ICM House of Prayer

11/06/2023

17/05/2022

It’s National Heritage Month! And an important piece of the cultural heritage we have in the Cordillera are the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) handed down to us by those who have come before. What indigenous knowledge systems and practices can still be seen woven into the fabric of Cordilleran society?

Let's look back on and dive deeper into one often observed example, which would be the practice of inayan, a multi-faceted term with distinct nuances practiced amongst the Kankanaey, Kankanay, and Bontoks. Amongst some of these people groups, inayan is seen as a commandment given by Kabunyan, or the Almighty, to have a peaceful and prosperous life. More broadly speaking, the term is used when associated with sinful acts/evil actions: it is inayan to commit adultery, it is inayan to curse others, it is inayan to be unmindful of the effects they create in the lives of others.

Living in recognition of what is inayan breeds values like mutual respect, love, and peace within the community. Inayan (or nga-ag) is also intertwined with the indigenous knowledge lawa (paniyo in Ifugao, panyew in Benguet), or taboo, with slightly varying practices and specifics depending on one’s ili.

This indigenous knowledge system and practice still finds its way into the daily lives of Cordillerans today. While more familiarly used as an expression of dismay or frustration, it still continues to work as a warning to live a good life that does not harm the people around us or the environment we live in. It may not be perfectly practiced amongst Cordillerans, but its best practices should continue to guide the ways in which we build a better, more prosperous region

Let us not forget, too, that autonomy is an avenue wherein we can better strengthen the best practices of Cordilleran indigenous knowledge such as this. Under an autonomous setup, the regional government is mandated to promote consciousness & appreciation of our cultural heritage in education and other institutions. Our indigenous practices can better flourish within a system that recognizes the unique cultural identity of the Cordillera, so let’s and say 🙌

References:
Leyaley, R. (2016). Inayan, the tenet of peace for Igorots.
David, R. (2002). Nation, Self and Citizenship: An Invitation to Philippine Sociology.
Kho, J., Agsaoay-Sañoi, E. (2005) Country Study on Customary Water Laws and Practices.
Sinumlag, A. (2012) Sagada demands recognition and documentation of customary land laws. Northern Dispatch.
Gonzalez, N.A., Ngoyahon, S. (2015) Indigenizing the Curriculum: Teaching at the Ifugao State University, Philippines. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) Volume 20, No 1, pp 32-52.

08/05/2022

May our choice for our country reflect the will of God. We shall answer before God for what we do on May 9.

08/05/2022

May our Beloved Mother intercede for us. Happy Mother's Day! ❤

18/04/2022

A Blessed Easter everyone! Here is to new beginnings, fresh starts and a hopeful outlook!

17/04/2022

May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds! Blessed Easter friends!

07/04/2022

"Baguhin natin kahit unti-unti ang ating kulturang pampulitika. Kung mananatiling mababa ang pagtingin at pagkilos natin sa pulitika, hindi pag-unlad ang ibubunga nito. Huwag sana nating isugal ang ating kinabukasan," CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop David said on his homily during the Solidarity Mass for Moral Vote at Baclaran Church, April 6, 2022.

Read the full text of the homily here: https://dioceseofkalookan.ph/full-text-bishop-davids-homily-for-the-solidarity-mass-for-the-moral-choice/

20/03/2022

They are out early this year...As if they know that their color is everywhere these days.

09/03/2022

The much-needed conversion this Lenten season: from Ego to Eco. May it be so!

We're a part of nature. Protect our natural world, protect our future.

09/03/2022

Kung gusto may paraan; kung ayaw may dahilan!

08/03/2022

Our little contribution. Ready for pick up and distribution. 1,300 copies almost gone in 2 days.

06/03/2022

We can borrow horses from Wright Park to see if they will drink from our pond! 😆

Drink water from the spring where horses drink. The horse will never drink bad water.

Lay your bed where the cat sleeps.

Eat the fruit that has been touched by a worm.

Boldly pick the mushroom on which the insects sit.

Plant the tree where the rabbit digs.

Build your house where the dog lays in the sun.

Dig your fountain where the birds hide from heat.

Go to sleep and wake up at the same time with the birds – you will reap all of the days golden grains.

Eat more green – you will have strong legs and a resistant heart, like the beings of the forest.

Swim often and you will feel on earth like the fish in the water.

Look at the sky as often as possible and your thoughts will become light and clear.

Be quiet a lot, speak little – and silence will come in your heart, and your spirit will be calm and full of peace.