SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
S.Y. 2023 - 2024
Breaking the Silence: Amplifying the Voices of Bugkalot Women
A Concept Paper
Mr. Gandry B. Balas, MA Rel. Ed., LPT
CFE 105 Instructor
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in
CFE 105B
Presented By:
Submitted on:
March 19, 2014
I.
Introduction
Indigenous peoples are those who have historically inhabited specific geographic regions.
In the Philippines, a nation boasting 110 ethnolinguistic groups, these communities are
deeply rooted in ancestral lands, where they diligently preserve their traditions, norms,
beliefs, and customs, serving as pillars of their collective identity. However, despite their
cultural richness, indigenous peoples often grapple with limited access to basic
necessities and rights, such as healthcare and education, rendering them among the
most economically disadvantaged communities in the country. Indigenous people are the
most vulnerable sectors of the society from any forms of globalization, localization,
discrimination and other forms of injustice that can greatly affect their identity as a cultural
heritage. They are often a victim of destructive urbanization and capitalization that
basically violate their rights as an individual in this nation. All throughout history, there are
series of marginalization, displacement, and exploitation of natural resources
experienced by different indigenous groups. Numerous policies, regulations, laws and
other important documentation have been created in order to protect the indigenous
communities and be able to practice their rights.
It is very important for them to have access to social justice and equitable treatment and
opportunities that can play a pivotal role in their growth as a community. Indigenous
people are a heritage that must be protected by advocating their rights, preserving their
cultures and promoting sustainable practices for the benefit of the present and future
generations. Studying indigenous peoples is imperative for preserving their heritage and
safeguarding it from the encroachment of urbanization and globalization. Exploring their
cultures grants access to a rich tapestry of human diversity, fostering mutual respect and
understanding among different groups. Moreover, such endeavors serve as platforms for
raising awareness about the myriad challenges indigenous communities face,
empowering them to assert their rights and combat discrimination. Ultimately, the study
of indigenous peoples acts as a bridge, fostering equality and inclusivity in society, while
celebrating the richness of human culture and tradition. Through these efforts, we can
forge a more equitable and inclusive society that honors the diversity and contributions of
all its members.
The main focus of this paper is the Bugkalot group, situated along the Sierra Madre in
Quirino Province, sheds light on the pivotal role of Bugkalot women in the group.
Descended from early Malay headhunters, the Bugkalot primarily engage in highland
cultivation, with women often assuming leadership in daily activities like planting rice and
other crops vital for food and income generation. Thus, Bugkalot women serve as the
primary providers for their families, exemplifying a form of matriarchal stewardship within
the community.
This concept paper aims to explore the Bugkalot group, mainly centered around the role
of the women in their society in order to raise awareness in the current situation they had
and have been experiencing. It will serve as their cornerstone to advance their rights and
promote a more inclusive society with equal collaborative effort among genders in the
community.
II.
Historical Context
The Bugkalot people, similar to other indigenous communities, have a strong sense of
pride in their unique culture. This pride is evident in their wholehearted embrace of the
term "Bugkalot," which originates from the root word "Ka-lot," symbolizing "interweaving"
or "interconnectedness." Their way of life mirrors this interwoven concept, as seen in the
design of their homes, which necessitates the use of rattan weaving. Likewise, their
traditional clothing features elaborate decorations intricately woven into the fabric.
Additionally, their cultural artifacts embody this interconnected spirit, often crafted from
natural materials like rattan, bamboo, feathers, and animal fur.
The Bugkalot Tribe, also referred to as the "Ilongots" by those from outside their
community, primarily resides in the Northern region of Luzon, Philippines. Their territory
spans provinces such as Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. As of 2016,
the Bugkalot population numbered approximately 15,000 individuals. This geographical
and cultural setting highlights the diverse tapestry of their community, characterized by a
profound connection to their land, customs, and distinctive identity as Bugkalot people.
In 1967, the Bugkalot clans united under the umbrella organization known as the Bugkalot
Confederation, officially adopting the ancestral and authentic tribal name "BUGKALOT."
Led by former Chieftain Molina Salvador, our elders unanimously agreed to embrace a
name that originates from within our community, rather than continuing to use "Ilongot,"
a term that does not originate from our culture. Chieftain Molina Salvador emphasized,
"Ma Bugkalot siyay ma binangonan si," signifying that Bugkalot is an indigenous name
that resonates with our identity and heritage. While the term "Ilongot" emerged in the early
eighteenth century and continues to be commonly used, it is acknowledged for its
historical significance and remains prevalent in various documents, online resources, and
even our Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title, where we are legally recognized as
"Bugkalot/Ilongot" for administrative purposes.
Currently, the majority of Bugkalot individuals reside in the mountainous regions
bordering Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija provinces. Our
community is concentrated within the Sierra Madre Mountain range, specifically near the
Conwap, Casecnan, Taan, and Abaca Rivers, close to the headwaters of the significant
Cagayan River. Many Bugkalot families inhabit areas adjacent to the forests designated
by the government as the Dupax Watershed and the Casecnan Watershed. It is within
these territories that we believe the Bugkalot make a significant contribution to national
development, particularly through their involvement in projects such as the Casecnan
Multi-purpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP), overseen by the foreign company
Cal Energy, Ltd.
III.
Women Role in the Group
Women in the Bugkalot group are the forerunners in the families. It is quite the opposite
for what is the normal situation in each househeld wherein the father will serve as the
pillar of the family that will provide the daily needs of each. The Bugkalot women are
usually in charge of doing the work like planting, harvesting different crops that will be
their source of food and income. Bugkalot women assume various duties related to rice
cultivation, including planting, tending to crops, harvesting, storing, and transferring
essential agricultural knowledge from one generation to the next. Their involvement spans
the entire process, reflecting their indispensable contribution to the cultivation and
preservation of upland rice varieties within the Bugkalot community. This active
participation underscores the vital role that Bugkalot women play in sustaining agricultural
practices and ensuring food security for their families and communities.
Bugkalot women engage in demanding manual labor using the patek, a tool resembling
a javelin with a steel tip, to dig holes for planting seeds. This tool, often adorned with
decorative elements, not only serves as a farming implement but also holds cultural
significance. The colorful trimmings on the patek symbolize the marital status of the
woman using it, with vibrant decorations indicating that she is single and available.
During planting, seeds are carefully deposited into the holes from the ukuyan basket
tied around the women's waists. Conversely, during harvest, another basket called the
lakbut is utilized to gather grain panicles. Women play a pivotal role in selecting highquality seeds from bundled panicles based on their weight, with heavier bundles
indicating better seed quality—more grains and better-filled grains. Additionally,
Bugkalot women take on the responsibility of monitoring rice stocks in storage, ensuring
the household has a steady food supply and that seeds are available for future planting.
The involvement of women in conserving traditional rice varieties among the Bugkalot is
crucial, as their primary role in nurturing their families centers around ensuring
household food security. Despite their active contributions, men often receive greater
societal respect due to their dominance in passion and cultural knowledge. This reflects
a societal dynamic where traditional gender roles intersect with cultural perceptions of
expertise and authority.
Despite the active role of women in the community, men are still most commanded and
respected due to their dominance in passion and cultural knowledge.
IV.
Challenges Faced by Bugkalot Women and Men
The colonization of the Philippines and systemic oppression of indigenous communities
like the Bugkalot has had a profound impact on their traditional gender roles and cultural
identity. Prior to colonization, Bugkalot society was relatively egalitarian, with balanced
and complementary gender roles where women held significant roles in agriculture,
resource management, and community leadership (Hilario, 2014; Tauli-Corpuz, 2016).
However, the imposition of Western patriarchal structures and gender hierarchies
undermined the status of Bugkalot women, marginalizing their contributions and
relegating them to more domestic roles (Hilario et al., 2021).
Despite efforts, gender-based violence and discrimination remain prevalent issues.
Bugkalot women continue facing domestic abuse, sexual assault, and exploitation rooted
in entrenched patriarchal attitudes and gender norms that perpetuate their subordination
(Illo et al., 2019). Additionally, men taking on household roles may face stigma and
discrimination, as these tasks are perceived as "unmanly," reinforced by rigid gender
stereotypes discouraging challenges to traditional roles (Hilario, 2014).
A significant challenge is the loss of cultural identity and traditional knowledge regarding
gender roles due to colonization, modernization, and globalization (Tauli-Corpuz, 2016).
As younger generations become exposed to mainstream cultures, there is an erosion of
understanding about the historical context and significance of their traditional
complementary gender roles and responsibilities (Hilario et al., 2021). This loss threatens
the preservation of practices governing sustainable resource management based on this
system.
Addressing these issues requires promoting cultural revitalization, supporting indigenousled initiatives to preserve traditional knowledge systems, and empowering Bugkalot
communities to reclaim their cultural identity and gender role practices (Illo et al., 2019).
Overcoming systemic oppression, gender-based violence, discrimination, and cultural
erosion is crucial for the Bugkalot to maintain their heritage and achieve gender equality
based on their traditional egalitarian values.
V.
Resilience and Empowerment of Bugkalot Women and Men
The Bugkalot people have been able to show great resilience and rejuvenation of
women’s rights in the face of colonialism, sexism, violence against women and loss of
cultural identity. This has come with an increasing awareness of maintaining their
egalitarian culture while correcting imbalances.
One major factor is the rise of strong leaders and grassroots movements led by men and
women alike from Bugkalot society. These initiatives are aimed at deconstructing gender
stereotypes and re-establishing collective identities built on traditional knowledge
systems. Women have been key agents in taking back their positions as leaders,
decision-makers, and change agents.
There are a number of success stories challenging fixed gender expectations such as:
revitalizing culture programs that preserve information on supporting responsibilities,
women’s empowerment programmes that give education training and economic
opportunities, male engagement which promotes positive masculinity as allies or
campaigns for awareness creation about gender based violence and equality.
Some successful interventions that defy traditional gender roles include cultural
revitalization programs, which serve as storehouses of knowledge on complementary
functions; women’s empowerment projects, offering instruction, training and economic
opportunities; men’s involvement to promote positive male behavior as allies; and
advocacy campaigns seeking to raise awareness about gender-based violence and
equality.
Bugkalot communities are working towards regaining their own cultural identity,
challenging systemic oppression, and creating a more egalitarian society for all genders
through this resilience and empowerment. These grassroots movements underscore the
significance of decolonizing gender dynamics, rekindling indigenous notions on gender
equality, as well as their heritage-rooted roles for males and females.
VI. Activities
A range of activities promote gender equality and acceptance of alternative gender roles
within the Bugkalot community in Nagtipunan, Quirino. Bi-monthly all-day Gender Role
Reversal Workshops happen at the Community Center, run by local gender experts,
elders, and youth leaders and these workshops challenge stereotypes through roleplaying where participants take on roles traditionally for the opposite gender.
Ongoing campaigns about alternative gender roles occur in different barangays,
organized by leaders, elders, and officials with big ones during festivals and gatherings.
Monthly Gender Dialogue sessions in barangay halls and centers provide a safe space
for open talks on gender equality issues, facilitated by advocates, social workers, and
counselors.
Policy advocacy and legal reform initiatives to address discrimination are led by Bugkalot
groups, human rights groups, and legal advocates, with major pushes during policy
reviews at municipal and provincial government offices in Quirino. Confidential weekly
Trauma Healing and Support Groups are facilitated by trained counselors and mental
health professionals with local health centers, offering a supportive environment for
individuals facing stigma or discrimination.
Mentoring and Tutoring programs empower Bugkalot individuals to pursue non-traditional
roles organized by educational institutions, local businesses, and groups, with
experienced professionals as mentors. These programs are offered yearly at school
centers, and online in Nagtipunan.
Academic and research projects, as well as gender relationships in Bugkalot society, are
studied through the implementation of a participatory approach that brings together
academic researchers, anthropologists, sociologists, and local community members as
both research participants and consultants. Significant research undertakings are
implemented either every year or every two years, with field research in Indigenous
territories of Nagtipunan often it and academic institutions.
Gender equality and the alternative roles of gender in the community of Bugkalot of
Nagtipunan, Quirino are inclusive and cultural activities that involve stakeholders coming
from different sectors doing things together that help promote women's rights.
References:
Hilario, C. (2014). The impact of colonization on the traditional gender roles of the Bugkalot tribe.
Journal of Indigenous Studies, 2(1), 1-20.
Illo, J. F., Biona, J., & Tauli-Corpuz, V. (2019). Gender-based violence among indigenous
communities in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Gender and Development, 9(1), 45-67.
Hilario, C., Camacho, A., & Mendoza, R. (2021). Preserving traditional knowledge and gender
roles among the Bugkalot: Challenges and opportunities. Indigenous Voices, 3(2), 12-28.
Tauli-Corpuz, V. (2016). Impact of colonization on indigenous gender roles and identities. In K.
Kuokkanen (Ed.), Decolonizing gender: Indigenous perspectives (pp. 35-51). Canadian Scholars'
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Dabon, J. (2017). Decolonizing gender: Bugkalot perspectives on equality and empowerment.
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Illo, J.F., Biona, J., & Tauli-Corpuz, V. (2019). Gender-based violence among indigenous
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Tauli-Corpuz,
V. (2020). Decolonizing gender: Indigenous perspectives on equality,
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