AGRICULTURE: (Agree To My Culture)

BY: -Eric Tumalay

Wearing the G-String that symbolizes their identity, having a tattoo that signifies their dignity and legacy, having strong arms that as a protector and having strong feet that stands like their honor. These rare classifications belong to the root, “the IGOROTS.”

We rarely see Igorots that deny their culture, we often see Igorots that decline their nature. It is them that proudly recognizes their root, it is them that never complains and still standing up with their own foot.  A tribe of nationalism. It is a bit ridiculous sometimes, knowing how humble these people are, with their kindness and hospitality, with their reflexes and sincerity, I wonder why people abuse these, I wonder how blind people not to see these, they say how innocent Igorots are, but didn’t they realize that they are ignorant by being prejudice?

The Rice Terraces, the nipa huts, the necklaces and beetle nuts, these are the identities of this culture. Having a unique existence, having satisfaction and a life of silence. I am envious with this kind of healthy living. I am amazed how great they are despite of modernization, I am amazed with their determination . A truly inspiring culture of integrity that can never be abandoned. Being an Igorot is a very hard position, unknowing what would be their role to the world being an individual and being a person. They may not be aware of the modern technologies, but with their heart that sticks with their own identities, with their legacy, I am sure that money is nothing compared with what they call “Unity.”

This is the life of Igorots, the heart of our nation. Even with their feet buried under the mud of tiredness, hesitation and exhaustion, they are still unbelievably strong with their devotion. Igorots with a heart of a true warrior. Igorots that have a great honor, this is what they are. Proud to live with agriculture, agree to their culture.

“Igorot, Cordilleras people, the region of green thumbs, the hands that can never be numb. We are all the same. Recognize these culture and never abandon it with shame.”