Bago tribe, the most dominant among the indigenous peoples in Region 1 in terms of population based from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) census, is the most organized tribe nationwide according to Commissioner Rizalino “Langley” Segundo and director Ruben S. Bastero of NCIP Region II during the 5th Bago Congress and Cultural Festival held in barangay Sta. Cruz, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya on April 22-24, 2009.
The Bago Tribal Congress and Cultural Festival is a regular activity of Bago tribe every 3 years to showcase cultural presentations, discussion of issues that concerns them, drawing of a development plan for the coming years and election of sets of officers.
This year’s Congress enthemed “Strengthening the Unity Among Bagos and other Indigenous Peoples for Sustainable Development”, was attended by almost 400 delegates Bago tribe leaders and representatives from all over the country including NCIP and some government officials. Topics that were discussed includes: The Bago Tribe and NCIP EHR Thrust Programs; RA 8371 (Indigenous Peoples Right Act) its Salient Points to include Tribal Resolutions and Conflicts, the Bago Tribe: its Origin, Identity and Culture and Bago Party List and its Salient Features.
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There were issues against Bago tribe from the very start of its organization saying that Bagos are just either Ilocanos or Igorots and not an Indigenous Peoples (IP) or distinct ethnic group because they do not have their own, territorial domain, language and distinct culture and tradition. IPs are supposed to be are those whose ancestors were existed prior to colonization and were called the non Christians.
In the just concluded Bago Tribal Congress, the above issues and questions were given answers and clarifications.
According to them, Bagos are the hilltribe dwellers and original inhabitants in the border regions between Ilocos and Cordillera mountains different from their neighboring tribes and other adjacent ethnic groups whose ancestors are early inhabitants of the country prior to colonization.
Bago communities existed in the country before the arrival of the Spaniards. According to its history, during the process of Christianization by the Spanish Catholic missionaries, they were dubbed as "Bagong Kristyano" by those who preceded them and the name calling stuck and are called Bagos to the present day.
Certificate of Ancestral Domain and Land Titles were awarded to the Bago tribe in Bakun, Benguet, Alilem and Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. On the process are Pugo, La Union; San Emilio and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. This proves that Bago ancestors are inhabitants in their areas since time immemorial.
The Bagos have their own language, examples are: sinoy naicasta (why, what happened), tapey (rice wine), mannapo (native priest), sapo (prayer), am-in (all), sumaa (to arrive), napupuka (awake), minpintas (beautiful), ambit (baby girl), amboy (baby boy), eng-nga / unga (baby/child), minlam-ek (cold), minsipnget (dark), minngina (expensive), nakinguab / kinbaba (lower portion), tumayaw (to fly), minlaba (to wash clothes). Some Bago jargons are: ayaket or yaw', this is said when dismayed/disappointed or amazed, kasos and Aye', these are also said when dismayed or disappointed, ni'-in', this is said when one happens to commit mistake.
Generally, the Bagos speak the dialect akin to the Kankanaey, Tingiuans and Ibalois; however, to this day; most of them speak the Iluko dialect with distinct intonation.
The Bagos have their own culture which has persisted to this time despite the inroads of western influence and the so-called modernization. This culture was preserved despite of the influence of lowland brothers. However, the Bago rituals, practices, customs, systems and beliefs are also common to the Kankanaeys, Tingiuans and Ibalois; though with little difference in terms of procedures of performing these rituals.
The Bago integration with the other hilltribes and intermarriages with the Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Visayas or Muslims is the reason for the virtual losing of its own identity. That’s why some people claim that the Bago tribe is non-existent because they could not trace their place in history.
The Indigenous Peoples of today are different from the Indigenous Peoples prior to colonization because time, place and person change. Traditions change as new values are introduced and integrated in the society. That is why, it is wrong to say that the tribal communities at present in the midst of urbanization are the same compared to the past. Some of the tribal groups, especially those that either live near urbanized areas or have an access to internet or new technologies, are definitely no longer the same.
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Jose Dulnuan, an Igorot, was quoted as saying "I am an Igorot, let me be treated as I deserve—with respect if I am good, with contempt if I am no good, irrespective of the name I carry. Let the term, Igorot, remain, and the world will use it with the correct meaning attached to it."
Victoriano Buaqen, Bago, on the other hand said “recognition, just like respect and love, is something automatically and freely given to those elicit such response”. (Ver G. Alviento)
