NCIP-CAR condemns improper use of “bahag”, asks NCCA to explain

Baguio City, Philippines – Condemning the improper use of “bahag/wanes/G-string,” the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - Cordillera called the attention of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the producers of “Alay nina Alice at Agnes.”

On October 15, the Metropolitan Theater staged the “Alay nina Alice at Agnes” which featured dance performances of the National Artists for Dance Alice Reyes and Agnes Locsin, as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of “The Order of National Artists.” The show may be watched through the link, https://fb.watch/gflpfXuf-E/.

Titled “Igorot,” the first part of the performance showed women wearing “bahag” (the male Igorot loincloth), instead of “tapis.”

In his interview with Mt. Province Broadcasting Corporation – MPBC, NCIP-CAR Regional Director Atty. Atanacio Addog said he would send a letter to NCCA and to the National Artist and Choreographer Agnes Locsin, asking for their explanation for allowing women to wear the men’s native attire.

“I would like to get their explanation, haan tayo met kayat nga one-sided diay judgement tayo but we would also want them to explain, although alam natin na seeing alone yung performance na ito eh meron talagang mali kasla daytoy babae nga nagusar ti bahag, which in our culture haan met agbabahag ti babae, kasi kanyatayo ket haan tayo nga i-dis-display ti legs ng mga babae, that is why meron yung mga tapis, yung tapis nila and below the knee,” said Addog.

The regional director also coordinated with the Ifugao elders to solicit their reaction. The “bahag” used, he said, is “more on Ifugao” textile.

According to Addog, the improper use of the traditional attire is a misrepresentation of the Indigenous Peoples as the native garments represent the tradition and culture of the IPs.

Asked of what could possibly happen, the head of NCIP-Cordillera answered there may be penalties to be imposed, depending on the decision of the elders.

“We would call a dialogue with them. Then, syempre, the final say in accordance with our customs and traditions, dagitoy elders tayo met ti ag-impose ti penalty na dayta. Haan nga NCIP ti na-offend but it’s actually the indigenous people nga makin-bagbagi ti traditional attires… tapnu haanen nga paulit ulit. Let’s give lesson to everybody,” Addog stressed.

He relayed that filmmakers usually visit the NCIP office, including the IP community and barangay officials, to get permission and ensure the appropriate representation of IPs in their shows.

The NCCA, he advised, should have done the same.

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