Baguio IPMR calls on IPs to organize themselves

“We encourage the Indigenous Peoples (IP) migrant communities of Baguio to organize themselves according to their tribal affiliations, that each Cordilleran tribe be given due recognition  for the distinct identification of each tribe’s uniqueness. This will set forth the record that, indeed, Baguio City is the melting pot of the North.”

Thus, declared Maximo Edwin Jr., IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the city council, during the flag-raising rites, May 15, at City Hall led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.

“We IPs are a people historically differentiated, a people who developed in relative isolation from the mainstream, our life ways and world view different to that of the dominant majority as shown in our use and treatment of nature, land and resources, and our belief in the cosmos and one’s place in it including our observance of ritual and Divinity,” he explained.

Edwin claimed that his fellow Baguio Ibaloys lost much of their land down the generations “since the action of history was harsh and unsparing as we suffered and struggled to survive. With that, admittedly, came disillusionment with the government. But now, as though in answer to all that we the IPs of Baguio and all similarly situated IPs have implored, we are thankfully given a chance for a fresh start.”

The Ibaloys are considered as the first settlers of Baguio then originally known as Kafagway.

He cited section 16 of the IP Rights Act of 1997 that states: “Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) have the right to participate fully, if they so choose, at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them as well as to maintain and develop their own indigenous political structures. Consequently, the State shall ensure that the ICCs/IPs shall be given mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.”

Edwin stressed that the provision gives the IPs of Baguio-Ibaloy, Kalanguya, Kankanaey and all other ethnolinguistic groups residing in the Summer Capital – a voice in the city council.

“It is a chance to shape our future, a chance to help shape Baguio’s future with us in its plans. Fellow IPs of Baguio, let that voice be heard, let it be strong, unequivocal, let it be clear, full of purpose and resolve,” he said.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong administered Edwin’s oath as IPMR of the Baguio city council on February 3, this year, and the august body passed resolution no. 75, series of 2023, on February 9 concurring with his selection as IPMR.“

Presently, we (Ibaloys) have been reduced to a tiny minority in our highly-urbanized city with severely depleted resources left amid exponentially increasing city needs. To the city council, with whom this humble representation is working with, we reiterate that our love for Baguio can never be too small to stop us from giving more if it means saving our environment, keeping our beloved city beautiful, orderly, peaceful and mutually prosperous,” Edwin said. – Gaby B. Keith