The NIKE project was an intervention we made from 2006 to 2012, initially aimed at nurturing a core group of young indigenous knowledge (IK) holders who can continue long-held indigenous knowledge (IK) systems and practices. This young group would then serve as the link to the next generation.  It was an important step to arrest the deterioration of the Philippine Rice Terraces World Heritage Site, which had endured the test of time because of the sustained transmission of indigenous knowledge systems of the Ifugao people.  The loss of indigenous knowledge and the weakened transmission system were some of the identified causes of the physical decline of the rice terraces.  

The core group of IK bearers that we wanted to nurture as connectors of knowledge have become us, the young ones then, who worked on this project. In recent years, almost all of our elders who we have sought for knowledge and wisdom have passed on. They advised us both in content and manner.  One by one we watched them go. We take comfort that they have seen us work towards the continuation of knowledge.  But what we realized today is that we have become the repositories of knowledge.  We have become the elders. Some of the younger ones who involved themselves in this project went ahead, too. We honor them as we keep our knowledge alive and useful.

As the current generation of indigenous knowledge (IK) holders, we continue to expand efforts to promote, transmit, and utilize indigenous knowledge for cultural heritage protection, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction.  

The NIKE Initiative

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By Zenia B. Ananayo, originally posted in 2009

Traditional rice production in Ifugao is divided into two phases, namely: field preparation and rice production. These are subdivided into four seasons of unequal duration in the agricultural calendar, namely: 

kiwang (offseason), lawang (planting season), tiyalgo (dry season), and ahitulu (harvest season). Keenness on the effects of astrologic and seasonal changes on the crops prompted Ifugao forebears to carefully plan each agricultural work within a year to prevent crop failure. The systematic scheduling of tasks in rice cultivation exemplifies an efficient organization of agricultural work.

WE IMPART

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Read more: Tinawon: Ifugao Traditional Rice Production

 By Zenia B. Ananayo, originally posted in 2009

Ifugao house building is one of the most admired ethnic architectural designs for having employed an indigenous system of construction that is more complex than its seeming simplicity. Yet due to the amalgam of factors such as the effects of christianization, economic development, education, and modernization, Ifugao architecture, like many of the people’s indigenous knowledge systems and practices, is also losing ground as contemporary generation of Ifugaos are increasingly being disengaged from their beliefs, customs, and traditions. Thus, the emergence and progressive broadening of a distressing gap between older Ifugao traditional knowledge holders and today’s generation. 

WE IMPART

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Read more: The Bale: Traditional Ifugao House

Bugan, daughter of Hinumbian in Tuktag, a region in Kabunyan (skyworld), has been besieged by uncles, nieces, and other relatives to marry one of her own people. However, Bugan adamantly refused. So, she was advised to leave Kabunyan and settle in any place she desired.

One day, while the weather was excellent, she looked down to the earthworld and observed. At a place called Pangaggawan (now a part of Bolog, Kiangan), she saw a naked man. He was young, handsome, and very industrious too. He worked from daybreak until sunset hunting wild animals. But he was alone in the area.

Bugan felt pity and love for this lonely man named Kinggawan. She was determined to go down the earthworld and marry him. With the permission of her father, Hinumbian, Bugan gathered the necessary provisions which included a vessel of cooked rice and clothes. Then , proceeded down to the earthworld.

WE NARRATE

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Read more: Origin of the Worms and the Light and Dark-Skinned People of the Earth