Module 4 Topic 2 Part 2 - Natural Dimension of the Cordillera IPs' Worldviews

Reading 2 (Excerpt): Rooted in the Land
- Source: Cariño-Fangloy, J. (2015). Indigenous earth wisdom: A documentation of the cosmologies of the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera.
- Significance of place names (i.e. Pidawan, Boken, Kangisi).

Natural Resources:
- Richness and beauty ideal for cultivating food crops (e.g. banana, camote, vegetables).
- Unique landscape names guide resource gathering (timber, water, gold).
- Springs like Adaan provide vital water sources for communities.
Cultural Heritage:
- Long-held respect for ancestral remains, found in caves, kept for over 400 years.
- Generational responsibility in caring for the mountains, particularly by clans such as Chacchacan, Bayeng, and Bogan.
- Mountains serve as the source of life necessities: water, pasture lands, and medicinal herbs.

Definition:
- Consists of beliefs, attitudes towards nature, and their life impact (Jocano, 2001).
- Aims to illuminate indigenous perspectives on land and attitudes towards it.

Terminology:
- Circular trap, communal land rights, customary law, indigenous corporate land rights, individual land rights, legal pluralism, muyong system, tenurial rules, adiwan.

Ecological Responsibility:
- Importance of preserving the mountain's ecosystem to sustain life; safeguarding trees is crucial for habitat.
- Smaller trees are essential for birds and wildlife.
Sustainable Practices:
- Harvesting trees carefully rather than through indiscriminate logging.
- Collection of firewood from twigs and branches in a sustainable manner.
Cultural Perspectives:
- Mountains viewed as maternal figures providing sustenance.
- Healthy mountain environment corresponds with human well-being and resource abundance.
Water Sources:
- Protection of springs and rivers is vital (e.g., Pidawan and Sadjo). Past experiences of pollution due to industrial activity highlight the need for vigilance.

Edible Vegetation:
- Various wild trees and plants (e.g. balokok, banabel, safuwan)
- Different herb varieties used for cooking and healing.
- Special preparation required for some plants (e.g. kalot).
Cultural Memories:
- Personal narratives about learning from ancestors; passing knowledge from generations.
- Reflection on life lessons from past experiences in maintaining the land.

Land Ownership Insights:
- Generational land passing; common land may be cultivated collectively.
- Traditional crop: Kintoman rice, held significant cultural value.
Cultural Lessons and Beliefs:
- Importance of unity and cooperation in agriculture among clans.
- Principle of lending when in need to nurture community bonds and maintain harvests.

Identity Linked to Land:
- Cordillera indigenous peoples view land as a living entity; tied deeply to their identity and heritage.
- “Igorot” translates to “people of the mountain chain.”
Historical Claims:
- Land regarded not as property but as a living resource nurtured by ancestors.
- Historical evidence of cultural practices enhancing agricultural productivity across generations.

Concept of Land Stewardship:
- The land receives care in exchange for resources; viewed with respect.
- Neglecting land invites consequences or displeasure from ancestors.
Colonial Influences:
- Introduced concepts of title-based ownership contrast sharply with indigenous stewardship.
Resistance and Resilience:
- Indigenous peoples show resilience against displacement by development projects, fighting for their rights through traditional knowledge and community action.

Threats from Development:
- Increased encroachment by governmental and corporate developments into ancestral lands.
- Loss of traditional practices impacted by modern construction projects disrupting ecological balance.
Legacy of Ancestral Claims:
- Ongoing efforts to reclaim ancestral rights from government and corporate entities.

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