Why Traditional Knowledge?

This stonewall keeps the road out of my front yard garden.

It was built by master stonewall builders from Maligcong, Mt. Province,

and has withstood many a storm.

Herbs that heal, wild edibles, the best time to plant the seeds, the right crop for a long dry spell. These are some of the practical knowledge learned and nurtured through generations, passed on from elders to child.

Traditional knowledge, TK for short, is gaining recognition worldwide for its invaluable contributions to the well-being of planet Earth, and the creatures it hosts. This knowledge is valuable, not only for the bearers or those who use it for their daily survival, but also wider society. TK is the source of many widely used products such as medicines and food. TK also teaches sustainable and equitable ways of living, in contrast to the excessive consumption and profit-seeking of the modern world.

 This blog focuses the spotlight on TK, many times taken for granted, but which actually plays a great role in keeping our world upright and stable.

Let's give credit to the kabiteros, those stonewall builders, whose sturdy creations allow the mountain city of Baguio to carry ten times the number of people it was planned for. Those able-bodied men and women hail from Cordillera mountain villages, where they learned from their elders the art of stonewall building, which is essential in their ricefields, gardens, and villages built along steep mountain slopes.

TK is a gift from past generations and the birthright of future generations. Before it's too late, let's go visit our elders and learn from them.#