BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) underscored that much work remains to be done in aggressively promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity giving emphasis to the urgent need for continued efforts to educate and re-shape perceptions towards the indigenous peoples (IPs).
This was the statement of the NCIP-CAR following the recent vlog featuring the well-known social media influencer “Diwata’ that sparked widespread outrage after he adorned the traditional attire of one of the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera only to accompany it with demeaning gestures.
The controversial vlog ignited the ire of IPs not only regionwide but also worldwide and awoke their five senses to the insensitivity of cultural appropriation.
Ironically, ‘Diwata,’ based on the assailed vlog, attributed the native attire as costumes which relegates the IP’s attire that forms part and parcel of their customs and identity as a mere accessory or worst, trinkets.
The NCIP-CAR clarified that ‘Diwata’ is neither a member of and not affiliated with any of the 14 IP groups found in the different parts of the Cordillera.
Further, the agency claimed that his actions and portrayals do not accurately represent the values, beliefs or cultures of the IPs in the Cordillera.
According to the NCIP-CAR, his actions, either intentional or unintentionally, reflect a broader societal issue while it acknowledges that he did not likely intend to demean nor degrade, even in the slightest possibilities, the IPs of the Cordillera.
It pointed out that this incident emphasizes the persistent challenges in the information and education campaign aimed at decolonizing the mindset of the Filipino population towards IPs, thus, the need to aggressively campaign to dismantle and exercise the stereotypes and misconceptions that are deeply entrenched in the Filipino psyche.
The NCIP-CAR reminded the public on Advisory No. NA-2023-09-002 relative to the use of cultural materials of the IPs that encourages all stakeholders, particularly owners of rental stores and other business establishments frequented by tourists in Baguio, especially those operated by IPs to be more circumspect of the societal and cultural responsibilities.
The owners were urged to educate and even police their patrons, in the most suitable way possible, about the appropriate use of IPs cultural materials and expressions.
“After all, one educated tourist means one less potentially controversial and culturally insensitive vlog in the future,” the NCIP-CAR statement stressed.
The agency reiterated that it had always been in coordination with key government agencies to ensure that the dignity and diversity of the cultures, traditions, histories, and aspirations of the IPs are appropriately reflected in all forms of education, public information, public services and cultural exchange programs.
Moreover, cultural materials such as traditional attires and accessories are sacred for IPs since the said materials were carefully designed and inspired pursuant to their respective cultures, beliefs, customs and traditions. To some IP groups, the design, colors and patterns of their attire depend on the status of the person who wears it. Often, traditional parties are worn in accordance with the community’s practice on special occasions and festivals. By Dexter A. See
