an organization is a geared towards the promotion and the preservation the cultural and indigenous heritage of the Cordillera people especially among the youth. It is a private non-stock and non-profit corporation organized under the corporate code of the Philippines and duly recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Organization was conceived from the vision and perseverance of the members and officers of the four member-schools that founded the corporation, namely, the University of St. Louis Chapter, the Cagayan State University Chapter, the Florencio L. Vargas Chapter and the Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao Chapter. The UCSCO as of this date is composed of 1480 members from Kalinga, Apayao and other Cordillera provinces.

During the event Vice Governor Baac delivered the following message:

“I cancelled all my other appointments just to be with you today because I would not like to miss the opportunity to feel that wonderful sense of belonging that I used to feel when I was also in college. This occasion also reminds me of that feeling of almost perfect satisfaction that used to assail me.

As I go on, I would like to congratulate you all. I am inspired to see you all, and from this day onward, may we contribute to the development of our communities. May we work together. May we follow the late President John F. Kennedy of the United States of America when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

We cannot leave the fate of the next generation to chance. So we must provide the foundation of the future.

The tasks ahead are so difficult. But there are many things to be done. There are many things to be finished. But everything starts in our hearts, minds and spirits. So may we have the strength to do the task at hand, courage to meet the challenges ahead and the wisdom to always take the path of democratic governance.

To all of you, my congratulations. With the oath you have taken, serving the studentry is not an easy task. But it is one of the greatest things one can do. Being the head of the group, you are compelled to perform the duties and responsibilities, which as campus leaders may tackle in order for you cater to your roles within your institution. You are now given the privilege to exercise your responsibility granted by the studentry. As such, you have to work hard. It entails sacrifice-the willingness to postpone personal gratification in favor of the common good. It requires a sense of urgency to finish what must be done, the ingenuity to find the best way of doing things and courage to try new ideas and the diligence to make them work.

You have taken your oath so that there is already a responsibility. This word is just a simple one, but behind it, it means a lot. It is a reality that when one’s responsible calls, it is a must for you to comply. Being responsible is one of the most valuable traits in which one may possess. It covers the totality of all attitudes man may ever have. As students, it is your responsibility to perform well your duties and obligations.

We need not be great men doing great things to contribute to the building of our nation. We are called upon in life to be all geniuses or to be all leaders. Life merely summons us to be good in what we do, to make our better best and our best even better. For a good society is not built by leaders and geniuses alone.

To paraphrase a writer, good society is built not by extra-ordinary men doing extraordinary things but by ordinary people doing ordinary things extraordinary well.”

Lastly, may we have the strength to do the task at hand, courage to meet the challenges ahead and the wisdom to always take the path of democratic governance.

DIASEN URGES TOURISM PLANNERS TO COME UP WITH A SALEABLE PROMOTION STRATEGY

Encouraging the participants of the Seminar Workshop on Eco-Tourism Trade and Industry, Tourist Safety and Security to strategize their tourism promotion efforts, Kalinga Governor Floydelia Diasen said that Kalinga as a destination has much better goods to offer compared to other destinations in the country.

Sharing her experiences in Camiguin as a tourist, she disclosed that what really prompted her to visit the place was the packaging in the brochure. “The packaging was so attractive that you really want to see their sites,” she said adding that the Kalinga with its vast potentials has a better stand.

She then suggested that the packaging should include something mysterious about the place that would rouse the curiosity of the people to come and see it.

Citing some unique sites in the province, she said that aside from its natural beauty, Kalinga has several interesting things seen only in the province like the Sleeping Beauty of Tinglayan, culture and traditions that are still being practiced by the people and several others.

“We have a very rich tourism potential which we should be proud of, that we could harness to make it as a source of income,” she said stressing that to do this, it is just a matter of making the people appreciate these potentials.

“It is sad to note that we could not even appreciate what we have in the province since we are so engrossed with the unfortunate situations happening here,” she expressed.

In her discourse, the governor suggested that to make a change, the participants composing of planners, tourism officers and law enforcers, should advocate and direct the attitude of the people towards the development of the province’s eco-tourism industry.

“It is important that we showcase the real Kalinga, its culture, ecology and the things unique in our place,” the lady governor said underscoring that on e way of doing this is to “change the definition of Kalinga from head hunters to ‘Kalinga a caring and safe community,’ quoting that Kalinga in tagalong means ‘care’.

“As a people I know that we are better with rich customs and traditions that we could be proud of,” she said.

But all of this gets lost once a visitor experiences something unfortunate in the province she said urging government planners to sit down to discuss and plan with the people and all sectors to come up with a consolidated tourism effort that would turn and make ‘Kalinga as an eco- tourism destination’.

Meanwhile in her lecture on Eco-Tourism Development, Miss Natividad Sugguiyao, founder and owner of the only successful and world known tourism outfit in the province – the Chico River Quest Inc. said that the industry would positively boom and eventually at par to other world class provinces.

Taking such positive outlook on the province’s tourism industry, Miss Sugguiyao said that this could be possible if we only learn to appreciate and enhance what we have and be positive about it.

“Kalinga as a tourism destination basically has everything with its vast natural resources and rich culture,” she said adding that “because we have so much tourism assets in the province, we could not appreciation it.”

“The development of the industry should start from us,” she underscored.

Pointing out to the issue on peace and order in the province, she said that “sometimes the problems on peace and order are just imagined.”

Considering she said that the problems on peace in the province are isolated cases “why can’t we just say that our province is generally peaceful?” she said disclosing that as a proof, she had been entertaining ‘high end’ tourists and visitors in the province for the past years and they have left the province satisfied and wanting to come again. (ggd)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

THE CONGRESSMAN WITH KALINGA EXHIBITORS

Kalinga Congressman Manuel Agyao (2nd from left)and DTI Provincial Director Grace Baluyan(5th from left) jointhe entrepreneurs from the province at the Trade Fair of the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong.

LADY GOVERNORS with the President of the Republic










The lady governors of the Philippines. Gov. Diasen of Kalinga is at the extreme left.

GOV. DIASEN GRACES REGIONAL COOP MONTH CELEB

By Marciano Paroy Jr.

The Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) held its Regional Cooperative Month celebration here in the province on October 26-27. The two-day affair culminated with the recognition of outstanding cooperatives and individuals who contributed significantly in the pursuit of cooperative principles.

It was an enlightening affair. Once again, we were reminded of the important roles that cooperatives play. In her message before the delegates from the different Cordilleran provinces, Governor Floydelia Diasen stressed that cooperatives are our partners in development. No one can refute the advancements that they contribute.

That is why the Governor did not balk at the monetary remuneration that the Provincial Cooperative Development Office allocated for the best three micro-cooperatives in Kalinga.

In her rejoinder, Mrs. Emerita Fuerte, President of National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE)-CAR Chapter, lauded the Provincial Government for apportioning prize money to the awardees. The money is but secondary to the recognition, of course, because what really matters is the fact that the winning cooperatives are pushing for meaningful developments in the communities where they are based – that, in itself, is much heavier than all financial rewards put together.

Again, congratulations to the micro-cooperatives that won in the provincial level: Dupligan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1st Place), Kajchilan MPC (2nd Place), and Western Balbalan Credit Cooperative (3rd Place). May you all continue to grow – and hopefully become as remarkable as the bigger coops in Tabuk.

At the regional level, TAMPCO landed as Second Most Outstanding Cooperative in CAR – next to the formidable Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative.

*****

In the realm of public administration, stronger support is always elicited when leaders are surrounded by efficient individuals. While it is true that it is but their duty to perform the tasks attached to the jobs they hold, their competence can serve as model so that it may replicated in the other offices.

For the cooperative program, Gov. Diasen was given all-out support by the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer, Mr. Robert Salabao, the Kalinga Provincial Cooperative Union (chaired by Mrs. Florita Cosmiano), the Cooperative Development Authority of the province (with Mr. Abel Dawey) and of the region (with Mr. Martin Manudon).

Indigenous Rights: Are They Non-Existent?

by Marciano Paroy Jr.

October is Indigenous People’s month in the Philippine calendar. The spotlight shed on indigenous communities, most notably those in the Cordilleras and those in Southern Mindanao, once again brought out the question on whether or not the rights of IPs are indeed being enjoyed by the concerned themselves.

Kalinga province, as one proud vessel of unique indigenous culture, is especially targeted by human rights groups. Why not, the province – and its IPs – are constinuously being wooed by mining companies that wish to tear open the province’s rich gold reserves.

Wasn’t there a law passed several years back that caters to IPs?

An important step towards the full realization of the rights of indigenous people was taken by the Philippine government with the adoption of RA 8371 – the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. This constitutes the principal framework, after the Constitution, in which indigenous rights must be considered.

Many of the provisions of IPRA are intended to enable and promote the full enjoyment of their rights. Nevertheless, some analysts have pointed to weaknesses in the law which may lead to contradictory or ambiguous interpretations that do not fully favor indigenous rights. They also mention the fact that other laws (such as the Mining Act of 1995) include other provisions that make the application of IPRA difficult.

Indeed, the major concern seems to be not so much the text of the law itself, as the difficulties of its implementation. This appears to be a challenge that must be met squarely by government agencies and the judiciary, as well as by Philippine society in general, if the objectives of the Act are to be truly attained.

Implementation depends not only on political will but also on the institutional effectiveness of the government agencies that are responsible for it. This means in first place the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples which takes a specific role and leadership in the promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights within the framework of the administration.

The NCIP is the lead agency in protecting and promoting indigenous rights, as well as implementing government policy with regards to the indigenous communities and improve its coordination with other government agencies such as, in particular, the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.

Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly regarding environmental management and subsistence agriculture, have come under increasing pressure from outside economic forces in recent years. Indigenous communities are justly proud of their traditional knowledge and concerned about its preservation and protection. This is part of their cultural integrity, considered to be an important and justiciable human right. The intellectual property of indigenous peoples should be a matter of high priority at all times.

Non-acknowledgement and recognition of the cultural and social specificity of indigenous peoples is also a form of latent discrimination, as has been noted by the World Conference against Racism. This latent discrimination can only be overcome by adequate educational and cultural policies, and in this respect the curricula of the schools and the contents of textbooks have been mentioned as deserving careful revision in order to do justice to the true history of indigenous peoples and their contribution to national society.

Economic and social development are urgent tasks of our time, particularly when more than half of the world’s population lives in dire poverty. Among these, the indigenous peoples have been acknowledged as being particularly vulnerable. But the United Nations have agreed that if development is to be at all effective even in purely economic terms, it must be a human rights centered development. The full enjoyment of human rights by all the people concerned are as important, if not more so, than growth rates, productivity and profits.

The commitment of the Philippine government to the human rights of indigenous peoples has been underlined by President Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to establish and chair herself Task Force 63, which is concerned with emergency situations involving indigenous peoples.

- with readings from The World Conservation Union

CHED Director Bernal Visits Kalinga Colleges

by Marciano Paroy Jr.

Dr. Freddie Bernal, Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CAR) visited colleges here in Kalinga last October 18 for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000.

CHED is mandated to look into the programs of schools on Drug Education and Prevention as implemented by their respective Offices of Student Services. For KASC, Dr. Adoracion Taguba, Director for Student Services and Admission, welcomed the monitoring team composed of the Regional Director, Engr. Ranie Levita, Ms. Tersita David and Mrs. Menchie Kuengan.

Dr. Carmelita Ayang-ang, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, proudly informed the monitoring team that the school does not have a problem on drug addiction.

“One strong factor that is contributory to the control of the problem is the presence of guidance counselors within each institute, aside from the college guidance counselor, Lovelia Iringan,” Dr. Taguba told the group.

The monitoring activity requires each higher education institution to comply with the following areas: Integrated dangerous drugs prevention concerns in the general education component; Integrated dangerous drugs prevention concerns in the professional subjects particularly that of Teacher Education courses and Health-related courses; Conducted symposia, debates, plays, essay-writing contests and similar activities on dangerous drugs prevention and control; Participated actively in dangerous drugs prevention programs and activities initiated by the government and non-government organizations in the community, as part of the extension service/program; Conducted awareness program/advocacy on dangerous drug abuse prevention activities.

“We have complied with all of the above areas,” Dr. Taguba said.

Along with KASC, the CHED monitoring team also visited St. Louis College of Bulanao, Kalinga College of Science and Technology, and Cordillera A+ College og Technology.

KALINGA BOARD PASSERS

YA-AO, PATONGAO PASS LICENSURE EXAMS

Two female graduates recently gave their curricular programs a reason to keep doing better when they passed their respective licensure examinations: Dorothy Ya-ao for BS Agricultural Engineering and Maricel Patongao for BS Agriculture.

“The exam was difficult, but because of the preparation that I had, I was able to surmount the hardship that I had to grapple with during the exams,” Engr. Ya-ao said.

This clearly points to the importance of an intense review that graduates must be subjected to. The KASC Review Center, in fact, was the review center selected by two other Agri-Eng licensure takers: Engr. Jocelyn Ittiw (from Cagayan State University), and Engr. Sharon Boguen (from Isabela State University).

Those who were involved in the Agri-Eng review were Engr. Rafael Padre, Engr. Edgardo Tamayao, Engr. Solomon Lao-aten, Engr. Mildred Alvarez, Engr. Ofelia Rubio, Engr. Rhonjon Garming and the IMEAT Dean Amado Imper.

As for Ms. Patongao’s success for the BSA program, Dean Joseph Aguilar is hopeful that future takers will do better.

ACCREDITATION UPDATES IN KASC

Last school year, the Institute of Arts and Sciences (AB Political Science and AB History), Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (BS Agriculture and BS Forestry), Institute of Mathematics, Engineering and Applied Technology (BS Agriculture Engineering) and Institute of Entrepreneurial Arts (BSC Management) were accredited. The Institute of Teacher Education was first accredited to Level I during the school year 2005-2006.

According to Dr. Raymund T. Balbin, the executive dean of our school, KASC will have another accreditation visit on December 2007 if not on February 2008 as instructed by Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, the College President.

Dr. Balbin stated that Level II re-accreditation status is a status wherein the program subject for accreditation will be have a second survey visit by a team of Accrediting Agency for College and Universities of the Philippines (AACUP). The program will be evaluated with a grand mean of at least 3.5 and not one among the ten areas to be evaluated will get an area mean lower than 3.0.

The Level II Accreditation status of a program will be fully recognized only when it is approved by the AACUP Board and duly certified by the National Network Quality Assurance Agencies, Inc. The Level II re-accreditation is effective for a period of 3-5 years. Thus, a curricular program must be prepared again for the 3rd AACUP survey visit to be evaluated to Level III Re-accreditation. If a curricular program with a Level II reaccredited status is not reassessed within five years for Level III, it will lose its Level II status and will be downgraded to Level I.

The Executive Dean explained the processes that are prescribed in accrediting a course or a curricular program. The process of accreditation involves three phases:

1. First Phase – major activities before the accreditation visit that must be complied with:

a) Holding Consultancies

b) Initiating Processes

c) Preparing for the Basic Requirements

d) Forging an agreement

e) Organizing and supporting the team accreditors

2. Second Phase – activities during the accreditation

a) Assembly/Arrival of external accreditation

b) Cluster/team meeting

c) Courtesy call

d) Opening program

e) Knowing the institution/ program and local counterparts

f) Second team/cluster meeting

g) Preparation of the individual accreditation’s report

h) Preparation of team report

i) Exit conference and closing program

3. Third Phase – activities after the accreditation visit mostly done by the Accrediting Agency (AACUP) who shall be responsible in informing the accredited state university/college about the results of the technical review, AACUP report and submission of the accreditation Report to NNQAA for certification.

According to Dr. Balbin, the priority degree programs for school year 2007-2008 are the following:

a) ITE – Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education for Level II

b) IAS – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

c) Graduate School – Master of Arts in Education, Master in Public Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Education

He also said that the various institutes are preparing for the accreditation. Ever since the accreditation program has been started, the different institutes of the school had continuously worked in satisfying the requirements and criteria for accreditation. They have established their accreditation centers in their own buildings and have deputized their faculty members as task forces to work on their respective areas. Even those who are not scheduled for accreditation are continuously preparing and eventually will ask for accreditation surveys (internal and external).

As we have observe during the last accreditation, our deans and the faculty members have stay late at night and sometimes have reported on Saturdays to work on their respective areas. It is the same now with the upcoming level II accreditation.

Our executive dean presented the beneficiaries of the accreditation.

a) Students – we will have an access to quality curricular program

b) Parents – accreditation helps our parents know which program they will send us to avail of quality education

c) Graduates – those who will graduate from accredited courses will have an edge over other job applicants because employers prefer those who have graduated from institutions of higher learning who have accredited programs.

d) College/Universities – the accreditation programs gives prestige to school with accredited courses because they are recognized as HEI with quality standards and high level educational services.

Our administrators in KASC is aggressively pursuing all efforts in accrediting our courses because they want to satisfy the requirements for the conversion of KALINGA-APAYAO STATE COLLEGE to KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY.

Accreditation is also a factor in assessing the appointment or transfer of a SUC President. Say for example, a SUC President have not accredited any single curricular program in his four or eight years term; as such, will be a strong factor for his non-re-appointment or transfer.

Lastly, our executive dean wishes to appeal to us students that we must do our part in helping our deans and instructors in accomplishing the documentary requirements of the various areas, cooperating in activities relevant or can somehow contribute to the accreditation, play a vital role in information dissemination about the VMGO of KASC and other relevant information on the four folding functions of KASC. Accreditation is not only for KASC college officials and faculty staff but for students and parents as well as stake holders must be concerned with.

He also said that we should all strengthen our commitments and bear more sacrifices for we and the next generation of KASC students will reap the results of accreditation of the different KASC curriculum programs. We should all rally behind our accreditation program and realize our dream – A KALINGA STATE UNIVERISTY.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PATCH CULTIVATION AND SWIDDEN FARMING PRACTICES

Ernesto Miguel, Ph. D. and Irene Calsiyao

Edited by MARCIANO PAROY JR.

Abstract:

This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with Swidden farming/Patch cultivation practice in Barangay Magao-gao, Pinukpuk. The study was conducted from November 2005-April 2006. It focused mainly on the factors of Socioeconomic, Cultural and Political aspects in the community.

Results of the investigation showed that the factor of culture and tradition is the main reason for patch cultivation in the Barangay of Magao-gao, which obtained the highest mean frequency of 94.6. The socio economic factors on labor, capital and knowledge also showed strong factors.

However, the political factor did not elicit strong reaction from the respondents although there were no clear policies and programs currently implemented in the practice of this system.

Research design used in the study was mainly descriptive in nature where simple random sampling was used to identify respondents. Of the total 109 household members in the Barangay, fifty-five farmers respondent were taken as subject for the study. Structured questionnaire was distributed to the respondents, which was individually explained. The final methods conducted were personal interview to elicit answers from the farmers on matters regarding the outcome of their answers.

1. Rationale

The province of Kalinga is located in the northern tip of the Cordillera. Access to the province is difficult, not only because it is mountainous, but also of the poor road condition. The topography of the province likewise restricts mobility within and between the 8 municipalities of the province. There are some barangays, which are still accessible through hiking.

The Province of Kalinga is still governed by their indigenous customs. Since time immemorial, the people of Kalinga have shown strong organizational cohesiveness and solidarity through their indigenous system.

For its agricultural production, the province of Kalinga have only 52% of the total farmlands with irrigation facilities; the remaining 48% of the farmlands are non-irrigated, particularly upper Pinukpuk. Farmers of these non-irrigated farmlands are applying the patch cultivation, or swidden farming.

Magaogao is one of the 23 barangay of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, and considered by the old resident folks as the mother barangay along the Chico River zone. Believed then to be the barter center, it was identified as the first municipal site covering Junction, Mapaco, Camalog, Sukbot, Cawagayan, Pinucoc, and Burayucan – now a part of Balong. Children from the mentioned barangays are the beneficiaries of formal education offered, and it is noteworthy to mention that it was Magaogao that had its first school ahead of the other barangays.

From the seven original Kalinga sub-tribes of the Gamonang tribe occupying the vast and rich 3,666 sq. km. land area, the community has expanded to 649 individuals, now mixed with Ilocanos and Ibanags through affiliations.

What caught the attention and interest of the researcher in the conduct of this study was the practice of patch farming despite some local government efforts in bringing social infrastructures and different associations and cooperatives in the barangay of Magao-gao, aside from its being once the center of communication and barter trade for its neighboring barangays that are now more economically successful.


II. OBJECTIVES

General Objectives:

The study aimed to find out the different factors associated with patch cultivation/swidden farming system practiced by the farmers of Barangay Magao-gao.

Specific Objectives:

1. Identify the different factors associated with patch cultivation/swidden farming in Barangay Magao-gao.

2. Determine which of the different factors are most associated with the practice of patch cultivation /slash and burn.

3. Look into the barangay profile and see its connection with patch cultivation

III. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Shifting Cultivation, otherwise known as Swidden Farming, is one of the practices of indigenous people living in the upland who are mostly subsistence farmers involved in cultivating food crops in a patch of cleared forest land for a certain period in time.

In shifting cultivation, after a period of continuous cultivation that mostly lasts from 2 to 3 years, the land is left to fallow as farmers shift to other areas to cultivate food crops. The same land will be tilled again after a considerable period has elapsed. The practice contributes to the sustainability of the ecosystem as it renders the land being tilled a period of recovery for it to recoup nutrient lost from a period of continuous cultivation and undergo a period of ecological recovery.

A Kalinga man, as soon as he is matured, desires to start life of his own. The usual and continuous work activities of the Kalinga husband involves preparing the rice terraces and clearing the “uma” for crop planting (Sugguiyao).

The original settlers in the hinterland started cultivating the land areas as soon as they found them. They cleared the forest areas from which they raised rice and vegetables for subsistence requirement.

IV. PROCEDURE/METHODOLOGY

The research design used in the study was mainly descriptive. Simple random sampling was used to identify the respondents. Of the 109 households living in Sitio Magao-gao, 55 of them or 50.46% were taken as subject of the study. These are the farmering households that practice swidden farming.

A questionnaire was used in gathering data from the respondents. However, this was supplemented by actual field visit of the researchers and observation in the farmers’ field in order to document the sustainability, purposes and major component of the practice. The profile of the Barangay was also included as secondary data for collaboration of findings. Data gathering period was from November 2005 to April 2006. Data gathered in the study were analyzed using frequency, means and percentage.

V. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Patch Cultivation System

Patch cultivation, common term for “shifting cultivation,” is a deforestation technique used to clear large areas of forest, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas, for agriculture and other purposes.

In many forested areas in the tropics, the regeneration of mineral component in the ground, after frequent agricultural use, takes a very long time. There is considerable pressure to find new, unused arable land to farm. This land is obtained by clearing expanse of virgin forests and later burning the wood. The formerly used fields are often abandoned or allowed a phase of reforestation before cultivating again; however, it may take years – the most being 7 years for an area to become agriculturally useful once more.

Over time, time huge areas of forests have been destroyed through patch cultivation because an average rural family needs about 25 to 40 hectares of land to be rotated. When the clearing takes place, ashes from the burnt vegetation fertilize the soil.

After 2-3 years of cultivation, the mineral elements of the humus in the soil are extensively exhausted. The growth of weeds increases and further cultivation is unwise and becomes impossible without a new clearing. Depending on the population density of the settlement, the reforested areas are put back into cultivation at intervals. As soon as the forest undergoes serious permanent damage from overuse, it is transformed into sparse landscape of scrub or grassland, which is useful neither as woodland nor arable land. The soil then loses its upper fertile layers.


Productivity of shifting cultivation areas usually declines after the third cropping, hence it is considered to be un-sustainable. This is attributed to factors like erosion, invasion of weeds, and removal of nutrients due to crop production.

The Practice of Patch Cultivation as Farming System in Barangay Magao-gao.

Slash and Burn in Barangay Magao-gao involves several stages of which some are regulated by religious beliefs and practices. Some stages are essential for orderly and effective workmanship, minimizing growth of weeds while controlling pests.

Torba This is the initial stage of slash and burn where a group of men gathers in the yard of an elder’s house after a good breakfast to do some forecasting on the future of slash and burn farming system. Farmers usually line themselves up in going to the site at around 8:00 o’clock and they usually bang anything noisily to drive away the “idao” – a Kalinga bird for bad omen. They even close their ears so as not to hear the chirping of the bird. Boundaries are indicated and agreed once cutting and felling of big trees started.

Agguma – This means cutting down of shrubs and felling and buckling of trees. After 2 to 3 days when the torba has been devoid of any unfavorable omen, the agguma is started. This is done by the family like the bayanihan system.

Since the dry season occurs in Magao-gao from the month of February to the later part of May, the agguma is usually done from February to the early days of March to allow enough time for the trees and shrubs to dry for burning in the middle of April.

SogobMeans burn; this stage is usually done on the third week of April when weather is mostly dry and quite warm. Burning is usually done between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Burning the uma is not simply achieved to facilitate thorough clearing and cleaning of the areas. It is done to minimize weed growth. After burning, the Uma is left for a while or a week before starting with the next stage of Kaingin farming. This is done to minimize the ashes that hinder the farmers to do the next Stage.

Para – Collecting and clearing of unburned tree trunks and their branches for consumption of the farmers in his swidden farming. Tress collected is usually piled.

Kago – Removing stumps of shrubs, cutting and uplifting the superficial roots of trees and uprooting dried vines still sticking from the ground. These are collected and burned to ashes. Although the para is more taxing, the kago occupies the longest period of work in the uma.

Kallid – sweeping the ground; this is done to remove the small twigs, leaves and fine roots on the surface of the ground. This is because they are considered as obstruction to seeding. These loose materials are carried away during heavy rains and are most likely to cover and obstruct seed emergence.

Tallog – uprooting of weeds in the uma, prior to planting in the uma which was exposed for a long duration and was left unattended for awhile. Weeds have started to emerge hence the farmers usually uproot the weeds. It is at this point where the farmers started to plant some vegetable crops particularly those climbing crops at the base of cut trees.

Padong – Fencing. The area of a farmer is usually fenced to protect the crops from animal invasion. The woods that were piled will than be used by the farmers.

OsokPlanting of palay. Two to three days before a farmer plants rice which is the main crop, a bundle of palay previously selected and was put aside intended as planting materials are threshed by foot at home after being properly cleaned. Planting usually starts at the first week of June as the ground by then is soaked from rains. A sharp pointed piece of wood as big as the hand of a farmer is used to bore holes in horizontal and vertical alignment at 8 inches and 1 foot distance depending on the variety used and the slope of the area. By pair, the women usually do the dropping of seeds of five to seven per hole.

Planting should be finished before noon to avoid being overtaken by rain since it would be hard to drop the seed when wet. Seeding usually starts from the bottom up.

Usually after planting, the farmers construct temporary shacks inside the uma as a resting and cooking area. There are instances where the farmers used it as sleeping quarters. The shack is very necessary since it is where the farmers pile up their harvest before it is transported into their respective homes.

Weeding with the use of landok, a small grab-hoe. Weeds are uprooted usually in bayanihan or when they asked their neighbor to help them, and pay them 60 pesos a day. Weeds are not thrown away but instead they are left to decay at the base of the rice and later it becomes as fertilizer. The uma is occasionally visited by the farmers when planting was done.

Barasbas – By September, farmers have to remove the overgrown weeds and twigs from the stump to give way to the sunlight to penetrate the plants. It also a way to drive away the dangao and exposed rats burrows. Farmers have to sleep in their shack and occasionally shout to drive away wild pigs.

Ani – Harvest. Men and women start gathering the panicles using homemade knives especially shaped for the purpose of harvesting upland rice. Harvesting usually starts at the bottom. Bundles of palay are collected and placed in poles hanged to dry. This will be placed later in a shack. It usually takes days for the farmers to harvest an uma – around four days depending on the size of the uma.

Akot to carry a thing from one place to another. This is the final stage of farmer’s task in doing the patch cultivation and slash and burn practice. Piles of palay are transported from the uma to their respective houses.

Present Situation in Barangay Magao-gao

Magao-gao is one of the 27 barangays of Pinukpuk with an estimated area of 3,666 sq.m. From the seat of the municipality of Pinukpuk, it can be reached at a travel time of 2 hours by motorized vehicles via Poblacion, Tabuk, Kalinga, or through hiking crossing the Chico river during summer. Only 42.2 hectares are utilized from the lower part into agricultural venture for coffee, rice and corn. The Barangay has a total population of 649 with 109 numbers of households. The bigger segment in the population falls under the age bracket of 15-49 years which comprise the labor force of the barangay.

Majority of the people belong to the Kalinga tribe, which composes 75% of the total population. Twenty five (25) are Ilocanos and the rest are Itawes (5%) who are affiliated to the natives of the locality.

With regards to education, 25% have no formal education, 20% had attained elementary level, 20% finished elementary and 22 % had reached the secondary level. Only few, however, have reached college due to poverty in the locality. Students have to go out of the barangay to pursue secondary education.

Economic Situation in Magao-gao

The people living in the community are engaged in farming from which they depend largely for existence. The flat areas of the barangay are developed for palay and corn production Aside from palay and corn, families maintain coffee and fruit plantations. Others are engaged in other livelihood activities such as backyard animal-raising. However, these are on limited scale due to lack of transportation and market outlets.

Resident sell their products in Tabuk, Kalinga – which requires high transportation cost because of the absence of a bridge connecting the Aliog River to Tabuk, Kalinga. Selling price for banana ranges from 40.00 to 60.00 per hundred pieces depending on the variety.

Source of Income

Research in the past revealed that the original Kalinga settlers, driven from their lowland territories by the more powerful ethnic groups, trekked to the mountains in search of a homeland where they could live a peaceful life and establish a community. In their struggle for survival against the harsh realities of life, their first means is to raise the basic staple food (rice) and other crops for a living. They started clearing the forest which is termed as “uma” in Kalinga . This practice remains up to the present as an occupational activity. It requires constant mobility of families within the forested areas in search for additional supply of palay, root crops, legumes, and other vegetable products considered necessary for living and well-being. Extra palay stored for future means a lot to the Kalinga in times of scarcity and is a status symbol besides being used as barter item for other necessities and valuable materials (Sugguiyao).

The findings on income is the highest factor on Swidden Farming in Barangay Magao-gao. The inhabitants’ main reason collaborate with the researchers’ findings. However, after deeper analysis by the researchers on the barangay profile, plus after intensive and persuasive interview, there appears to be a strong indication that the real cause of the farmers’ imposed pressure on the forest resources is migration and population growth. The forested and grassland areas in Barangay Magao-gao used to be pastureland for the original settlers in the barangay. There were only seven families who were not engaged in the practice and who have not indulged themselves in the practice. They have grown into more than 649 individuals or 109 families.

The productive area in the lowland would be impossible to feed the growing population which is still growing – thus, the forest is the best and only way to solve the crisis. As indicated by a United Nations report, widespread poverty is the real situation in the said barangay and environmental degradation is a result of population pressure. The interaction of the two problems influence each other.

Labor

As Kalingas seek basic necessities to support themselves, they endeavor cooperatively especially in the practice of swidden farming, not to mention that the practice entails a lot of individuals to perform cutting and felling of big trees.

The Bayanihan system is termed by the Kalinga as “papango.” Kalinga kaingineros always group themselves and decide when to clean the uma up to the harvesting of palay. A more intensive interview was conducted via re-interview of the respondents on labor as big factor in swidden farming to satisfy some doubts of the researchers. It was found out in two ways: first, respondents answered that they can save a lot in swidden farming, wherein labor performed by farmers who do not have uma is much cheaper at a cost of only fifty pesos per task performed in a day. On the other hand, farmers said that cost of labor in the lowland is too high that it would be impossible for them; hence it is more practical in upland farming than in the lowland as manifested by some idle lots in the lowland areas in Barangay Magao-gao since the cost of farming in the lowland is very high.

Capital

As presented in the first part of discussion on the socioeconomics of Barangay Magao-gao, the place was left behind in terms of economic prosperity. People are mostly involved in upland farming, there are no other sources of income to augment their meager income from the wealth of the forest.

Knowledge

As soon as a Kalinga man matures and desires to start a life of his own, he sets out to cultivate the uma; only few attained higher education. They learn of the system immediately as they become aware of life. Their parents bring them to the forest farm in performing the swidden farming. They become adept and accustomed in the system; from land clearing to the choice of planting materials, and are also adept in forecasting eventual good harvest.

From simple immersion of the researchers in Barangay Magao-gao, the researchers found out that the farmers are foreign to new techniques of farming particularly in the lowlands where the use of new technologies is widely disseminated by our government.

Land Tenure

To the Kalingas, land is considered an indispensable commodity upon which life depends. Considering themselves as the representative and guardian of their natural environment, they look upon their relationship with the land as both social and spiritual. Land to them is a gift of God, freely given- thus man has a right to ownership – for him and his offspring. They clear the forest from which they raise food crops for subsistence requirement. They claim that they are being protected from outside intruders by their exclusive right over the mountain forest .The land, which is already looked upon as a free gift that could be owned individually, is cultivated and made productive by the individual. In the swidden agricultural system in Barangay Magao-gao, the individual does not exercise his right over a piece of land he occupies for the system. He is allowed by some owners as long as he can make it productive, anyway they do leave the place any time the real owner says so.

Cultural Factors Affecting Patch Cultivation

The practice of patch cultivation in the Barangay is part of the culture and tradition learned from their long experience of producing their needs in the remote and fragile upland. Sugguiyao in her book stated that Kaingin or Swidden farming came into existence among the ancient Kalinga settlers as the inevitable imperative to stabilize community life.

They ventured into the system to establish right over their agricultural crops not as stable land owners or of having possession right over specific swidden sites that they put into production. They are mainly there in order to survive, but not to trail those who have been practicing it for years. Although inheritance is executed by Kalinga families, in Magao-gao only those that were utilized for years and have been planted with rare trees are given to their offspring.

Political Factors Affecting Slash and Burn

Although the government has prevailing programs to eliminate this practice, it was found out that these policies are not practiced in Barangay Magao-gao.


It is believed that instead of driving out these farmers in their dappat, government should allow them instead to practice patch farming rather than push them to ultimate poverty.

Government projects, like the Community Resource-Based Management, has made efforts but they have yet to be implemented fully in the said Barangay.

The Barangay council has yet to determine what has to be done since it cannot stop the farmers from practicing it because they cannot find any solution to the farmers’ economic problem. In the final analysis, this factor does not have any significance on the farmers particularly in their swidden farms.


VI. Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, it was found out that the factor on culture and tradition was the immensely cause of swidden farming in Barangay Magao-gao. However, after an intensive and persuasive interview among the respondents, other factors played a big role in the practice of swidden farming.

Further and deeper analysis of the respondents’ answers, coupled with personal observation revealed that it is an innate characteristics of every Kalinga to indulge in this system. But it is not due to economic reasons presented in the indicators but it is due to the immediate needs of the farmers that have to be addressed.

VII. Recommendation

The Community Based Forest Management of the government, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, should be implemented in Barangay Magao-gao to educate the farmers on the proper utilization and management of their respective forests.

VII. REFERENCES

Van der Ploeg, Masipiquena and Bernardo, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range: Global Relevance, Local Realities.Cagayan Valley Program on Environment and Development Program, 2003

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