The Philippines is known to be one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Housing over 134 different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples within its territory, there are about 17 million IPs in the country. Among the Philippines’ indigenous tribes, the Ifugao people in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are among the most celebrated. Ifugao peoples have contributed much to the country, even bringing in international fame through their rich cultures and creations.
Undoubtedly, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is home to one of the testaments of the beauty, richness, and diversity of Filipino culture. The region is the birthplace of the Ifugao peoples who are among the few living remnants of the Philippine precolonial civilization. Due to the beauty of their lands and the richness of their culture, the Ifugao people have been known as one of the most treasured indigenous groups in the country. They have even made Banaue in CAR one of the aspired tourist destinations worldwide. Here are a few things that every tourist should do in Banaue:
Far from being engulfed by the changes brought about by the country’s development, Ifugao has maintained its identity, particularly its native arts and crafts. The Ifugao arts and crafts consist of a wide variety ranging from woodcarving, textile weaving, carpentry, and basketry. Older craftsmen were believed to have mastered weaving of tree bark, jewelry making, and the making of betel nut and tobacco accessories. These elements amplify the uniqueness of Ifugao Culture.
Appreciating the culture, arts, and way of life of other individuals is embedded in modern-day tourism. Thus, as a group having one of the richest cultures in the Philippines, the Ifugao are well known for their contribution to tourism. The rich Ifugao culture is evident in different kinds of native crafts, such as handcrafted wood and hand-woven textiles. In fact, a lot of people travel as far as Banaue just to obtain these prized handmade crafts.
Sustainable tourism is more than a buzz word, it is the single, most effective way to help preserve our cultural legacies from being abused and forgotten. It seeks to make the lowest impact possible on tourist sites and the environment and community around it while helping generate income, employment, and enhancing opportunities for the future.
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is rich in natural resources. With over 7.1 million tourists in 2018, the nation is known as an island paradise to tourists with white sand beaches and clear waters. In addition to its natural wonders, the country is also home to the native Ifugao people.
Generally speaking, a foundation is a type of non-profit organization that focuses on making grants for charitable purposes to support a cause. Many foundations focus on creating a charitable trust to support their cultural advocacy in California. And they come in two types: private and public.
In today’s interconnected world, culture has the power to transform and influence societies. Unfortunately, many indigenous people and their traditions are deteriorating at a rapid pace. As an advocacy group in California focused on preserving Ifugao culture, we aim to protect their heritage through the following efforts
Ifugao fashion is woven in textiles of organic beauty, bright colors, and unique patterns, but there’s so much more than what meets the eye. It’s no surprise why some Ifugao textiles and fashion companies thrive, even having products in high demand. Once you have been to this landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordilleras region, you can’t help but carry such an emotional impact when encountering all things Ifugao the next time around.
Ifugao, with its hand-carved pride of Banaue Rice Terraces, remains to be the home of Philippines Indigenous tribes. The peoples’ strong and intact principles of economy, politics, and spiritual beliefs have protected them from the influences of Europe and America. Their persistence in battling colonizers’ advances, not only their geographic location, contributed greatly toward preserving their heritage for hundreds of years.
Dance in its cultural context is where the values of the peoples are embodied—literally and figuratively. As such, it is also through dance that we can see and understand these peoples’ particular worldview; something that our cultural advocacy in West Sacramento, California greatly benefits from.
The people are what make a culture. This is not interchangeable; without people, and more aptly, without people’s care and love of their own culture, their culture will cease to exist.
