Tubungan

Spent Christmas at the hospital again. I miss writing! I miss my magnifying glass and gloves. And yes, I miss research work. But I'm back. With a vengeance, in fact. I'm back to Tubungan. They wanted a coffee table book but I told them it is much better if they start first with the research and writing of their town's history.

After that, a coffee table book is a breeze.

During the meeting with Mayor Gargaritano Jr. and the town's historical committee, I suggested to them that we should provide and include a research and documentation on the presence of indigenous communities in Tubungan. It's like hitting two birds with one stone. The IPs can make use of the documentations if they intend to file their ancestral domain claim someday. This is relevant as I am also trying to take a grasp on the cultural governance of IPs in Panay. Took some pics for the day.

The first time I set my eyes on this, I knew I'm going to love the place.

I love old churches.

I hired a Research Assistant plus two documentors for field work and research. The town covers forty eight barangays and I want to at least get a feel of the communities. I love their town. The people are nice plus there are a lot falls in the area, mountains to climb and wonderful sights to experience. I love getting close to nature. I believe that there is something about the wilderness that attracts me.

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According to the locals, this Calachuchi is 100 years old. (Will verify)

Ascending

I was particularly excited when I read some of the historical accounts during the Japanese occupation. Tubungan figured well in the local history of Iloilo particularly during the Spanish period and Japanese occupation. However,it's the same problem I encounter whenever local history is concerned. There is a need for proper documentation and research. And there is a wealth of information out there.

..................THE HISTORIC CHURCH OF TUBUNGAN.....

During the Spanish occupation, babaylans (shamans) coming from different places would gather in one of the mountains of Tubungan. This event occurs only once in seven years when they would come together for a communal offering where they are joined by more than a thousand people. This meeting of babaylans coincides with the Holy Week. On the first week of Feb., I'm off to the mountains to do some documentation of the place. I have interviewed some indigenous people (Bukidnon) living in the area and I found out some interesting things. Along with Nanay Agnes from NCIP, we met two Bukidnon tribal leaders last week and I'm all set to go to the IP communities this Feb. I may need to talk with Dr. Magos and Sir Catolin for some clarifications on the case of IPs in Tubungan.

.......IT'S PEACEFUL AROUND HERE.... ( To which I was always told and have read that one of the municipality's problem is insurgency...)

It's good I don't need to go through so much with professional photography anymore because they have available photographs taken for tourism purposes. I can make use of them I was told. So that settles it.I now reckon I also need to seriously invest in a good camera and take photography lessons and be a professional at it. I have my camera but it's only for documentation purposes. I'm more into research and writing than photography. I realized I can save a lot of money and energy if I do the writing and photography myself. But for now, it's just a thought. Haha. Though, I still think I need to hire a professional to take some of the pictures I needed for the research. Will look into that again maybe by Feb.

Tibud (It's quite hard to find this nowadays. It's being used to ferment vinegar the traditional way.)

I am excited as each day brings more heartwarming discoveries for me. It's an honor to bring light to a town's history and make the people proud of their heritage and culture.

The first food I ate on my first day of historical research @Tubungan.

Dinner after a long day at the field. (I'm not complaining though. I love this work.)

Archival Research ???

I've been gone for a while. Been sticking my head on archives. Been busy with choices lately. Decisions on career, studies and yes, life.

This week, archival research keeps me busy. You could have guessed my asthma was acting up with all the dusts I've inhaled. I'm in a profession where I'm not supposed to be. But anyhow, i just love it the same.

Here's what I've been busy with.

I'm researching on historical and anthropological evidences to support the ancestral domain claim of some of the indigenous peoples from one of the provinces.

Just managed to cull a 19th century book. It tells about the history of one of the provinces in Antique (Patnongon, Antique to be exact). (This particular page tells about the reaction of the natives when they saw what was inside the Spaniards "falua". One particular thing they were afraid of was the "mirror").

(Strained my eyes trying to read the pages. My magnifying glass was not with me.)

Still another archival document. ( I was actually ecstatic when I saw this. The things you do for the love of your profession.)

This is a 19th century map of Patnongon. (Drool.)

Now, read that. ( Something which I've been struggling eversince. Escribano writing.

Off to the archives again.

When Genes and Indigenous People Matter

Home to one of the indigenous peoples in the island of Panay, Nagpana is nestled at one the mountains of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

The Institute of Human Genetics at the University of the Philippines (Manila) with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI and Region VII went to the area last April 24 to conduct some saliva testing among the Ati's, one of the indigenous peoples in the country. I've been to Nagpana before during their Pag-uli Tiriringob Festival last November but this time, it is different. This is now more on health related concerns of the Ati's from the community. I'm doing more field research on the area for my ethnographic writing . The team from the Institute of Human Genetics was made up of a geneticist, an anthropologist, doctor and a biologist. Three of us come from the NCIP, one is the head of Technical Division,the other as the Provincial Head for the Ati's of Guimaras and Barotac and me as the historian and consultant writer. I took some pictures during that day.

Ati kids taking a bath on a lazy day under the sun.

Their handicrafts are beautiful.

I took the picture at the top.

My favorite kid at the community.

This is for our lunch.

The geneticist in action. Explaining the concepts of genes and DNA.

Listening attentively to the instructions.

Abundance of abaca at the community.

I would have wanted to take a dip.

Beautiful view on top of a huge rock.

Mother and child.

I enjoyed my interview with Lola.

When Work Becomes An Adventure

This month is definitely hectic for me. I like working on projects related to the empowerment of indigenous people. I was in Antique for a week for the mid-term evaluation of Empowering Indigenous People for Inclusive Development (EIPID)climbing mountains, crossing rivers, meeting beautiful people with good hearts and enjoying the beauty of nature. The project is halfway on its implementation period. I'm back to Iloilo City however I can always say that it was tough trekking the mountains but it was inspiring to meet people who work for the indigenous peoples. Sir Lope is one of the best I've ever worked with. We went to five municipalities in Antique for a week conducting FGD's and evaluation of the project. No, I dont think I was working rather I was learning and appreciating things. This is what happens when work becomes an adventure. Take a look at the beauty of the Province of Antique.

Sira-an Hot Springs at Anini-y, Antique.

On the way to Latazon, Laua-an, Antique

Soil erosion at Brgy. Lublub Valderamma, Antique.

We passed through rivers and mountains.

Wild pigs everywhere! @ Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.

Fishing Boats at Anini-y, Antique. Seven Ati families live here.

The majestic mountains of Valderrama, Antique.

Nothing but huge rocks. It was a very bumpy ride up the mountains of Brgy.Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.

This place is beautiful. Lunch at Sira-an Hot Springs, ANini-y, Antique.

Some Ati women washing their clothes at the river. Simple life.:-)Hamtic, Antique

I stopped by to take this picture. @ Anini-y, Antique.

Shy and smiling. Some of the Ati kids talked to me in "inati". I was lost in translation.

Still @ Anini-y, Antique.

My partner in crime, Sir Lope's FGD with the carabao.

A simple hut among the seven Ati families. @ Anini-y, Antique

We have to go home at 5pm or esle we wouldn't be able to cross the river anymore.

Conquering the mountains of Valderrama, Antique.

Discussing with the Iraynon-Bukidnons of Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.