Sagada: A Perfect Example of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is probably one of the most abused words in the tourism industry. It is the cry of almost all promoters of tourism in any place with natural environmental beauty.
However, ecotourism is not merely marketing the natural environmental beauty of a place. The United Nations described the general characteristics of ecotourism as (1) nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the appreciation of nature as well as traditional cultures in natural areas; (2) contains educational and interpretation features; (3) generally, but not exclusively organized for small groups by specialized and small, locally owned businesses; (4)minimizes negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment; and (5)supports the protection of natural areas.
Ecotourism then goes beyond what the eyes can see. It’s not merely earning money through the environment but making the least damage to it. While tourism is the most expensive industry, it is also the most destructive. Sometimes, even those claiming for ecotourism are the very ones violating the very same concept.
In ecotourism, it matters much who controls the resources because control of the resources ends up to those who controls the profit. In Sagada, all tourism amenities like hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops are owned by the Isagada. No non-Isagada, even by disguise, owns any business establishment in the town.
Even the Sagada Environmental Guides Association, which is the front liner of the tourism industry is one hundred percent composed of Isagada. The environmental fee of ten pesos which is now being collected by the Municipal Government was once under the care of the SEGA. And, from it, they had thought and implemented projects that improved the tourist spots but did not really removed the thrill or the natural beauty of the place. Yet, even when the collection was transferred to the Municipal Government, still the control is in the hands of the locals.
The projects that might have improved the tourist spots are conceptualized not only to serve the tourists but also the locals. And, it is only implemented if it incurs the least damage to nature. In ecotourism, it is very important that the voice of the locals should be heard and it is only with them that it is implemented. This is based on the contention that the locals know what is best for them and the community.
Almost 15 years ago, there was a proposal to build a five-star hotel in Sagada through the Philippine Tourism Authority. This was disapproved by the locals and the reigning Municipal Local Government Unit officials at that time. At first thought, questions such as why would they do such a thing when tourism is starting to be the lifeblood of some Isagada. It seems it was not right to do so. However, on second thought, it was after all for the good of the Isagada. It was ecotourism all along. If they would have allowed a five-star hotel, will the Isagada be in control? They say it generates more income and jobs. True, but what kind of jobs? The locals are not the owner of the hotel. They will for sure be there to work only to serve, and who will benefit from the income? In a way, they will but not directly.
Another point raised was, the Isagada sometimes lack water. If there will be a five-star hotel, of course, the concentration of the water will be on the hotel itself. One flush for the toilet bowl is almost enough for one to use to take a bath. And, will the five star hotel serve the locals? For sure it will not as a hotel but it would be for their eyes only.
Such contentions may seem to be arrogant to some but it is ecotourism in the whole sense of the word. Whatever amenities put up should not only be serving the tourists but also the locals.
Culture is not to be marketed. The culture of the Igorots had always amused tourists and even locals themselves. But, cultural practices were done only when they are supposed to be done. Traditional practices are not done for tourists’ amusement only. Old folks follow their calendar so if the tourists want to witness such practices, they have to adjust to the schedules of the locals and not vice versa. And, the practices are not done on artificial settings but on where such practices are really to be done like the “dap-ay.”
If there had been rumors on some locals being paid to perform some rituals, social ostracism, even oral ones, had righted the acts. In other words, the control of the locals and their way of disciplining the errant, even the older folks, had always been effective.
Though commercialization of culture is very rampant nowadays, Sagada is still not going with the flow. Again, this makes it an ecotourist destination in the real sense of the word – avoiding destruction of nature as well as culture.
Another feature of ecotourism is the motto of some guides, “if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do.” Putting it in context, if you are in Sagada, do what the the Isagada do. In other words, while the Isagada would adjust to the tourists in one way, the tourists should also adjust. It is a two way traffic and both parties should meet at the center. The Isagada should not adjust all through out to cater to the whims of every visitor as well as the tourists should not adjust all throughout to cater to the whims of every locals. Each party should share a part of him/her and each should understand each other. Both parties, in a way is partly educating the other. So, tourism is also a powerful way of sharing who you are.

Though there are still so many things that need to be improved in Sagada’s tourism industry, as of now, it is still what we call an ecotourist spot in the real sense of the term.

Paracelis will be green again

Paracelis will be green again.

This is the cry of the 130 Supreme Student Government Paracelis-Saliok, Natonin Cluster participants to the SSG Leadership, Peer Counseling and Child Participation Training held at Paracelis National High School on October 11-13, 2008.

The SSG students and advisers committed to join hands to set a day for the whole student body in Paracelis and EBNAVHS-Saliok Annex for tree planting with the aim of restoring the watershed and the forests of the municipality. Thus, they are calling on all possible support to concerned individuals and offices to be one with them in one way or another in this endeavor.

The cry was a result of the SSG officers’ realization and assertion of their rights to child participation and leadership. Eastern Barlig National Agricultural and Vocational High School – Saliok Annex who joined the cluster due to proximity also vowed to join Paracelis in the realization of their cry.

Asked for their reasons for supporting the regreening program of Paracelis, the SSG officers of EBNAVHS – Saliok Annex say, “ Paracelis is our neighbor, so we want to help them. Besides, we might be residing here someday. Moreover, it is our responsibility to take care of mother earth for we are all affected because, after all, we are in the same planet.”

The Municipal Mayor of Paracelis, Almeida, already committed the full support of the Local Government Unit to such an endeavor.
With the theme, “Empowering SSG Officers and Advisers As Effective Leaders and Counselors,” the training is a joint effort of the Department of Education – Division of Mountain Province in partnership with the host schools, Youth Alliance Philippines – Northern Luzon, Outstanding Students of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Local Government Units and the UNICEF.

MPSPC, under the leadership of Julie Tuguinay, the guidance counselor and the Liwid Organization of Student Peer Counselors works on Peer Counseling for Students and Guidance Counseling for Advisers. DepEd, through the SSG Coordinator, Irene Bakisan; OSCAR through Ronald Lopez, also an OSCAR; and YAPNL, through the leadership of Dazzelyn Zapata, a UP-Baguio instructor, work on Leadership Development Training. Other topics are as Parliamentary Procedure and Child’s rights and participation are tackled by the DepEd / UNICEF and LGU.

This training is a result of the Orientation and Consultation of SSG advisers and officers held at the Government Multi-Purpose Hall, Bontoc, Mountain Province on June 30, where participants voiced out the need of a Leadership training.

To cater to more participants and to lessen the hindrances leading to non-attendance of the said training, it was decided that the training shall be done by clusters on different dates. SABATA cluster (Sabangan, Bauko and Tadian) finished their training with DepEd, MPSPC and the OSCAR on September 27-29; Paracelis-Saliok Cluster with DepEd, MPSPC and YAPNL on October 11-13; Sagada-Besao Cluster with DepEd, YAPNL, and MPSPC on October 17-19. Barlig-Natonin Cluster will have to reset their training due to health reasons in some parts of Barlig. They will be having their training with DepEd, YAPNL and MPSPC. Bontoc-Sadanga cluster will have their training with DepEd, MPSPC and OSCAR.

After the training, SABATA students were heard with words as, “We will do our responsibility as empowered students/officers in our own school by applying what we have learned.” Meanwhile, a Paracelis-Saliok participant mentioned, “I will share and apply what I learned so that others will see that this training is really helping. I will do my part as a leader to serve JOY – Jesus, Others, You.”

Adventure in Sagada, Mountain Province

I have explored the world before I explored my own town. What a shame!!! Though exploring the world was not so literally applied here, I realized that I visited places outside my hometown eventhough I have not visited all the barangays of our place. I may hiked to the north or to the south or to the east of my town but it was usually from Poblacion and back again. Now, when I was given this chance to visit the schools in the peripherals of Sagada, I took it with glee as a chance to hike around my town.

On the first day, I rode from Poblacion to Bangaan that's towards north. I first visited Fidelisan Primary School, then continued to Tanulong not via Bangaan and Madongo but via Guesang. I have never been to this part of Sagada before so the fear of getting lost was overpowered by the excitement I felt.

My brother once told me that you can always find your way if you have Magtanong. So, I would jokingly say that I have Magtanong with me so I will not get lost. Even if Magtanong is a Tagalog, he knows the ins and outs of our town and Mountain Province as a whole. Others would raise their eyebrow and still others would try to find Magtanong for they know full well that I came alone. Yet, still others would understand and laugh and say, "wen met-a."

The hidden beauty of the man-made terraces of the Northern and Eastern part of Sagada really amazed me even if rice terraces had all been a part of my life.

Walking had been my daily habit for three days. Even if I had wanted to ride from Poblacion to Balugan, it would have taken me more than one hour than what it took me to walk. Why? The people of Balugan and even Southern Sagada have this habit of stopping at all stores they pass by and let the PUJ wait for them as if the ride is their own. But, that is one thing good in Sagada coz you don't do that in the city. So, I walked from Poblacion to Balugan then Peg-an which is an annex of Ankileng NHS. Well, I rode to Antadao ES and NHS after I hiked back from Peg-an.

Antadao ES is something to worry about. The ground cracked for a portion of it sank. A building is no longer in use with all its cracks on the walls and the floor. One room which is being used by the Grade IV and V has cracked cement floors which looks like it was an effect of faulting. Aaaaah, another problem for DepEd and a potent danger to all teachers and pupils.

Then on the last day, I hiked all the way to Suyo, then Nacagang, Taccong and lastly to Payag-eo. Aha the beauty is nothing compared with anything since all the places in Sagada have their own. But, I have this funny experience of having no other better choice but to remove my pants in crossing the Taccong river. If not, then I have to present myself at Payag-eo PS all wet and I have to choose to be dry since I still need to hike for another hour before I reach Malitep, Bontoc. I love the feel of the water and trying to be invisible knowing that other people might be watching since there are people harvesting in the fields above.

Below is a photostory of my hike around my town.

Sabangan, Mountain Province

One of the things I really enjoyed in my new assignment is going around and exploring my own Igorot land - Mountain Province - Sagada, Sabangan, Besao, Bauko, Tadian, Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Bontoc and Paracelis. I love the feel of conquering its numerous mountains. And, I really thank God for giving me my sakamobile which I can use with or without gasoline and all its price increase. And the more I explore my place, the more I come to love it and the more I thank God for making me an Igorot born in the Igorot land.
I have lots of interesting experiences but best are when I am with nature. Below is a video of my latest adventure in Sabangan, Mountain Province.

Inayan and Lawa in Education

It is a general perception nowadays that side by side with more people becoming educated is the degradation of values. The Department of Education as well as other sectors had been finding ways to regenerate the “good old behaviors and attitudes” that had been practiced in the “good old years”. In fact the DepEd created Values Education as one of the subject areas. Working with other sectors in the government, like the Armed Forces and with private sectors, the government was able to launch the Moral Recovery Program.

Yet, with all these, one casual observer commented, “Why is it that the more they infuse Values Education, the more that people become greedy?” And one old woman once said, “You have all the undies and the clothes nowadays to cover yourself, yet why do more and more females get pregnant though still single? Before, we slept in the “ebgan” in groups with our suitors but no one got pregnant before her wedding.” Amusing but true.

In Sagada, they have two terms which is culturally welding them together. These are “inayan” and “lawa.” Practically these two terms mean the same though “lawa” has deeper inclinations into the traditions and ritual practices in Sagada.

The terms denote that something is taboo and should not be done. Like, “Inayan di mang-is-isik is ib-a na ay ipogaw." (It is not good to do bad things to other people.) Or, “Lawa di mang-isasaa is nagapo sin baey ay napuowan." (It is bad to bring home things from a burned house.)

“The use of “lawa and inayan” had been a great controlling factor to the people of Sagada. When a house burns down, the owners are assured that recovered things will not be brought home by anybody since it’s believed to be “inayan” that such acts will bring the same tragedy to the house where the things are brought home.

Same is true in tragedies like vehicular accidents. If other people are too vindictive to the drivers when one dies due to a lapse in judgment that may have resulted to an accident, the Isagada are not so. “Inayan, ayke way nanglayad sidi is maikkan." (Inayan, nobody liked that to happen.)

One of the growing problems in Sagada is land grabbing especially so that economically speaking, ecotourism in the place is drawing thousands of tourists every month. This, of course, helps upraise the price of land in the place and the mere fact that the Isagada are growing in number are reasons enough to understand such happenings.

Yet, “inayan” and “lawa” still helps a lot to control the greed of people. “Inayan di mang-ag-agaw is baken na kuwa. (It is ‘inayan’ to take what you don’t own.)” “Inayan di mang-iyal-alis is mohon / pegnad. (It is ‘inayan’ to change the boundary.)” And, it worked for a number of years, and it’s working to most Isagada even until these days.

“Inayan di adi men-i-wayang is daan di ib-a, ta ay mentayaw da. (It is “inayan” not to give a way for people to pass through in your property.) The right of way is also culturally imbedded. So, no one is excused. Whether you are the owner or the benefactor or the owner of the land, both are bound by the “inayan.”

“Inayan di mang-al-ala is baton di tuping di nagday ay kwan di ib-a. (It is “inayan” to take the stones of a destroyed stone wall.)” Just like in house fires, it is also considered “inayan” to get the stones from a corroded stone wall most especially if you use it to strengthen your own riprap. It had worked for generations and the rice terraces in Sagada are a noted example of such a practice. When a stone wall gives way, other people who need stones cannot just go and get the stones from the destroyed wall even if they too needed the stone too much. If they can’t help, then they are not supposed to add to the misery of the owner. The same thing applies to all stone walls which are numerous in this municipality found on top of mountains. The Supreme Being is not asleep.

Yes, the “inayan” and “lawa” are words which do not have exact translations in English or Filipino. It means to say, it is culturally imbedded in us, the Isagada, whether we are educated or not, whether we are somebody in the society or not. Having stayed out of the place for years is not a reason to forget the values of “inayan” and “lawa.”

These are some of the culture which should be retained and taught to all generations, be they digital natives or just techno-migrants. These are things which should be taught and caught in Values Education.

And, if such had been successfully practiced for years and years by our ancestors, infusing “inayan” and “lawa” with Christian values should weld people further, as unbreakable as iron, not the other way around.

Around Mountain Province

I remember something I read that says, "Whatever you do, you have to choose to be happy." Whether you know that the next 24 hours will be a lot different from what you were used to. That is exactly what I did. I chose to be happy even before I started my journey visiting Grade 1 students in Sagada, Besao and supposedly Natonin but was reassigned to Paracelis.

I really enjoyed my first assignments outside of the usual daily work. I enjoyed giving posttests for Grade 1 and i observed different kind of pupils. Really, Grade 1 teachers should be the best in attitude, especially in patience, and in teaching. Imagine teaching children who would sometimes just look at you as if you are talking of Mars. But, Grade 1 is also one of the most rewarding grades. In this grade, teachers can really see their outputs - whether they have done something or not.

In Sagada, I went to Tanulong Elementary School and Fidelisan Primary School. It's not just to lift Sagada up but these schools topped the posttests I administered. (Well, I have not yet checked the test given to the other schools.)

I saw the beauty of Panabungen being the part of Mountain Province very near the boundaries of Mountain Province, Abra and Ilocos. In fact, the Tirad Pass is so clearly "natitirad." I have been to Besao but never to Catengan and Panabungen. So, going there had been an adventure and I truly enjoyed every minute of it, especially including the great snacks and meals prepared by the very hospitable teachers and school heads in the person of Madam Semon and Madam Agnaonao. (In fact, the teachers of Panabungen ES even went to get fresh shrimps, wading ya tokak. Ulay iman basta men ipabulek et aped men imis ay kanen amed no ipangan isan binayo da. Aye pay di busog ko isdi.)

The difficulty of multi-grade classes is very clear in Camparadi, Paracelis. Imagine a complete elementary school, meaning they offer Grade 1 to 6, with only two teachers. One teacher will teach Grades 1-3 and another for Grades 4-6. Wow, they have to be superwomen to do that and they are. Though the pupils are very few (there are only 10 Grade 1 pupils) still it is hard to prepare for three classes with all the subjects. Added to that is the hardship in going there. It entails hiking. And, though it did not rain for two days, the road is still unpassable by vehicle. Accordingly, a motorbike can but the motorbike can carry you as well as you need to carry it too when the going gets too rough. We preferred to hike for almost six to seven hours to reach Camparadi, which is a combination of Camfiangan and Paradi (the school is in between these two sitios).

I saw several problems in my visit here. Aside from the multi-grade classes, it is so hard to reach the school. Even if the soil is already dry, it is still slippery. If adults find it slippery, how much more to pupils? They also need to cross rivers which get really turbulent during typhoons and rainy seasons. The ili helloare far from each other and the people keep on moving as we have seen along the way. When the soil is not so fertile anymore, they move to a greener pasture. They still have a percentage of nomadism. As I said a while ago, the people are very far from each other so it follows that they have to walk very far distances to reach each other.

The road is not even a road at all. There is a road that reaches the place but it's not usable. It can only be serviceable during the summer if it does not rain for five days or more but there are more rainy months (about 9) in Paracelis than summer so the road is basically useless as a road. By the way, the road reaches kalinga.

The case of Camparadi is not new in Paracelis. In fact with the 30 plus elementary schools, only seven has a 1teacher:1 grade ratio. The rest are combining two or three grades at a time.

I learned a lot and though i earned some wounds i will never forget the lessons that experience taught me again. Experience is really the greatest teacher of all time.