Taking the Steps
Chiva ni Doakan: The Exhibition
Young people have limited information about the values of their culture and local history. Their proximity and exposure to urban life and modern technology, including media misconceptions about Igorots, contribute to the declining appreciation of their heritage. However when they engage with adequate and alternative images about their heritage, they become fast learners. Some community members tapped this young people’s ability to inform them of their heritage.
A multi-sectoral group conceptualized an educational activity using the exhibition of photographs as methodology. They gathered photographs which provided materials for an exhibition script that feature the Ibalois: their ancestral land, occupations, and practices. Also collected were photographs on the different institutions in the community and the migrants who learned the Ibaloi dialect. The overriding theme that emerged from the collection of photographs focused on the positive values between and among the Ibalois and the migrants, utilizing these values to build communal spirits and act on community concerns.
Aside from photographs were three multimedia productions featuring oral history interviews about the people, land, and cultural practices of the Ibalois. Students from the Loakan Annex of Baguio City National High School researched materials for the multi-media productions. In the process of the research the students’ natural curiosity led them to learn interesting facts directly from elders about Loakan’s history and its indigenous people. The students’ participation as well as the multi-media output contributed to the participative preparation and multi-sensory feature of the exhibition that made learning easier and fun.
The exhibition was mounted on March 23 to April 8, 2008 at the Loakan Elementary School in Baguio City. It was entitled “Chiva ni Doakan: Memories and Reflections on Ibaloi Heritage and Loakan History”. “Chiva” is an Ibaloi term which means “telling stories of past exploits or people’s origin.” The exhibition’s production was a manifestation of the school, barangay officials, and members’ cooperation for the benefit of the community.
The value of the exhibition is its ability to raise awareness and instill a deeper appreciation of the rich heritage and history of Loakan among the youth who expressed a sense of pride in being an Ibaloi. Some comments written in the visitors’ journal attest to the attainment of the exhibition’s objectives.
CHIVA ni Doakan, Inc.
(Center for Ibaloi Heritage and Loakan History)
The positive feedback to the exhibition on Ibaloi heritage and Loakan history inspired the organizers to continue the work of informing the youth and other community members about the Ibaloi heritage and local history in Loakan. Rather than working through an ad hoc group, the organizers thought it best to formalize a group that would spearhead and manage future research and education functions on Ibaloi heritage and local history in the community. Thus, they organized CHIVA ni Doakan, Inc. or Center for Ibaloi Heritage and Loakan History. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 5, 2008.
CHIVA ni Doakan envisions having Ibalois and Loakan residents who are knowledgeable and proud of their active heritage to promote unity and community development. It is engaged in the collection, documentation, preservation, and education of the Ibaloi heritage and Loakan history to attain three goals: to sustain the roots of and generate pride in the positive values of the Ibaloi heritage; to recover the sense of community and enjoy the benefits that come from the cooperation and feeling of belonging in Loakan; and to facilitate the community’s development
CHIVA has three programs that it implements through several activities. The research and documentation program manages the data gathering or collection of materials on local history and Ibaloi heritage, including the writing and publication of this information. This program aims to enable the Ibaloi and community members to write history from their own perspectives and contexts, and correct misinformation about Igorots particularly the Ibalois, and to establish a data base of the Ibaloi heritage and local history in Loakan.
The education program focuses on the information dissemination of local history and Ibaloi heritage through various fora such as: seminars, training-workshops, exhibitions, and the establishment of a resource center. These activities aim to transform incorrect stereotypes and create meaningful images about Ibalois and Igorots; to contribute to the appreciation and tolerance of cultural diversity necessary for community cooperation and development; and to create pride among Ibaloi youth of their indigenous culture which inspire confidence and excellence.
In the process of conceptualizing CHIVA, the members agreed that the Ibaloi heritage is rooted in their ancestral land. Without the land where the Ibalois can commune and practice their heritage, the Ibaloi identity can not be sustained. Sadly, the land becomes a commodity to meet the family’s need especially education. Therefore, the community development program was included to respond to community issues relevant to the preservation of Loakan history and the sustainability of the Ibaloi heritage in Loakan. The program aims to facilitate the titling of the Ibalois’ ancestral lands; to enable Ibaloi the youth obtain an education; and to assist in establishing socio-economic projects for community members.
At the heart of CHIVA ni Doakan, Inc. is to sustain the diverse cultures that contribute to the beauty and treasures of the Philippines.
Afo ni Ibadoy (ANI)
The primary audiences of the Chiva ni Doakan exhibition were the pupils and students of Loakan Elementary School and Loakan Annex of Baguio City National High School. They frequented the exhibition during their vacant time or as part of classroom activities. Their feedback had been positive and encouraging, indicating that they have learned the lessons from the exhibition so that they did not hesitate when an opportunity came to apply their learning.
Part of their learning is the appreciation of the Ibaloi heritage and local history. The realization that one’s ancestors have been instrumental in building Loakan stirred a sense of pride in their origin. It also created more interest to learn about their Ibaloi heritage. Thus, they willingly participated to the school’s website project about the community’s culture.
Helping to prepare the website made an impressive influence to this group of young Ibalois and non-Ibalois. Their discovery about their heritage only helped to strengthen their resolve to help sustain the roots of their identity. So they organized a group and called themselves Afo ni Ibadoy (ANI) or Ibaloi Descendants. The acronym, ANI which means “harvest” in Filipino, acknowledges their Ibaloi origin. They are the descendants who are tasked with the responsibility to ensure the continuity of the Ibaloi family.
ANI’s initial activities include conducting Ibaloi classes to teach other young Ibalois to learn their dialect, holding story telling sessions, and prepare a simple dictionary of Ibaloi terms. Given sufficient support and guidance, this group can do much to advocate the learning about the Ibaloi heritage in Loakan and by doing so contribute to the cultural diversity of humanity.
(One of the members of Afo ni Ibadoi (ANI), Arwi Martinez, is given time in his class to teach Ibaloi Dialect, the native language of Loakan, to his fellow classmates.)