Ibaloi Centennial Initiative: In from the Margins

Some scenes from the founding congress of Chiva ni Doakan

top: lunch cooked in silyasi

bottom: Rosela Camte-Bahni explains Chiva

Some recent developments show the Baguio Ibalois taking steps to assert their identity and heritage.

Yesterday, a forum at the Baguio City Hall focused on the displacement of the native Ibalois in the formation of the chartered city, and called for rectification of the historical injustice. Joanna Carino presented a case study on how Mateo and Bayosa Carino were legislated out of their home in what is now the site of Baguio City Hall. Other Ibaloi clans were also in attendance, and shared similar stories of their families. Representatives of government agencies listened and responded that the Ibalois' voice must certainly be heard when the comprehensive land use plan for the city shall be updated at the end of this year.

Another welcome development was the founding congress of Chiva ni Doakan (Center for Ibaloi Heritage and Loakan History), held last October 18, 2008. The Ibaloi community of Loakan gathered to formally launch their efforts to collect, document, preserve and educate people about Ibaloi heritage and Loakan history. Their vision is for the Ibaloi and Loakan residents to be knowledgeable and proud of their active heritage. The initial result of their documentation efforts are presently available for public view at the Baguio Mountain Province Museum near UP Baguio.

With these, the Baguio Ibaloi clans are slowly making their presence felt in preparation for the Baguio Centenial, and coming in from the margins...