The video in question, which has more than 1,800 likes and 263 shares, showed the content creator doing some acts while wearing the traditional attire.
“Guys andito na naman tayo sa Baguio, hindi natin makukumpleto ang pagpunta natin dito kung hindi tayo makakapagsuot ng Igorot costume,” he said in the video, while people around made sounds.
When Diwata referred to the traditional attire of the ICC/IPs as “costume,” it was seen as a disrespectful mischaracterization of the traditional attire worn by ICC/IPs.
“Also from the vlog, Diwata attributed the ICC/IPs’ native attire as costume. In effect, relegating the IPs’ attire which forms part and parcel of the IPs’ customs and identity, as a mere accessory, or worst trinkets.”
It added, “This Office seeks to clarify for the public that ‘Diwata’ is neither a member of nor affiliated with any of the fourteen (14) ICCs/IP groups in the Cordillera region.”
They also said that Diwata’s actions and portrayals “do not accurately represent the values, beliefs or cultures of the ICCs/IPs of Cordillera.”
‘A persistent challenge’
The NCIP said Diwata likely didn’t mean to offend, but his actions reveal a societal issue.
As per the organization, the issue opens the “persistent challenges” in the Information and Education Campaigns (IECs) which aimed to “decolonize the mindset of the Filipino population towards ICCs/IPs.”
“The backlash experienced from this event indicates that significant work remains to be done in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity, thus, highlighting a more urgent need for continued efforts to educate and reshape perceptions towards ICCs/IPs.”
They also encourage all stakeholders, and owners of rental stalls and other business establishments in Baguio to be more wary of their “societal and cultural responsibilities.”
“After all, one culturally educated tourist means one less potentially controversial and culturally insensitive vlog in the future,” it concluded.
The statement also attached a guideline on the use of cultural material and expressions of indigenous people under NCIP Advisory No. NA-2023-09-002.
“In this regard, please be guided that anyone who will wear a traditional IP attire and its related accessories should ensure that the necessary permission or consent for the use of the said cultural materials was granted or permitted by the community identified with the cultural materials and that the wearing of the same must be appropriate with respect and deference.”
They also advised that cultural expressions manifested through songs, dances, chants, and rituals “must be appropriate as to their purpose and intention.”
Diwata gained prominence because of his viral pares or braised beef stew with rice. He joined the Baguio’s floral float parade last weekend as part of the celebration of Panagbenga Festival. He rode a float with a signage that reads: “Reyna ng Maninindang Pilipino.”
