Igorots Coping Amidst COVID-19

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by: Felisa Daskeo

I've been thinking a lot about the Igorots in this time of pandemic and crisis whilst they are in a dire situation yet they are coping amidst the COVID-19 and they are surviving the situation with or without the help of the government.

Remember how the late Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mountain Province, who refused the food packs from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for his constituents? In his statement and I quote, "Let the national Government feed those more needy urban poor in the cities and those less fortunate in other areas who can't sustain themselves, while we sustain ourselves while we can."

His statement is very true of the Igorots. It is not a boastful act but an inherent attitude of the Igorots who can sustain themselves even in the direst of situations. As Igorots, they were taught to live within their means. Igorots don't practice extravagant life, even if they have the means to do so. Luxury is not part of their simple life and to top it all they want to gain money honestly because they abide by their ancestors' words, "Inayan sa."

“Inayan sa." It's a short sentence full of sense and meaning. To the Igorots they say, "Inayan sa", to all acts against human rights and moral values. They say, "Inayan sa", to someone who violates laws. In short, it is what makes an Igorot the way he is.

Here are some Inherent Characteristics of Igorots why they can survive during Crisis.

1. Resilience - Igorots are perhaps one of the most resilient people. They have strong personalities that help them recover easily during times of crisis. They have the ability to adapt to any situation.

2. They live within their means. - Igorots don't practice extravagant life. They live a simple lifestyle like their ancestors and content themselves with what they have. They are not fond of jewelry and other luxuries that are only embellishments and unnecessary in their daily life. Just because Juan has a new television means Pedro will also buy one. It is not what they were taught. If you don't have extra money to buy "luho”, then be content with what you have.

3. They always think of others. - Igorots always think of others and are not selfish. They always think of the word, "Inayan sa." Greed of power and money is frowned upon by many Igorots.

4. They always save for a rainy day. - Igorots aren't one day millionaires. They always think of the future. Their "agamang" rice granary is always full. So the rice supply could sustain them for a year or more. Farmers plant rice in the rice terraces only once a year. So, they make sure they have enough rice supply before harvest season comes again. Igorots are heavy rice eaters because they work very hard to sustain themselves. They aren't used to charities from other people unless needed. In times of crisis such as this COVID-19 pandemic, rice and salt is almost a luxury.

5. They practice bayanihan religiously. Igorots practice bayanihan especially in times of calamities. The death of someone means every family in the community must share something to help the bereaved family. So the bereaved family will not be indebted, but they will have an extra budget for the pa-siyam and 40 days celebrations. They accomplish community projects in gratis, and you don't hear complaints. They do their duties and responsibilities for their community without complaining.

6. They respect the authorities and abide by the laws. Although Igorots don't have po and opo in their words, they are very respectful people. They don't practice the "Mano po" but they show their respect through their humble words and actions. They don't always say, ma'am and sir. But in respecting authorities and laws, they need not be told what to do. They abide by the laws and follow orders from authorities. This COVID-19 pandemic alerted the Igorots to practice the "Tee" or "Tengaw" which is the Igorot version of "Stay-at-Home. Te-e or Tengaw is an old tradition and practice where everyone must stay at home during a certain event. The Igorots observe Te-e or Tengaw 100%. They always listen to the old men.

7. They are very practical. This part will surely surprise you. In the Cordillera Region, you cannot tell who is rich and who is not because even the rich aren't so showy about what they have. They wear simple clothes, but they have a mansion and a handsome car. Igorots will buy a nice car which is necessary but not an LV bag worth Php100,000. He will build a mansion but do not expect him to buy that Rolex watch that is worth half a million pesos. In short, they are very practical and they buy only what is necessary. So when you see an Igorot that resembles that beggar in Luneta Park, do not smirk and say, "kadiri". For all you know that Igorot is a millionaire who is just killing time while waiting for his daughter who is a doctor in one of the hospital’s around and mind you, he is driving a Land Rover.

These and more are some inherent characteristics of Igorots worth emulating that make them sustain themselves in times of calamities.

Their resilience and discipline make them survive a crisis.

At the moment while writing this, 4 provinces in the Cordillera Region have no reported cases of COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 Felisa Daskeo. All rights reserved.