Stereotype: A standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. (Webster definition)
This is an attempt to list the various stereotypes about us Igorots. Since this is going to be a continuing project, please feel free to add your own suggestions about Igorot stereotypes. We will then either update this list or make another blog entry to include your suggestions.
Asipulo, the newest town of Ifugao Province, is home to Kalanguyas, Ayangans, and Tuwalis. The town was carved out of Kiangan municipality sometime in the 1990s. In 2006, Asipulo distinguished itself as one of the country’s best performing municipalities in the implementation of the goverment’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. Because of this good performance, the town was able to secure more funding support from the national government. [Lesson to government executives: GOOD GOVERNANCE PAYS!]
The town’s elevation ranges from 450 to 1,935 meters above sea level. For those interested in guerrilla stories like me, you might find it interesting that one of the mountains in Asipulo, Mt. Situ, used to be the hideout of World War II guerrillas. The mountain is named after one of the guerrilla camps — Camp 2 or C-2.
Here’s a video documentary on the Igorot soldiers who fought to defend our freedom during World War II. It is produced by a group called Research Mate and the Outstanding Students of the Cordillera (OSCAR) Alumni Community.
PART 1
Part 1 underscores the importance of this video project. Our kids (pero kasama na rin tayo actually) are really clueless about the past and the 1940s isn’t really that long ago. Thank God for the boy in this video who at least knows who the “veterans” are.
