Katutubo Makilaban:*

A Study on How the Indigenous Peoples assert their Rights through the Media

Focusing on their Portrayal in Radyo Sagada

A Qualitative Research Report

Submitted to

Professor Clarinda Berja

Department of Social Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences

University of the Philippines Manila

In fulfillment

Of the

Requirements in

Political Science 198

Second Semester 2014-2015

By

Ann Claryn B. Yap

2011-18329

May 29, 2014

* Makilaban – Pakikibaka; Struggle KATUTUBO MAKILABAN

ABSTRACT

The indigenous peoples continue to face different issues which include defending their ancestral land and resources, and struggling for self-determination through the preservation of their culture and tradition (Molintas, 2004). And as they continue to assert their rights, the media remains to be one of the avenues for the indigenous peoples to pursue their struggle (Sapkota, 2013). The media is expected to become receptive and responsive when it comes to the issues faced by the IPs. Contrary to this expectation, indigenous peoples continue to experience discrimination in the media through misrepresentation in media packaging, therefore, resulting to racism and stereotyping (Brown, Myers & Wilkes, 2010; & Plater, 1993); and the inaccessibility of the media itself (Roberts, 2006). In the Philippines, there is already an existing form of media that is owned and managed by indigenous peoples. Radyo Sagada made a breakthrough for the IPs’ right to freedom of expression (Villanueva, 2011).

This study aims to identify how indigenous peoples are able to utilize the media focusing portrayal in order to assert their rights. It also aims to understand the dynamics between the indigenous peoples and the media through identifying the similarities and differences in the portrayal of IPs in news materials. Through this, it will be shown that IP-owned and -managed media, like Radio Sagada, is a more effective avenue for IPs to assert their rights, than mainstream media.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………….i

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………iii

Dedication…………………………………………………………………………………….iv

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………...1

Review of Related Literature…………………………………………………………………4

Research Questions and Hypothesis………………………………………………………….8

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework……………………………………………………...8

Methodology………………………………………………………………………………….12

Presentation of Findings………………………………………………………………………15

Discussion and Implication of Findings…………………………………………………...... 23

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….26

References……………………………………………………………………………………..27

Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….31

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Writing a thesis is like maintaining a relationship. It cannot be done overnight. It needs constant attention. It needs unconditional love.

For the past year that I have been fighting for this love, I would like to acknowledge the following people for supporting this relationship:

First, to Ate Pya, Ate Kah, Ate Joan and Ate Lea of KATRIBU – Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, for the assistance and support you gave me throughout my research. You were all an inspiration to me because your passion in advocating for the rights of the indigenous peoples is genuine and extraordinary. May you inspire more people to do the same.

To Kuya Santong and Kuya Bobby, thank you for the Sagada experience. My Sagada trip would not be memorable if not for the both of you.

To my thesis adviser, Ma’am Claire, thank you for believing in this relationship when I was about to give up on it. You understood the risks, but you believed in its purpose. Thank you for guiding me throughout the journey, ever since our PolSci 100. You were our mom, and we are really grateful to have you. You are always loved.

To my friends, Sittie, Chynthia, Dychie and Zedy, thank you for accompanying me and helping me translate the materials into our common language. This relationship wouldn’t have worked if we did not understand each other.

To Ceecee, Dani, Kua and Kuya, thank you for the continuous support. You, guys, are my anchor. You kept me at bay when I was about to sail away. Thank you for believing that I can move on. Haha.

To my family and relatives, thank you for (financially and emotionally) supporting me on this. This year has been a rocky one for us, but thank you for staying and for understanding that this is what I really want to do.

Finally, to my dear Creator, for the passion, the time and the strength to finish this. You knew even before I tell you that it was very hard for me to juggle all my activities every day. Thank You for everything. You are the source of my strength and love, forever and always.

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Para sa mga Katutubong Mamamayan Ng Pilipinas

Daga, Biag, Kinabaknang, Salakniban!

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Katutubo Makilaban: A Study on How the Indigenous Peoples assert their Rights through the Media Focusing on their Portrayal in Radyo Sagada

Ann Claryn B. Yap

INTRODUCTION

The indigenous peoples, being one of the marginalized sectors of the society, still face challenges when it comes to their rights. They call for the defense of their ancestral lands and their resources, and they continue to struggle for self-determination through the preservation of their culture and tradition (Molintas, 2004). These remain to be the main issues that challenge the IPs across the country today. Asserting for their rights have been done in many ways, and as Sapkota (2003) emphasized in his work, one of the avenues that indigenous peoples use to pursue their struggle is through the media.

For the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, who comprise about 14 to 17 million of the population (UNDP, 2012), the struggle for their rights is still at the forefront of their agenda. According to reports, most of the indigenous people groups in the country are experiencing different forms of violence and discrimination, which range from the loss of their ancestral lands, displacement and even the loss of their identity and culture (UNDP, 2012; UNDP, 2010). The Indigenous Peoples Rights – Monitor (2008) further elaborated that the IPs in the country are also threatened by the escalating militarization of their ancestral lands and the increasing number of politically motivated killings of indigenous leaders and their community members.

Despite the existing statutes that are institutionalized to protect, promote, and improve the well-being of the IPs, such as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) (1997), there remains to be lapses. In fact, other statutes such as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the Forestry Code, contradict these rights. The Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance, a regional alliance of indigenous peoples in the Cordillera, adhered to this claim, and added that the two cannot be reconciled (Molintas, 2004). Hence, even the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples established through the IPRA, is of no help to them. IPs continues to experience discrimination and countless human rights violations.

As the cases of discrimination and human rights violation against indigenous peoples continue to increase, it is expected that these will be featured by the media. Unfortunately, even

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN though there are reports featuring the case of the indigenous peoples, these reports usually appear only in the context of conflicts over land, or mining exploration. Reports regarding indigenous peoples’ rights and demands are rare, while the existing coverage for their issues mentioned is below their expectations. In addition to this, as journalists are evaluated, they do not seem to understand the issues well enough to report on them. (UNDP, 2012).

Because continuous threat to their rights, the indigenous peoples continue their struggle for the fulfillment of their rights. As Sapkota (2013) emphasized in his research, indigenous peoples are now engaging themselves in the media in order to assert their rights. Grounded on the provisions of Article 16 of the UN DRIP (2008), indigenous peoples are informed that they have the right to establish their own media in their own language. At the same time, the state has the duty to ensure that the media should adequately reflect indigenous cultural diversity.

In the Philippines, the indigenous peoples have already recognized the importance of access to media. Only those groups who are located near the urban areas have access to all forms of media, while others are more reliant to the radio. Hence, the radio is considered to be the most accessible to them (UNDP, 2012). Also, there have been workshops and seminars that were conducted by the Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact titled, “Indigenous Voices in Asia,” which aim “to increase the participation of indigenous peoples in democratic and political spaces in the promotion and protection of their rights as peoples” (AIPP, 2014).

But the seemingly rare instances that the mainstream media report about the issues of the indigenous peoples prompted the researcher to delve into the topic. Although there are existing reports and features about the case of indigenous peoples, these reports seem to be insufficient and may even contribute to the further marginalization of indigenous peoples. Studies that dwell in the interplay between indigenous peoples and the media are lacking here in the Philippines. Although it is already established that indigenous peoples are able to access the media, and although the media are reporting about the cases of the indigenous peoples (UNDP, 2012), the representation of the indigenous peoples should still be taken into consideration. Providing a research on the matter would enable the indigenous peoples to know how they could better use the media as an avenue for their struggle, and lastly, it can help other indigenous peoples groups in organizing and establishing their own media.

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This research is intended, firstly, for the national government through its policy-making and implementing departments, particularly the NCIP. Secondly, for the different media companies in the country as well as nongovernmental organizations that are capable of helping indigenous peoples in their struggle to be heard. Lastly and most importantly, for the indigenous peoples of the Philippines so that it may help them in establishing and improving their own media. At the end of the research, the researcher aims to share a scholarly documentation of the findings and analysis to the said audience.

The objective of this qualitative research proposal is to identify how indigenous peoples are able to utilize the media, particularly their own radio, in asserting their rights. Also, it aims to understand the dynamics between the indigenous peoples and the media in order to evaluate its role for the indigenous peoples in asserting their rights

This research will focus on the case of Radyo Sagada which is the first IP owned and managed radio station established through the efforts of locals of Sagada. Its role as a pioneer in the field would serve as a guide for other indigenous peoples to eventually establish their own.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Despite the seemingly rare reports about the issues of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, there are quite a number of studies abroad which recognize that these people are experiencing marginalization and misrepresentation in the media.

Lorie M. Graham (2010) recognizes that aside from the media’s role in disseminating information, it is also important to recognize its power to identify, name and shape issues. In her article, “A Right to Media?”, her main agenda was to first establish that there is a right to media for indigenous and that recognition of this right will help promote the once silenced voices of the IPs. Graham then made use of some international human rights law, for example Article 16 of the UN Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights, with the aim of contextualizing this right of the IPs.

Graham (2010) also emphasized in her research that, at first, media gave a negative image of IPs. In addition to this, some forms of media were also inaccessible to them and because of the absence of their voices in the media, it threatens their very existence.

Using the UNDRIP, Graham (2010) assumed that concepts integrated in article 14 on education, article 15 on cultural pluralism and article 16 on media rights, have connected themes in a sense that they are interdependent with each other. She emphasized that if IPs do not have access to information, whether from schools or from the media, then there is a bigger chance that they will suffer from marginalization and political, economic and social discrimination. However, documents and case studies were also discussed in the article and have established that media can also be used to assist in fighting against IPs’ discrimination, in strengthening their language and culture, and in the realization of their right of self-determination.

Therefore, there is a need to recognize the IPs’ right to media to ensure that they also achieve their rights to freedom of opinion and expression. Media, then, is not really a disadvantageous for the IPs. It is rather a means to express the voice of IPs and promote new voices in the process of public deliberation (Graham, 2010).

On the other hand, Diana Plater (1993) made a study that focuses on Aboriginal Peoples and the media in Australia. She started her study by affirming the role of media in combating discrimination. She said that when IPs cannot depend on the police, on legal service and on the bureaucracy, it turns towards the media for help. She mentioned that there were journalists who

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN were sympathetic to the Aboriginal people had verbally attacked the perpetrators for they believe that the public should know how these IPs are treated.

Despite the seemingly protagonist role of the media in Plater’s (1993) introduction, she later mentioned Johnson’s (1991) account that said that racial stereotyping and racism that exist in the media is institutional by nature and is not a product of social construction. In addition to this, it was emphasized that these happened as a result of news values, editorial policies and routines of news gathering. In other words, the story was already written before a journalist is assigned to write about them. Plater (1993) also noticed that aside from racist reporters, there also existed ignorant ones and that the latter needed to be educated.

Because these images of the Aboriginal people were conveyed to the public, Plater (1993) believed that there is a need to revise this through “positive stories” about them. Instead of conveying racist images, it would be better to portray Aboriginal People as human beings, as mothers, fathers, children, students, lawyers, and so on. She believed that this may lead to a more responsible and less sensationalist media no matter what issues or stories they cover.

Plater (1993) added that if journalists would meet Aboriginal people, they may have changed their attitude towards the latter. In line with this, she mentioned that there was a group that conducted awareness campaigns for the people and forums for the media to improve its reporting style and a forum for Aboriginal People as well on how to handle the media.

Still on Australia, Jessica Roberts (2008) focused her study on the examination of the representation of Aboriginal people in print media, particularly when it comes to their health issues. She aimed at identifying the frequency of appearance of IPs’ health issues in three newspapers and whether these newspapers conforms with the social determinants of health as outlined by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.

In establishing the context of her research, Roberts (2006) was able to gather sources that used the print media and content analysis in analyzing other health issues of the Aboriginal people. What made Roberts’ study different is that she emphasized on the social determinants in order to examine the reporting of issues relating to health and also to take a closer look on the sources where journalists are getting their information from.

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The content analysis showed that Aboriginal people’s issues were featured in the three newspapers that she used. However, it was notable that issues concerning their health received little coverage compared to others such as sports, arts and politics, which she found to be the most featured subjects. In terms of the social determinants of health, she found that life expectancy, health behaviors and education are the most common determinants that appeared in health-related newspaper articles (Roberts, 2006).

From these figures, it can be inferred that the print media was not entirely ignorant of the Aboriginal peoples’ situation though the latter was not their high priority either. In addition to this, Roberts did not mention any discriminatory content from her content analysis. It’s just that the discrimination of Aboriginal people were evident in the presentation of the articles which are mainly just short reports having limited space and thus the information would also be limited (Roberts, 2006).

On the other hand, Robert Harding (2005) studied the interplay of media and Indigenous People with common sense. He emphasized that media contributed to the construction of common sense about Aboriginal issues. Some themes highlighted in Harding (2005) include manipulation of news frames resulting to silencing of IPs’ voice (Furniss, 2001), portraying them as a significant threat to the social order and even considering them as the creators of problems or the problems themselves (Discourses of Domination: Racial Bias in the Canadian English Language Press, 2002), and that sometimes, “what is not said in a news report may have as great an influence on the production of meaning as what is said,” contributing to what the audiences would perceive the IPs as.

Harding (2005), upon analyzing 90 articles from three newspapers, arrived at the conclusion that truly, stereotyping of Aboriginal Peoples in the news is still alive. Aside from the old stereotypes, stereotypes such as Aboriginal people as incompetent or corrupt financial managers are also emerging as a reaction of some Canadians to Aboriginal peoples’ initiatives to gain control over their lives. This just shows that although they are still seen by Canadians as a threat to the society.

Other researchers who conduct their study about IPs and the media focus on media packaging. Catherine Corrigall-Brown, Daniel J. Myers and Rima Wilkes (2010) studied how newspapers cover stories about IPs’ collective actions through comparing coverage across events.

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They also aim to identify the factors that are associated with the quality and quantity of media coverage.

According to Brown, Myers, and Wilkes (2010), media packaging elements include the volume of coverage, page placement, the size and content of headlines, as well as the length of story and the inclusion of visuals. Along with this, they have these theories as to how media gathers and selects the news they’re going to print. It was said in their study that “the ‘news gathering’ perspective with its emphasis on news routines and news values suggests not only that media attention will vary across events, but also that different events will receive different types of media attention including different media packaging” (Brown, Myers, & Wilkes, 2010).

Brown, Myers, and Wilkes (2010) revealed in their study that the size and length of the event has very little relation with coverage because the protests considered in their study were small. However, what contributed to a large quantity of coverage was the use of contentious or, if there are, disruptive tactics as a strategy in order to overcome the disadvantage of small size. They also emphasized that there is difference on the media attention across events, depending on its contention. Standoffs, according to them, generated more attention than other contentions.

Lastly, a local study was found which dealt with the use of Dumagat people of media. According to Zafra (2012), most of the households in the community own a radio, either transistor or battery-operated, and it is the primary form of media in the area. They prefer radio because of less electricity consumption, portability, cheaper price and because it does not require them to be literate to operate a radio. The radio served as their window to the outside world and its usage became a habit for the people to the extent that they take the radio with them to their workplace.

The review of related literature further strengthened the motive of the researcher to pursue the study. Most the literature reviewed provided similar themes that established the marginalization of indigenous peoples in the media. Hence, these data encourage the researcher to be more sensitive of the topic by acknowledging the difficulties in securing unbiased response from the respondents, particularly from the media. Also, it reiterates the importance of prioritizing the ethical considerations for the rights of the indigenous peoples and for the copyright of the materials.

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RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESIS

The following research questions will be addressed in this study:

1. Which radio stations are accessible to indigenous peoples in the Cordillera? 2. What issues are relevant for the indigenous peoples that needs to be reported? 3. How do the IP owned radio operate? 4. How do IPs want to be portrayed? How do IPs portray themselves through their own radio station?

Prior to the conduct of the study, the researcher is grounded on the hypothesis that, although indigenous peoples have access to the mainstream media, there exist inconsistencies between the reports of the mainstream media and the indigenous peoples’ media, which prompted the IPs to prefer their own. Some of these inconsistencies may include (1) negative packaging of the IPS, and (2) insufficient details of reports leading to misrepresentation of their struggle. Like every marginalized group in a society, this is not how the indigenous peoples want themselves to be portrayed. In order to correct these reports, it is imperative for them to act on their own and set the standards on how these reports should be conducted.

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The paradigm that the researcher will employ in this study is the post-positivist paradigm. Considered to have replaced positivism, Willis (2007) explained that the goal of this approach is to find the truth about something, because a study may be used to falsify another.

Furthermore, Anne Ryan (2006) elaborated that the post-positivist stance recognizes that values, passion and politics have value in research. She further emphasized that there are key tools that would be helpful for a researcher in conducting post-positivist studies, especially if the study seeks social change.

Firstly, there is the concept of discourse, wherein this approach gives emphasis on meaning and relationship, produces certain assumptions and provides subject positions from which people speak and act. Secondly, this approach employs a concern with power recognizing that the “fixing of meaning is never a neutral act, but always privileges certain interests” (Ryan, 2006).

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Thirdly, there is value in narrative for post-positive approach. There is a need to balance theoretical interpretation with a reminiscent presentation to take the reader into a story. Through this approach, the researcher gets to identify who gets to tell what stories about different groups to the extent of popularizing new and muted discourses. Lastly, as this approach recognizes that contradictions and tensions may arise from the research, it points out that a reflexive attitude is very important. It would enable to look at critically at the subject, and at the same time, be mindful of the possible limits of the study (Ryan, 2006).

Through these tools of post-positivist approach, the researcher would be able to explore the issue of the indigenous peoples when it comes to their utilization of the media. At the same time, these tools would enable the researcher to understand the stance of the indigenous peoples when it comes their representation, and furthermore, to ensure that the audience would be able to grasp the salient points of the study.

The researcher will also use the Critical Discourse Analysis of Norman Fairclough. As a method of analysis, CDA enable the researcher to address societal problems (Van Dijk, 2001), such as the struggles of the indigenous peoples. Furthermore, CDA delves in on the concept of power and change in discourse (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002), which is evidently present in the case of the indigenous peoples.

Distinct features of the CDA have prompted the researcher to employ it in the study. Firstly, CDA focuses on the way discourse enacts, reproduces or challenges relations of power and dominance in society. Secondly, it emphasizes that language should be analyzed within its social context. Thirdly, CDA functions ideologically. Fourthly, it constitutes society and culture. Lastly, rather than describe, it tries to explain discourse in terms of social interaction and especially social structure (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002, & Van Dijk, 2001).

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Figure 1. Fairclough’s Three Dimensional Model of Critical Discourse Analysis,

(Jorgensen & Phillips, 2002)

Fairclough’s model proposes that analysis should center “on (1) the linguistic features of the text (text), (2) processes relating to the production and consumption of the text (discursive practice); and (3) the wider social practice to which the communicative event belongs (social practice)” (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002, p. 68).

Through this model, the text analysis will focus on the formal features of the discourse such as vocabulary, syntax and sentence coherence. On the other hand, analysis of the discursive practices will focus on the production and consumption of the text in order to understand the dynamics between the author and the receivers of the text. Lastly, the preceding analyses will enable the researcher to understand the interplay of the three dimensions, ultimately how the text shape a certain social practice and vice versa, and mediated by the discursive practice (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002).

The researcher will also employ the Social Representations Theory of Serge Muscovici cited in Höijer (2011) and Wagner (2012). According to this theory, social representations are form of knowledge that serves communication and participation in discursive communities. Through mass media, debates on socially relevant issues exist, and eventually, shared and mutually negotiable representations are formed. If this debate is able to have a lasting effect on the community, the representation will eventually become emancipated or hegemonic (Wagner, 2012).

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The theory will aid the researcher in analyzing the effects of how indigenous peoples are portrayed in their media to the assertion of their rights.

Muscovici also identified that through communicative mechanisms used in this theory, representations can conventionalize objects, persons and events, and eventually establish them as shared cognitions. Hence, they become the “common knowledge” or the “common sense.” Also, they are considered prescriptive through the social structures and traditions forced upon people (Höijer, 2011). Through anchoring, an unknown is made known for comparison and interpretation. Through objectifying, this unknown made known is transformed into something that can be perceived and thus can be controlled. Hence, the researcher will take into consideration how these mechanisms are manifested in the portrayal of indigenous peoples in their media. Through these manifestations, it will be seen how the portrayal of the indigenous peoples are able to affect their preference for a right portrayal.

To further establish the validity and credibility of the study, the researcher will also make use of triangulation. Through this method, cross-checking of multiple data sources would be done to evaluate the congruence of the data collected, therefore supporting the research findings (Knafl & Breitmayer, 1989 in Baxter & Jack, 2008).

For the purpose of this research, this conceptual framework will be used:

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METHODOLOGY

Design of the Study

The researcher chooses to engage in an action research. According O’Brien (2001), this kind of study is guided by the principle of “learning by doing.” When a specific problem is identified, something is done to resolve it. Later on, it will be evaluated and if not satisfied, try again. Action research emphasized the dual commitment of studying a system and collaborating with the members of the system. Thus, active collaboration between the researcher and the indigenous peoples is needed to ascertain the problem, identify solutions, and evaluate them later on.

Description of the Settings

Two municipalities of the Cordillera Administrative Region were chosen in gathering respondents for this research. First, the Municipality of Sagada located in Mountain Province was chosen since it is where Radyo Sagada is located. It is a fifth class municipality based on income (NSCB, 2010), wherein most of the Aplai (indigenous peoples group) engage in agricultural work. However, because of the increasing popularity of the municipality as a tourist destination, Dagdag (the Poblacion) is quite developed compared to other barangays and is reliable when it comes to basic necessities. Prevalent issues in the municipality are related to agriculture and the environment. All forms of media reach the area, but are not accessible to everyone. Most people are active users of television and radio. Radyo Sagada is located at the Poblacion, just a few steps from the municipal hall.

On the other hand, the second chose location is the Municipality of Itogon in Benguet. Even though considered as a first class municipality based on income (NSCB, 2010), there are barangays where people are still not earning enough for their daily needs. Most of the people engage in mining activities. The municipality is also a desirable area for mining, wherein many large scale mining companies are currently located, or are currently bidding for. Mining is the prevalent issue in the municipality. Also, all forms of media are accessible to them.

Two locations were chosen in order to evaluate the effect of radio news reports. Sagada is highly exposed to Radyo Sagada’s programs, while Itogon is not reached by the transmission of Radyo Sagada. However, both locations have people who are listening to radio stations are reached by mainstream radios.

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Sampling Procedures

With regards to the sampling of this study, the researcher engaged in purposive sampling. According to Morse (1991) in Coyne (1997), purposeful sampling in qualitative research is sampling according to the needs of the study. Thus, there is a specific criteria for the selection of the sample in order to meet the objectives of the study. It would be very critical to engage in this kind of sampling since the intended participant of this study are the members of the indigenous peoples groups that have access to the media particularly, those who are listening to radio programs on a regular basis.

During the research, the researcher was able to conduct four in-depth interviews from each of the municipality. All participants are regular listeners of radio. From Sagada, participants are middle-aged men who engage in agricultural activities and project (Leandro and Dato), one who works for the Local Government (Crispin), and another who engage in tourism activities (Andres). Meanwhile, participants from Itogon are three middle-aged women (Luisa, Anna and Maria) and one middle-aged man (Epi). All of them engage in mining activities around the area, either small- scale or large-scale mining.

Meanwhile, key-informants for this interview include Ms. Pya Macliing Malayao, Spokesperson of the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KATRIBU KAMP). Sho is known for her involvement in different campaigns advocating the rights of the indigenous peoples, and is a native of Cordillera as well. Also, Mr. Edgie Francis Uyanguren, Researcher and Program manager of DZUP was also interviewed. He handles the daily programming of DZUP, in which issues of indigenous peoples are also featured.

Ethical Considerations and Consent

In doing this research, settling ethical considerations is also a crucial part because the indigenous peoples are considered to be one of the vulnerable sectors of the society. There was a need to ensure the welfare of the respondents. The researcher ensured that the objectives of the study was clearly explained to and understood by the participants, and that their rights as respondents were enumerated to them. Free prior informed consents from the participating indigenous peoples and their community organizations was also secured. They were given the choice to omit parts of their interview if they’re not comfortable with it. They were also given aliases in this research to protect

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN their identity. All the information they shared would be kept confidential and would only be used for this research’s purposes.

Necessary information about the research was also discussed to the community organizations prior to the conduct of this research to ensure that they have the capacity to support the data collection procedure, and to evaluate if there are risks for the indigenous peoples who would be participating. Clearance was then obtained. Informed consent was also secured from Radyo Sagada so as not to infringe copyright of the transcripts to be used in the CDA. This was also secured from other key informants.

The indigenous peoples and community organizations did not receive anything from the researcher during the conduct of the research. However, a copy would be provided to community organizations and to Radyo Sagada to share the findings and analysis of the study for the improvement of their media and for other research purposes.

Description of the Instruments used

As the researcher engaged in face-to-face interviews, a semi-structured plan was used. According to Woods (2006), semi-structured interviews are conducted by having a pre-set of question, but has more open-ended questions. Also Newton (2010) added that this kind of interview will give way to probing of close ended questions, and eventually allow individuals to disclose thoughts and feelings. Newton stated that it is the power of semi-structured interviews to provide rich, original voices which can be used to construct research narratives.

Also, the researcher was able to secure a soft copy of the news reports transcripts of Radyo Sagada. The transcript was from their Midday News Program. The transcripts received covered five days, from March 11 to 17, excluding March 15 and 16, 2015. The transcripts were written in Ilocano, but were translated by Ilocano natives into English for the convenience of the researcher.

Data Collection Procedures

The researcher sought the help of KATRIBU and Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance – Mountain Province in order to find respondents for the research. Both are nongovernment organizations advocating the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples particularly for their ancestral land and self-determination. Respondents were engaged in a face-to-face interview wherein a conversational manner was maintained. This helped the respondents to willingly share their

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN experiences and their opinion about the issues discussed. Letters were sent out as well for the key informants for an expert interview.

On the other hand, the management of Radyo Sagada, particularly Ms. Mary Carlin the Station Manager, was interviewes. She was informed of the purpose of the study and was constantly coordinated to ensure the validity of the transcripts to be used. Ms. Carlin even gave the researcher a chance to visit the radio station and observe the dynamics within. Later on, the management sent the soft copy of the transcripts by mail due to technical difficulties in the area.

Interviews were transcribed and were coded accordingly. On the other hand, radio transcripts were translated from Ilocano to English before undergoing coding and critical discourse analysis.

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS

Indigenous Peoples’ Access to Radio Stations

There is certainly access to media in the chosen areas and the respondents agreed that radio is an important part of their everyday life. According to Ate Pya, radio remains to be the most accessible and reliable form of media for indigenous peoples, followed only by cellphones, television and newspapers. However, they prefer radio stations using their own dialect.

All of the respondents affirmed that they are listening to the radio on a regular basis, and that similar to the findings of Zafra (2012) in a Dumagat Tribe in Rizal, this has become a habit for them in other to get information or simply to just entertain themselves. Listening to radio keeps them updated about issues relevant to them such as mining and agriculture. According to Crispin, having a radio is very handy. The farmers can take it to farm, and women can listen to dramas while washing clothes.

Respondents were also able to identify the radio stations to which they listen most of the time. For respondents in Sagada, they listed Radyo Sagada, DZRB Radyo ng Bayan and DZWX Bombo Radyo. Meanwhile, respondents from Itogon listed DZWT Radyo Totoo (Catholic Media Network), DZRB Radyo ng Bayan and DZWX Bombo Radyo. Epi claims that among the three, Radyo Totoo has the strongest signal in the Cordillera.

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When asked about Radyo Sagada, Itogon respondents were clueless and even surprised that such radio station managed by indigenous peoples is established. Luisa even said, “Talaga? May ganon? Kung may ganon, sana makaabot sa amin para mapakinggan din namin.” (Really? There’s a radio station like that? If that’s so, I hope they would be able to reach us so we can listen to it.)

In order to know how familiar and how often they listen to these radio stations, the respondents were asked more about the profile of the stations they listen to. They were asked basic information like when was the station established (or how old is it), and if they knew who is its manager. Anna from Itogon said that she find it hard to remember the name of people behind the radio, but she is surely familiar with their voices. Other Itogon respondents were not able to pinpoint the management of the said radio stations, but they are aware how old these stations are.

On the other hand, respondents in Sagada were all aware of how Radyo Sagada was established. Not everyone was able to give a detailed story of Radyo Sagada’s history, but the common answer was that it started with a consultation, from which they received help from nongovernment organizations, and volunteers started to work for Radyo Sagada. They were also able to identify Ms. Mary Carlin, the station manager.

Establishment of Radyo Sagada

The information given by the Sagada respondents were similar to what Ms. Carlin shared about how Radyo Sagada started. Back in 2009, a consultation was held in the community to discuss what would be the objectives of the radio station, and how it would be operating. This is where the indigenous peoples specified that they want the radio to focus on topics such as culture, health, environment, good governance, and most importantly, human rights and IPs’ rights.

Radyo Sagada was not financially stable during that time, but through the help of nongovernment organizations and a friend of Ms. Carlin, they were able to provide the necessary equipment to run the station. They do not actually own the license to broadcast, but it was lent by another NGO. On November 11, 2011, Radyo Sagada started broadcasting and was heard as far as Kalinga and Ilocos. However, they were able to identify limitations, since the radio reached only a specific spot in Baguio City.

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Scope of Issues reported by the Media

Respondents confirmed that a variety of issues and topics are reported by the radios to which they listen to. Despite listening to different radio stations, they identified common issues and topics to which they are interested to listen to.

News reports cover national news as some of the respondents cited the Mamasapano incident and the pork barrel issue as examples. Some of them are interested in international news that talk about dollar rates since they have relatives abroad. Weather forecasts are also relevant for them so they can adjust their work schedule and prepare in case of a bad weather.

On the other hand, they also stressed the importance of local issues being reported in the news. Recurring answers are the local issues on mining, renewable energy, development aggression and health. There are also programs about culture and entertainment where they listen to traditional songs. According to Epi, “…sa mga lokal naman na balita na mas concern kami kasi malapit [sa amin].” (We are more concerned with local news because it’s closer to us).

Respondents from Sagada expressed their gratefulness for the variety of programs featured in Radyo Sagada. They remarked that these programs are able to help them in their daily needs, personal curiosity, and understanding. As Epi from Itogon share, sometimes, mainstream radio stations do not always provide both sides of the story. “Oo, pinag-uusapan, pero yung sa mga ano…yung good side lang naman. Pero yung negative side, hindi naman nila sinasabi.” (Yes, it is tackled, but only the positive side. They never expose the negative side.)

Ms. Carlin agreed that they have a variety of programs to cater all the issues that are relevant to their audiences. Currently, their program varies from news, entertainment, health, culture, environment, and even public affairs. She said these programs are in-demand to their listeners. In the course of their news programs, they make sure to feature both sides, especially what the listeners should know.

These programs, according to Mr. Uyanguren, are vital to the indigenous people listeners. Their issues are rarely featured, and sometimes are even romanticized in the mainstream media. As he said, the media serve as a “daluyan ng edukasyon” (vessel of education) for the indigenous

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN peoples that it is important for them to feature issues that are useful, relevant and representative of the indigenous peoples.

Media Operations of Radyo Sagada

It was already established in the previous set of data that somehow, there are inconsistencies when it comes to the reports about issues concerning indigenous peoples. They are no longer isolated from the media, but it seems that the media remain to be unreachable for them to express their side of the story.

For Epi, he said he never heard that mainstream media reporters visited indigenous peoples’ communities. They’re just present when there are rallies to cover and IPs are participating there. However, Sagada respondents expressed differently about Radyo Sagada. Because of the nature of their work, Leandro and Dato were invited to visit the station and host a program to share them with the listeners. Crispin commends the effort of the station that they really invite the natives to participate in their programs on a daily basis.

Inquiring on Ms. Carlin about the operations of Radyo Sagada, she started by emphasizing that station’s history – that it is a product of consultations, workshops, and participation of indigenous peoples groups of Sagada. They were very eager to establish the station that they identified the objectives of the radio, as well as the issues they want the radio to tackle. Up to now, these are the very issues that they discuss. She said that aside from the using their native language, this made them unique and different from the mainstream media.

Currently, Radio Sagada has its Board of Directors that take care of the policies, programs and approval of workshops. Ms. Carlin heads the Program Committee, which is responsible for the screening of programs and materials that will be aired in the radio. They have only a few volunteers who help in the programs and in technical matters. The local government allotted a yearly developmental fund for the station and they also have partner organizations like the Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance – Mountain Province.

According to Ms. Carlin, the news programs gather materials and reports through a lot of ways. Firstly, they subscribe to secondary sources such as press releases of their partner organizations. These sources also includes news reports which they read through the internet, or through the newspapers. These sources keep them updated about issues and reports that are

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN happening outside of Cordillera. Secondly, their volunteer reporters assigned to different beats around the area where they cover events and attend press conferences, which later on they will write into news stories. They are the ones who approach the IP communities to feature their stories. In addition to these, adjacent municipalities of Sagada, like Bauko, contribute to news reports by sending their own news bits to the Station. Lastly, they invite partner organizations and expert individuals to talk about certain issues like health during a certain program. To reiterate the issues discussed during that health program, they would write a story about it that would be aired during the next news hour. They “recycle” these information to inform other listeners in case they missed the actual health program.

Another unique thing about Radyo Sagada is its feedback system through text messages. The station maintains a text line where listeners can react, ask question, and share their insights. Ms. Carlin is amused by the participation of the listeners. “May mga terms silang gustong i-correct. May mga terms silang gusting maliwanagan.” (There are terms they correct. There are also terms to want to be enlightened about.) They even participate in poem making feedback activities, where the theme of their pieces would be the news reported earlier. Even their invited guests remarked that only through Radyo Sagada that they really feel that the participants are very eager to participate in their programs.

Radyo Sagada also participated in a project of the Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP) that culminated in 2014. The Indigenous Voices in Asia project aim to improve the participation of indigenous peoples in the media, ultimately establishing their own (AIPP, 2014 & Olea, 2013).

Evaluating Media Portrayal

Ate Pya shared that when it comes to the current state of media portrayal of the indigenous peoples, their issues are often romanticized and are only focused on their culture. Unless these stories are “nakaririmarim” (translation), it will not reach the mainstream media. Sometimes, they even have to resort to different strategies that would seem “mas mabenta” (more marketable) for the media. Hence, they would even dress in their cultural robes when they are trying to get media attention.

When it comes to mainstream radio stations, Maria shared that sometimes, they are confused with what they hear. “Hindi alam kung aling direksyon ang gusto niyang puntahan:s a side A o kaya sa side B.” (You do not know which direction it is heading: side A or side B.) Epi also added that their reports do not mention the cause of the issues. “Basta balitang mga ganyan,

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN walang malalim na pag-uugat sa balita para mas maintindihan.” (For news reports like that, there’s no in-depth analysis to understand more.) Anna, disliked that sometimes, it seems that they are the “kontrabida” (antagonist) in the situation.

On the other hand, Radyo Sagada listeners experience the contrary. They highly appreciate that Radyo Sagada is able to balance the mix news reports from international to local news. Even the local government of Sagada was given their own airtime to plug public service announcements for their constituents, as Ms. Carlin shared. Leandro also said that their organizations are welcome to plug their campaign, and this resulted to increasing awareness about agricultural development in the area.

Differences of Portrayal of Indigenous Peoples

When asked how they want to be portrayed in such reports, the answers of listeners both from Sagada and from Itogon are quite the same.

Anna shared, “Dapat kung ang isang [report] ay ilalarawan ang isang IP, ay talagang tunay na katutubo. Kasi yan ay may history hanggang sa ngayon. Ibabalita yung lahat ng mga bagay na para sa mga mamamayang katutubo.” (The report when portraying an IP should be truthful on being an indigenous. They have a history that goes up to now. Report everything that is for the indigenous peoples.)

Epi further elaborated, “Dapat tinatalakay yung mga isyu talaga na dinadala ng mga IPs. Hindi yung ang IP parang, on the point na nagsasabi ng IP in terms of customs, mga ganun-ganun lang.” (They should tackle the issues of the IPs. Not only limited to the customs of the IPs.)

Dato emphasized that reports about IPs should not be commercialized, while Andres and Crispin acknowledged that the reports sometimes seem to have a bias against harmful activities such as chemical fertilizers, mining and renewable energy. Hence, it is sometimes dubbed as progressive. But Andres emphasized that this “is quite appropriate to balance the issues coming from the national, international and the local…to expose bad activities, even the pulitika (politics).”

Ms. Carlin also agreed to the observations mentioned above. According to her, it is important to not only be limited to the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples, but also report those issues that are relevant for them. For example, when it comes to mining, it should be

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN explored what are the mining laws, policies, how are people affected and how do they respond. It’s became necessary to inform the listeners since there are mining companies operating around Cordillera. That goes for energy projects as well, she said.

On top of these, Mr. Uyanguren advocates that indigenous peoples’ portrayal should be based on human rights – to expose those issues that directly affect them. “Dapat ipakita sila na fighting…na lumalaban sila, hindi nila inaallow lamang.” (They should be seen as fighting…that they are fighting and they do not just allow it to happen.) Eventually, they should be given more airtime to express themselves, not only in the radio, but in other forms of media as well.

To sum it up, Ate Pya said that indigenous peoples should be represented in the media as whole. Because the issues of mining, education, agriculture, and even hard issues such as extra- judicial killings, are integral parts of their culture as indigenous peoples.

Analysis of the Radio Transcripts

The radio transcripts serve as the guides of the reporters of Radyo Sagada during the Midday News Program. The researcher was given a copy of the radio transcripts good for five days, and these were analyzed through critical discourse analysis. Copy of the news reports are provided in the appendices.

In analyzing the news reports of Radyo Sagada, it was seen that local news cover most of the Midday news programs’ time. 14 local news was mentioned during the five day period. These are news confined within the Mountain Province. Eight regional news, which tackled about issues from other Cordillera provinces, were cited. There were seven national news, while only two international news that were featured. These news are presented in a hierarchy from international news down to local news. Local news are further divided into news from around Mt. Province, Mt. Province Tourism, Bauko (an adjacent town of Sagada) Reports and Sagada Reports.

The researcher identified the issues reported in each day summarized below:

Category Sub Category Category Sub Category Energy Conservation Projects Tourism OFW Attractions Employment Franchise Taxation Public Service Projects – Trade Fair Recognition Trade Consumers Education Scholarship Politics Peace Talks Health Nutrition

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Government Funds Free Services Environment Agriculture Policies

Table 1. Variety of Issues Reported – Anticipated by the researcher

Category Sub Category (Mamasapano Justice Incident) Women Human Rights Consumers Transportation Fare Roll Back

Table 2. Variety of Issues Reported – Not anticipated by researcher

The two tables above summarizes the issues that were discussed in the reports of Radyo Sagada. The researcher anticipated certain issues which would probably be relevant for the indigenous peoples. It can be seen from the variety of news reports that they are indeed similar with what the Sagada respondents have said about what they think is relevant for them. Aside from these, there are reports focusing on human rights and services that are available to indigenous peoples. The scope of the news is very extensive that it would really be an informative time for the listeners.

However, one significant thing about this is that, apparently, there was no news reports about mining in the any of the news levels, even though the researcher anticipated that it would be included. This means that during that time, there was no big issue that captured the attention of the station. But this does not mean that mining issues are not featured at all, because based from the interviews cited above, they do hear mining issues being reported by Radyo Sagada.

It was also noticeable that most of their news reports are structured to immediately answer the Five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and How of News Reporting. This gave the listeners the chance to easily grasp what the report would be about. The conclusions were also helpful for listeners even though they provide only minor details. It was also seen that there were links between different topics, like that of energy and environmental concerns.

The reports are also structured to be narrative of the quotations of the people reported since they are reporting in Ilocano. However, some jargons, such as those of the military, are prevalent in the Mamasapano incident reports. These may not be easily understood by the listeners. They

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN also made use of literary figures such are proverbs, to emphasize the importance of the issue being reported.

The tone of each news report also varies. There are reports that are positive in light of festivals being anticipated, while some are structured seriously like that of the Mamasapano incident.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS

Summary of the Findings

The use of media is not new for the indigenous peoples. They are listening to radio for information and for entertainment as found by Zafra (2012). When it comes to radio, they are actually exposed to a number of radio stations in the region. However, respondents from Itogon were not exposed to Radyo Sagada that is why they were not aware that such station, owned and managed by indigenous peoples, was already established. They became very eager to listen to Radyo Sagada after knowing it exists.

The establishment of Radyo Sagada can be considered as a breakthrough in radio broadcasting and an achievement for the indigenous people. Looking back to the past years, the establishment of the station is definitely not an easy task, nor just a small dream. It was a big leap especially for everyone who was involved in the whole process of establishing it. But everything paid off. The station is still currently functioning despite the challenge of a small number of volunteers. Radyo Sagada was able to maintain the thrust of providing information and entertainment to its listeners that will benefit them in their everyday life.

With the variety of issues and topics tackled everyday on a radio program, sometimes the issues of the IPs are left behind. But when it comes to their own radio station, they made sure that the issues that are relevant to them are reported accordingly. The news reports vary from international to local news, and cover all forms of issues relevant to the lives of the IPs. Notable issues that they repeatedly mention are mining, agriculture, renewable energy, and health. This reflects the importance of their struggles against mining and agriculture, since many provinces in CAR are locations of mining operations and therefore, destruction of agricultural fields.

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Focusing the results of the CDA on the transcripts of Radyo Sagada, the production part of the discourse is the first one to be scrutinized. The formal linguistic features of the text reveals that the necessary information in a news report is always provided. The news reporters and writers are acquainted with journalism that is why they are able to provide the relevant and anticipated information for their listeners. Since the writers are making use of secondary sources for their news reports, they needed to translate them to Ilocano for the majority of the listeners to understand the content. Lastly, writers’ creativity are evident on how they emphasized issues and topics, and how they are able to accommodate them so that listeners are kept informed.

On the part of the consumption of the listeners, their immediate recall is evident during the interview. They were able to enumerate the key issues that were tackled by the radio and were able to share their experiences from their habitual listening to it. They recognized the information and entertainment provided by Radyo Sagada. They responded to the feedback mechanism of the station, citing clarifications, reactions or even suggestions.

This reflects that through the production and consumption of the materials for news reports, the writers consider what is relevant for the listeners through the choice of issues and topics they report about. They value their feedbacks and they use them in reconsidering choices for issues and topics to report next.

The discursive practice of Radyo Sagada had greatly influenced the life of its listeners that it has become a habit for them to listen. Interestingly, the listeners are able to relate with the news reports because it is what they experience every day. It is a reflection of their struggle. The discursive practice is able affect their opinion, whether to agree or to disagree. Most importantly, the kind of reporting that Radyo Sagada offers was accepted by their listeners, acknowledging their efforts in recognizing that IPs’ struggles should also be reported, and is inseparable from their culture and tradition. Thus, through habitual listening, it has become a social practice for the listeners and Radyo Sagada that in reporting news, the issues that indigenous peoples experience are inseparable and integrally part of their culture.

Although undeniably, there are still cases of negative packaging and misrepresentation of indigenous peoples’ struggle, their view on how they should be portrayed are the same. Reiterating the result of the CDA, their issues and their culture are interrelated and should be reported and be accorded attention by the media. As said by Mr. Uyanguren, “Pwedeng ito’y (media) magportray

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN sa kanila bilang wala lang. Pwede ring magportray ito, bilang may struggle na IP community na connected sa struggle ng buong population…sa struggle ng sambayanang Pilipino.” (It can portray them as nothing. It can also portray them as an IP Community with a struggle that is connected to the struggle of the population…of the Filipino people.)

Hence, if proper attention is accorded to the portrayal of indigenous peoples in the media, following the example of Radyo Sagada in advocating for the appropriate portrayal of IPs including their issues and culture, it is not impossible to change the current thinking that they are just colorful people because of the unique features of their culture and tradition. It is possible for more people to recognize that indigenous peoples are more than just the culture and the traditions. They are struggling against mining, development aggression and other destructive activities because these are detrimental not only to their culture, but most importantly, to their existence.

The indigenous peoples are capable of asserting their rights, and they make use of the media to make this happen. The way they are portrayed is what drives them to continue their struggle and to fight harder. At the same time, they are receptive to media reports, especially if these are reflective of what they are truly experiencing.

Limitations of the Study

First, it is recognized that the language barrier is the most important limitation of this study. Knowing the dialect of the indigenous peoples in the chosen area may be helpful for the researcher and will avoid the risk of misunderstanding or mistranslation.

Second, the study is only limited to the areas of Itogon, Benguet and Sagada, Mountain Province. It is not reflective of the situation of indigenous peoples and the media in the whole Cordillera Administrative Region.

Recommendations

Being an action research, this study aims to primarily evaluate how indigenous peoples are portrayed, and hopefully, prompt the mainstream media to reconsider the way they are reporting right now. In addition to that, that they give more air time in reporting indigenous peoples issues during their news programs. As said by Mr. Uyanguren, it is an opportunity to spark interest from the listeners and educate them.

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Also, this study aims to encourage more indigenous peoples to be involved in the media, and ultimately, establish their own. Radyo Sagada is just the beginning. There can be more alternative media that will advocate for a more sensitive and fair representation of indigenous peoples.

Also, the researcher recommends that this kind of study be done in other areas of the Philippines in order to achieve a more inclusive result. It also recognized that seeking the side of the mainstream media might help validate the results of this study.

CONCLUSION

The indigenous peoples are considered to be one of the marginalized sectors of our society. But despite this status, they are able to assert their rights through the media. In fact, they are already capable of establishing and managing their own.

They are no longer oblivious to the existence of the media, but rather, they are more participative in media activities. They certainly have access to different forms of media, and radio remains to be the most accessible and useful form of media for them. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, a number of radio stations are recognized by the indigenous peoples, but only Radyo Sagada is independently owned and managed by them.

Relevant issues for the indigenous peoples are those that have something to do with their everyday lives. Things that are useful in their jobs and things that are part of their struggle. From mining issues to health concerns, they recognized that all of these should be reported if they are to be portrayed properly. Their culture and traditions are not the only things that make them. Their struggles for their land, for their resources and for their lives are an integral part of who they are.

Through Radyo Sagada, they are able to express these sentiments. In return, Radyo Sagada remains to be an example of this practice. In the future, the researcher hopes that other indigenous peoples groups will be able to establish their own media. Also, that the mainstream media be more sensitive and truthful in reporting the struggles of the indigenous peoples.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A – Interview Guide for Listeners

Informant: Community: Organization (if any):

Questions: I. Media Profile 1. What radio station do you usually listen to? 2. Do you know who manages this radio group? If yes, who is it? 3. Do you know how it was established? If yes, how? 4. What are the programs aired in the radio station that you listen to? a. How often is it aired? b. What are your thoughts about that/those program/s? II. Scope of Media 1. What are the issues that radio station tackle about? 2. Do you know any instances when IP groups personally come to media offices to ask to feature their cause (what are these specific causes)? a. If yes, how do the media entertain these requests (what are these requests)? b. If none, do the media reach out to them instead? 3. How do you perceive (response to) the reports aired by the radio station? III. Media Portrayal 1. What do you think is the right portrayal of IPs? How do you like to be portrayed? 2. With this program that tackles IPs’ issues, what are the themes prevalent in it? Do you think the sissues are adequately discussed? What other aspects of the issue would you like them to emphasize? 3. How are the IPs portrayed in this program? (Probe questions: Depends on the story/ies that the interviewee will cite. Be attentive for the facts, especially on how it is a matter of public interest for the audience.)

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APPENDIX B – Interview Guide for Radyo Sagada Manager

Informant: Designation: Organization:

Questions: I. Media Profile 1. What is the name of this radio group? 2. Who manages this radio group? 3. How was it established? 4. Who are the (target) audience? 5. What are the programs aired in your radio station? a. Which is the highest rating program? b. How often is it aired? II. Scope of Media 1. What are the issues that radio station tackle about? 2. Are there instances when IP groups personally come to media office to ask to feature their cause? a. If yes, how do the media entertain these requests? b. If none, do the media reach out to them instead? 3. How do the audience perceive (response to) the reports aired by the radio station? III. Media Portrayal 1. What do you think is the right portrayal of IPs? 2. With this program that tackles IPs’ issues, what are the themes prevalent in it? 3. How are the IPs portrayed in this program? (Probe questions: Depends on the story/ies that the interviewee will cite. Be attentive for the facts, especially on how it is a matter of public interest for the audience.)

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APPENDIX C – Interview Guide for DZUP Manager

Informant: Designation: Organization:

Questions: 1. What is your position, and how are you involved in radio broadcasting? 2. How long have you been working for DZUP? a. When was it established? b. What is its primary purpose? 3. What are the issues that a radio news program should tackle? 4. Are there instances when Indigenous Peoples group approach your station to ask to be featured in your program? a. If yes, how do you entertain these requests? b. If no, do you reach out to them instead? 5. What do you think is the right portrayal of indigenous peoples? a. With programs tackling IPs’ situation, what are the themes prevalent in it? b. How are IPs portrayed in this program? 6. How could the mainstream radio contribute to the IPs’ struggle for the assertion of their rights?

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APPENDIX D – Radio Transcripts of Radyo Sagada Midday News Program

(March 11 to 14, and 17, 2015)

MIDDAY NEWS MARCH 11, 2015

National OFW sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia was not neglected says Palace The Palace claims that the case of an OFW in Saudi Arabia was not neglected. Communication Sec. Sonny Coloma Jr. made a statement when the family of Joven Esteva complained that it seems that the government neglected the case of the OFW who killed his employer that is why his death sentenced pushed through last Monday. According to Coloma, Esteva was given the necessary aid or legal assistance to defend himself in court. In addition to this, Coloma said that both DFA and DOLE are focused on the situation of all the OFWs in other countries, and there are allotted assistance from the national fund that can be used if needed. Coloma admitted that the death sentence for the said OFW was sudden that there was not enough time for the DFA to stop or postpone the execution.

Senators denounce PNoys assertions of Napenas Senators denounced the assertions of President Aquino on SAF Comm. Dir. Getulio Napenas, in relation to the death of 44 SAF member in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. According to Sen. Ejercito, the President must not blame Napenas; as Commander-in-chief, he must take responsibility for the lapses in the Mamasapano incident. Meanwhile, according to Sen. Chiz Escudero, Napenas already had many lapses, and there were many times when he could have aborted the mission or save the lives of the SAF troopers, but the investigators also need to look on the lapses of PNoy, of the AFP, former PNP Chief Alan Purisima, of the MILD and of the Gov’t Ceasefire committee. For Senate Committee on Local Gov’t Chairman, Sen. Marcos, the statement of the President did not help and it just confused the situation. Marcos also said that he thought the Senators were enlightened of the truth of what happened in Mamasapano from the information they got from public hearings and executive sessions. What is confusing for Marcos is the President’s speech; at first, he was insisting that it was Purisima who lied to him, but lately, he’s pointing on Napenas. Because of this, Marcos said that they need to go back and recall or reenact the communication in order to expose all the lies that the President is saying to belong to Purisima and Napenas. But according to Sen. Poe, who spearheaded the senate’s investigation, Pres. Aquino’s speech has no effect to the senate report. She added that many things about what the president said and explained in public hearings and executive sessions.

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Related News Relieved SAF Chief Dir Napenas said that he is ready for any case that the Palace would file against him, after the President pointed at him. According to Napenas’ lawyer, Atty. Vittaliano Aguirre, it is not true that Napenas misled the president during the operation against Marwan. Aguirre asked, why does it seem that everything is pointed at Napenas when the President himself approved his friend, Purisima, to be involved in the operation even though he is suspended? PNoy first questioned the professionalism of the general; he accused him of giving wrong information, misleading and he even expressed possible motivation that insisted the impossible mission against Marwan. Napenas said that he is not blaming the President because all that had happened is because of Purisima. That is why he trusted that all his directives have approval from the President.

Regional/Provincial BIR launches Regional Tax Campaign to remind taxpayers BIR reminded the taxpayers last Friday that all Cordillera taxpayers to pay the right tax in compliance to the regional tax campaign kick off this 2015, which will be held in Baguio Convention Center. BIR Deputy Commissioner Celia Kim call on to all taxpayers to bring out their sense of nationalism at pay the right tax before the deadline on April 15. Kim explained that paying the right tax does not mean supporting the government; it means showing support to the projects of the government that provides services to the Filipino people. Meanwhile, BIR Region 2-Cordillera regional director Eduardo Bajador asked for continuous support for BIR’s campaign for the region to reach the P5.3B target collection for 2015. According to Bajador, because of the cooperation of the BIR personnel and of the Cordillera taxpayers, they were able to collect P4.3 B in 2014. Even if it was short of 6.9% from the target, it surpassed the P3.7B collection in 2013. The theme of BIR this 2015 is “Angat Pinas: Do your share, pay your taxes correctly” and the slogan is RFP or register, File and Pay.

KAELCO asked for public’ssupport to stop wild fire KAELCO management requested the public to help in stopping the continuous burning of grass in hills that causes power interruption. KAELCO Construction and Maintenance Division Chief Michael Galong made a plea through the media because of the report of the Nat’l Grid Corp of the Phil that two cases of brown out in Kalinga were caused by the burning of posts due to wild fire. Wild fire usually happen during summer because of burning hills for new grass to grow that serves as food for cows and other livestock. On the other hand, CENRO expressed that aside from destroying posts, wild fire also kills newly sprout trees. It also impeded the reforestation program of the National Greening Program,

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Many of the projects of the NGP in Tabuk City have burned due to wild fire; fruit tree orchards and burned and destroyed because of these acts.

Creation of "Half Rice Law" Food came from rice. The rice-based system is needed to ensure food, reduce poverty and improve the lives of the people. According to the theme of the Int’l year of rice, “rice is life.” These are the reasons for the launching of an ordinance supporting the campaign in Baguio City. The Half Rice ordinance of Baguio City was proposed in support of the DILG memo circular No. 2015-06 that encompasses all ordinances of LGUs to support NYR and the “Be Riceponsible” campaign. Presidential Proc. No. 494 launched NYR on 2013 and for the succeeding years. According to the proposed ordinance, this campaign should be supported because according to the FNRI- DOST data, an average of 3.29 kg of rice is wasted by every Filipino. The ordinance will serve as a guide to support the Be riceponsible campaign of the PRRI and DA to maintain rice sufficiency. All establishments in the City that provides food services, including food chains, need to add brown rice or 1 ½ cup of rice option for every customer. Those who will not comply will pay a fine of P1000-5000 or the confiscation of their business permit. Currently, the ordinance is being tackled in the 1st reading and had undergone a series of public consultation.

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MIDDAY NEWS MARCH 12, 2015

National Govt peace panel on MILF talks urged to dissolve. Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called for the dismissal of the members of the Government peace panel, which represents the government in the peace talks with Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In his speech in the senate, Cayetano directly accused Chief Negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Chief Peace Adviser Teresita Deles that instead of pushing for the improvement of the government, they are siding with the MILF and are covering its (MILF’s) betrayal of the government. He (also) reminded President Aquino to become open-minded in pushing for peace in Mindanao, saying that all people of Mindanao should have a representative in the peace talks, not just MILF. Cayetano challenged MILF that if they are sincere in the peace talks then they (should) surrender criminal elements and terrorists such as Bassit Usman, Umbra Kato and other terrorists under their protection. It is (also) necessary that they (MILF) stop recruiting troops and strengthening their armory. Another challenge of the senator to the MILF is that they let independent groups to inspect their camp and the surrendering of their arms and that they show their sincerity to the country/nation. Cayetano detailed in the senate how MILF gave protection to the terrorist Marwan, saying that the MILF commander himself hid the terrorist, this being the reason that 118th Base Commander Wahid Tudlok did not face the BOI.

Regional/Local National Nutrition Council urges for activities to increase awareness regarding the importance of right nutrition. National Nutrition Council—Cordillera urged its partners and the public to start planning activities to increase awareness on the role and importance of right nutrition and physical activities in the prevention of obesity/overweight/fatness. In the (recently held) Regional Technical Assistants on Nutrition (RTAN) Strategic Plan Updating and 1st Quarter Meeting, Rose Pablo from NNC-CAR announced the theme for this July’s nutrition month, “Timbang Iwasto sa Tamang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo.” Based on the eighth Nutrition Survey conducted in 2013, three out of … Filipinos are obese or overweight, and the likelihood of overweight children and teenagers is widening (or increasing). Health risks associated with fatness include heart diseases, high blood, diabetes, gout and breathing problems.

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MP Reports Mt. Prov. targets (to achieve) P5 Million gross sales from Lang-ay Trade Fair, says DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas… Based on a DTI Mt. Province report, over 110 entrepreneurs will participate in the Lang-ay Trade Fair from April 10 to 30 in Bontoc. In the report of DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas, last year’s Mt. Province Lang-ay Trade Fair reached P3.8 million gross sales. This year, DTI wants to attain P4 to 5 million gross sales. DTI Mt. Prov. Director Juliet Lucas mentioned in a press conference in Bontoc on March 11 that besides the Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, the Lang-ay Trade Fair of Mt. Province is the most patronized trade fair. Because of the high number of its participants, the Lang-ay Trade Fair has the widest participation from small and medium enterprises. Lucas explained that the product exhibitors came up with their observation regarding the wide patronage of the Lang-ay Trade Fair. In the trade fair, products of Mt. Province and Cordillera are shown to the public. These are food items and drinks, souvenir items and furniture. Lucas said that the Lang-ay Festival Trade Fair strengthened the production and sale of processed food and drinks. It also strengthened the weaving industry of Mt. Province.

Sagada Report Sagada Drivers petition on CODA Lines trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc submitted to LTFRB Cordillera In an interview with Lee Killi, president of Sagada Operators and Drivers Association (SODA), he said that their petition on the franchise of CODA Lines was submitted to the LTFRB CAR director this week’s Tuesday. Lee explained that in this petition, they request LTFRB’s consideration not to add to (CODA’s) franchise the Bontoc-Sagada bus since it would affect the passengers transported by SODA. Killi said that LTFRB National Office has yet to submit to the regional office LTFRB an approval of CODA franchise. Based on prior information, Herbert Kodamon said that CODA Lines was given a franchise to make trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc. According to one adviser of SODA, in the past, Cable Tours, which was given a Manila-Bontoc-Sagada franchise, assured SODA that they would end (their trips) only until Bontoc to avoid affecting (SODA’s) Sagada-Bontoc trips. In a notice from the operator of CODA Lines, the first bus trip from Manila to Sagada is scheduled this week. Until today, there is yet a confirmation whether (the scheduled trip) will push through.

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MIDDAY NEWS MARCH 13, 2015

International Women from around the world marched for equality in celebration of International Women’s Day 2015 From India, Turkey and here in the Philippines, women of the world joined the rally last Sunday, for the annual celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8, and for call for equal rights in home or even in the workplace. According to UN Women Head, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, “In many parts of the world, it is indeed more dangerous to be a women than to be a soldier.” Meanwhile, UNICEF, the UN agency for children, said that for children aged 15-19, men are becoming reasonable if they hurt their wives. While UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said that the view of the society and the attitude of men in all regions have preventions/negative effects against women. Until now, women are denied of equal rights on health, social, political, economic and others.

National Job well done for the Board of Inquiry Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry (BOI), P/Dir. Benjamin Magalong, assured that the result of the fact finding investigation is something to be proud of. Magalong said that they are proud of what they did, particularly in finding the truth, and investigation the root and cause of what happened in Oplan Exodus that killed 44 PNP SAF last January 25. Magalong added that whatever is the result of their findings will not bother them, and they will be able to sleep at night, face the people and the relatives of the victims. The General is confident that they found the truth at they can tell the truth about what happened in the Mamasapano encounter. Before they submit the BOI report to PNP OIC P/Dep. Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina, the members of the investigating team led by Magalong signed the pages of the report which is about 120 pages. Five copies were prepared by the BOI that were given to DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, to the Senate and to the House of Representatives, and they wanted to give a copy to the families of the 44 SAF Commandos. Magalong admitted that he is now able to breathe now that the investigation is finished, but he is considering this as the most challenging case he had ever handled. PNP OIC Espina was satisfied with the report made by the BOI. PNP Public Information Office head Chief/Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr. said that Espina remarked that the BOI report of Magalong’s group was a job well done.

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Regional/Local Proper Implementation of the SRP in the Cordillera DTI – CAR Consumer Welfare trade regulation division Chief Atty. Sam Gallardo highlighted that the implementation and compliance of establishments on the suggested retail is orderly in the Cordillera. Based on the monitoring of some of the basic commodities in the region, prices are lower than the prescribed SRP. He reminded the public that they need to continuously and strictly monitor the commercial establishments in order to be responsible consumers. He also reminded them of the new Lemon Law that will protect them from buying brand new but defected motor vehicles. He also explained that a consumer has a right to ask for exchange or reimbursement from car dealers if a brand new car is found defected even after the complaint or repair.

MP reports Mt. Prov. targets (to achieve) P5 Million gross sales from Lang-ay Trade Fair, says DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas… Based on a DTI Mt. Province report, over 110 entrepreneurs will participate in the Lang-ay Trade Fair from April 10 to 30 in Bontoc. In the report of DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas, last year’s Mt. Province Lang-ay Trade Fair reached P3.8 million gross sales. This year, DTI wants to attain P4 to 5 million gross sales. DTI Mt. Prov. Director Juliet Lucas mentioned in a press conference in Bontoc on March 11 that besides the Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, the Lang-ay Trade Fair of Mt. Province is the most patronized trade fair. Because of the high number of its participants, the Lang-ay Trade Fair has the widest participation from small and medium enterprises. Lucas explained that the product exhibitors came up with their observation regarding the wide patronage of the Lang-ay Trade Fair. In the trade fair, products of Mt. Province and Cordillera are shown to the public. These are food items and drinks, souvenir items and furniture. Lucas said that the Lang-ay Festival Trade Fair strengthened the production and sale of processed food and drinks. It also strengthened the weaving industry of Mt. Province.

MP Tourism Road improvements in W MP will increase tourism in other municipalities, said Cong. Dalog In a press conference in Bauko last March 12, Cong. Maximo Dalog said that all roads lead to Sagada, because this is the current popular destination in MP. But he also said that the ongoing road projects of DPWH and DOT in other entry points of Sagada will open the road to other places in W MP and to the Ilocos Province.

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As of now, Balili Sabangan and Payaw ew Sagada road are being repaird as an alternative way to Sagada aside from the current Dantay-Sagada road. He explained that the convergence program of the DOT in partnership with the DPWH, will have road improvements in Bauko, Tadian, Sabangan, and Besao leading to Sagada will lead to these municipalities’ tourism promotion. He also said that with the shortages of hotels and homestay in Sagada, if the roads that would connect to other municipalities would be repaired, visitors would be encouraged to visit other places. With this, he said, there are benefits for nearby municipalities in what is said in Sagada, “share/distribute the good.”

Sagada Report Sagada Drivers petition on CODA Lines trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc submitted to LTFRB Cordillera In an interview with Lee Killi, president of Sagada Operators and Drivers Association (SODA), he said that their petition on the franchise of CODA Lines was submitted to the LTFRB CAR director this week’s Tuesday. Lee explained that in this petition, they request LTFRB’s consideration not to add to (CODA’s) franchise the Bontoc-Sagada bus since it would affect the passengers transported by SODA. Killi said that LTFRB National Office has yet to submit to the regional office LTFRB an approval of CODA franchise. Based on prior information, Herbert Kodamon said that CODA Lines was given a franchise to make trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc. According to one adviser of SODA, in the past, Cable Tours, which was given a Manila-Bontoc-Sagada franchise, assured SODA that they would end (their trips) only until Bontoc to avoid affecting (SODA’s) Sagada-Bontoc trips. In a notice from the operator of CODA Lines, the first bus trip from Manila to Sagada is scheduled this week. Until today, there is yet a confirmation whether (the scheduled trip) will push through.

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MIDDAY NEWS MARCH 14, 2015

National Board of Inquiry report makes it clear that Oplan Exodus has problems ever since the beginning The findings of the Board of Inquiry reveals that the Oplan Exodus mission is defective and problematic ever since the beginning. According to the report, the said mission aims to serve a warrant against international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Pinoy bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman. Based on the executive summary of the BOI report, it is clear that there is lack of coordination in the AFP which resulted in a bloody warfare. The so-called time on target is not acceptable in the operational concepts and protocols of PNP. As explained by the report, time on target is only applicable in ordinary police operations, and that the concept is new to the AFP. The report also makes it clear that the weapons used by the 44 SAF have defects particularly the M203 grenade launcher, even though they have enough bullets. The huge number of the enemies is the reason why the police commandos lacked bullets.

Related news Nailasin dagiti nilabsing wenno sablay da PNOy , purisima ken napenas The result of the BOI investigation states that President Aquino violated the PNP’s chain of command in the operation against Marwan and Usman. According to the report, even though the president has the authority to be directly coordinated with former SAF commander Director Getulio Napenas, instead of OIC PNP Chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, it is considered a bypassing of the PNP chain of command as based on the PNP Fundametal doctrine. The report also made clear that the President allowed suspended PNP chief director General Alan Purisima to be involved in the operation despite the suspension order against him by the Ombudsman. It was also seen in the report that Purisima violated the suspension order of the Ombudsman by participating in the set operation against the terrorists. Purisima even gave an inaccurate information when he said in a text that “SAF Commandos were pulling out and that they were supported by mechanized and artillery support." According to the 6ID report, it was already past 5pm when the military artilleries were (parang brought to the place) against the insurgency group. The report showed the failure of Napenas in obeying Purisima despite the suspension order by the Ombudsman.

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Napenas was not effective in supervising and controlling the people under his command leading to the death of 44 members, wherein the time on target coordination concept was used despite the advice of the president to coordinate with the military before the operation. It was also said that Oplan Exodus is defective because of the following reasons: 1. Poor analysis of the area of operation 2. Unrealistice assumptions 3. Poor intelligence estimate 4. Absence of abort criteria 5. Lack of flexibility in its CONOPS 6. Inappropriate application of TOT 7. Absence of prior coordination with the AFP and AHJAG. After this, it was shown that the military was not able to immediately provide artillery support after 6id commander m/gen. Edmundo pangilinan have considered the peace process and protocols before the preparation of artillery fire.( soldiers using powerful guns) It was also made known that the radios of the SAF commandos did not work because they were not designed for military-type tactical operations given that they have poor power battery which led to the breakdown of command in almost all levels. It was confirmed that there was an American participation but was limited to intelligence sharing and medical evacuations. The autopsy report revealed that 4 of the SAF commandos were shoot at close range while still alive while the others were stripped first of their protective vests before being shot.

Regional/Local DOTC- Department of Transportation and Communication pressed ten peso rollback in taxi fare The Department of Transportation and Communication presses drivers and operators of taxi to obey nationwide order of a P10 provisional decrease in the flag down rate of taxi fare. According to DOTC car Regional Director Celina Claver, the order imposing a ten peso decrease in taxi fare is already effective in Baguio, since the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have implemented this on Monday. This is a compliance to the order of the DOTC-LTFRB dated March 6 favoring the petition of Negros Oriental First District Rep. Manuel Iway requesting for a rollback. Claver said that the ten pesos must be deducted from the flag down rate/minimum taxi fare. . . in the case of Baguio, P35 will become P25. Even though all taxi meters are programmed into the original flag down rate, it was restated that drivers must use manual reduction. Thus, Claver informed the public to watch over taxi drivers because they can take advantage especially when the people are not aware of the fare decrease.

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To the drivers on the other hand, they must maintain their image especially that the city of Baguio is known by many to be a place of the trustworthy and patient people . . . so they must not demand for excessive payment. The LTFRB pronounces that taxi operators who will not comply with the flag down rate will face a fine of P5000 on their first offense; a P10 000 fine and 30-day suspension on the second offense, and P15 000 and cancellation of franchise if they are caught for the third time.

Healing Spring in Tadian increases tourism TADIAN, Mountain Province- If the spring of Tadian can really heal, the said municipality can serve as an important place for wellness. Mayor Anthony Wooden praises the tourism provided by the now popular healing spring . . . but according to the mayor, even before it was publicized, many people have already gone to the spring hoping for their healing. The Mayor added that the locals are already familiar with the spring because of the healing power proven to be effective especially when it comes to healing skin diseases. The Department of Science and Technology have already tested the water and the findings show absence of any harmful element. It is actually good to drink the water from the spring because it is rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulfur as certified by DOST. When the said spring started to be shown in television, many tourists and visitors went and gathered for how many months. According to Mayor Wooden, the water from the spring is called “Danum Kabunyan”. For visitors, registration in the Barangay Office of Kayan East is required and everyone is reminded that only up to 40 liters of water are allowed to be collected per individual. A ten pesos environmental fee will also be collected for environmental maintenance.

One hundred and forty six pregnant women participates in the Buntis Day in Montanyosa BONTOC, Mountain Province, March 13 (PIA) - There are 146 pregnant women who benefited from the free services provided in the Bontoc General Hospital in celebration of the Buntis Day last Wednesday, March 11. Dental and prenatal checkup, free urinalysis and prenatal vitamins were provided in the said event. Ultrasound was also accessed by 126 women who are pregnant for 3 months and above. Aside from these services, Dr. Penelope Domogo from the Provincial Health Office also provided a lecture among pregnant women on healthy lifestyle. Ms. Prima Teelan from the same office encouraged the pregnant women to read Mother and Child Book which were given to them during their first visit in the clinic.

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The Buntis Day celebration is in compliance to the Presidential Proclamation No. 569 which provides that every tenth day of March will be a day for the pregnant women, for their education on pregnancy related issues and to inculcate in their minds the importance of prenatal check up during pregnancy which prevents maternal deaths. The theme for the Buntis Day celebration for this year was “Kadakilaan at Malasakit ng Ina, Tulay sa Magandang Kinabukasan.”

News Review Mayor wants tax declarations on Mount Data cancelled/removed BAUKO, Mt. Province- Mayor Abraham Akilit wants his fellow local executives in charge of the Mount Data National Park to work on the cancellation of tax declarations issued upon the area above the watershed and forest reservation, to prevent the expansion of vegetable farms to the preserved areas where the remaining pine stands of the region will be compromised.. Akilit further says that the tax cancellations on the remaining parts of the reservation will prevent the expansion of the commercial gardens to the critical parts of the national park. Akilit strongly stated that tax declaration is not a conclusive proof of ownership of lands tilled by farmers. It can be considered as void since the declared forest reservations are inalienable and indisposable… they can’t be taken or transferred. He also pointed out the practice of preservation and protection of the mount data forest reservation and individual and collective actions by people and local officials should be geared toward this; that’s why there is a need for the people to cooperate for the policy of non-expansion of existing commercial gardens. However, Akilit stated that even though there are rules against the expansion of commercial vegetable farms, many individuals from nearby places are still using machines that destroy the watersheds. More than 5000 hectares of mount data forest reservation covers the municipality of Tublay, Benguet until the capital town of Bontoc, Mountain Province and serves as headwaters for four major river systems- Agno, Chico, Magat, and Abra River- which also serve as major source of water for agriculture, domestic use, irrigation, power generation, and for industrial services. Akilit, who is also a former regional manager of the Cordillera Office of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-NCR), said that the preservation and protection of watersheds is a long-standing advocacy and people should see the importance of the benefits provided by the good conditions of the environment, for the present and the future generation.

BAUKO Reports Official opens Mabaay Abatan Road during Begnas di Ibauko Occasion In an inauguration ceremony on March 12 at 8am in Mabaay, Bauko, the Mabaay/Abatan Road was formally opened. The travel along Mabaay/Abatan was headed by DPHW CAR,DOT, Bauko LGU, and Congressman Maximo Dalog after the opening ceremonies. This is the first activity during the Begnas di Ibauko which is currently celebrated.

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According to Cong. Dalog, the P100 M Mabaay Abatan Road is the fastest road project to be accomplished in the history of Mountain Province. Cong. Dalog made it clear that quick completion of the road project is because of the LGU which immediately accomplished the road right of way to prevent the delay of the project. Even though DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson wasn’t able to attend the occasion, Cong. Dalog and Bauko Mayor Akilit sent their appreciation to him for the agency’s help in accomplishing the road. The Mabaay Abatan road Project was one of those convergence project of the Department of Tourism and Department of Public Work and Hi Ways. Naisingasing daytoy ti Bauko LGU ken ti Office of the Congressman idi napalbas nga tawen nga sorpresa nga nag pasyar ni Sec. Singson. Officials from DPWH CAR and DOT Car attended the Begnas di Ibauko. They mentioned that they even did overtime work within the agency so that the document can be submitted to the DPWH for approval.

MP reports Mt. Prov. targets (to achieve) P5 Million gross sales from Lang-ay Trade Fair, says DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas… Based on a DTI Mt. Province report, over 110 entrepreneurs will participate in the Lang-ay Trade Fair from April 10 to 30 in Bontoc. In the report of DTI MP Director Juliet Lucas, last year’s Mt. Province Lang-ay Trade Fair reached P3.8 million gross sales. This year, DTI wants to attain P4 to 5 million gross sales. DTI Mt. Prov. Director Juliet Lucas mentioned in a press conference in Bontoc on March 11 that besides the Panagbenga festival of Baguio City, the Lang-ay Trade Fair of Mt. Province is the most patronized trade fair. Because of the high number of its participants, the Lang-ay Trade Fair has the widest participation from small and medium enterprises. Lucas explained that the product exhibitors came up with their observation regarding the wide patronage of the Lang-ay Trade Fair. In the trade fair, products of Mt. Province and Cordillera are shown to the public. These are food items and drinks, souvenir items and furniture. Lucas said that the Lang-ay Festival Trade Fair strengthened the production and sale of processed food and drinks. It also strengthened the weaving industry of Mt. Province.

MP Tourism Road improvements in W MP will increase tourism in other municipalities, said Cong. Dalog In a press conference in Bauko last March 12, Cong. Maximo Dalog said that all roads lead to Sagada, because this is the current popular destination in MP. But he also said that the ongoing road projects of DPWH and DOT in other entry points of Sagada will open the road to other places in W MP and to the Ilocos Province. As of now, Balili Sabangan and Payaw ew Sagada road are being repaird as an alternative way to Sagada aside from the current Dantay-Sagada road. He explained that the convergence program of the DOT in

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KATUTUBO MAKILABAN partnership with the DPWH, will have road improvements in Bauko, Tadian, Sabangan, and Besao leading to Sagada will lead to these municipalities’ tourism promotion. He also said that with the shortages of hotels and homestay in Sagada, if the roads that would connect to other municipalities would be repaired, visitors would be encouraged to visit other places. With this, he said, there are benefits for nearby municipalities in what is said in Sagada, “share/distribute the good.”

Sagada Report Sagada Drivers petition on CODA Lines trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc submitted to LTFRB Cordillera In an interview with Lee Killi, president of Sagada Operators and Drivers Association (SODA), he said that their petition on the franchise of CODA Lines was submitted to the LTFRB CAR director this week’s Tuesday. Lee explained that in this petition, they request LTFRB’s consideration not to add to (CODA’s) franchise the Bontoc-Sagada bus since it would affect the passengers transported by SODA. Killi said that LTFRB National Office has yet to submit to the regional office LTFRB an approval of CODA franchise. Based on prior information, Herbert Kodamon said that CODA Lines was given a franchise to make trips from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc. According to one adviser of SODA, in the past, Cable Tours, which was given a Manila-Bontoc-Sagada franchise, assured SODA that they would end (their trips) only until Bontoc to avoid affecting (SODA’s) Sagada-Bontoc trips. In a notice from the operator of CODA Lines, the first bus trip from Manila to Sagada is scheduled this week. Until today, there is yet a confirmation whether (the scheduled trip) will push through.

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MIDDAY NEWS MARCH 17, 2015

National Palace urges public to save electricity The Government will continue to push the adaption of an aggressive energy conservation and the coordination with the private sector to give solution to the possible shortage of energy in Luzon this summer season. According to Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., the Government will pursue this step together with other efforts in the Congress examining issues in the processing of a joint resolution to address the power supply shortage. The government's call to the public to join the energy conservation efforts come with their continuous support to the private companies who are planning to use their own generators as an alternative power source under the of Energy’s (DOE) Interruptible Load Program (ILP). (Energy) Secretary (Carlos Jericho) Petilla stated that DOE strictly monitors the situation of supply as the annual maintenance of the Malampaya Power Plant begins. It is expected that the adaption of such contingency measures and the full support of the public will lessen the possibility of 2-hour rotating brown-outs which are expected to happen in Luzon.

Ombudsman will determine case against PNP officials involved in the Mamasapano clash It is in the Ombudsman's hands now to determine the cases to be served to PNP officials who are involved in the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, after the BOI released its final report and a copy is given to the Ombudsman. According to PNP PIO chief Police Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, the PNP Internal Affairs and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) have a motu propio which looks into the administrative accountabilities that resigned PNP chief Police Director General Alan Purisima and former PNP Special Action Force Director Getullo Napenas will answer. Cerbo says that he doesn't want to preempt the IAS and the Napolcom in their legal plans and he made clear that punishment will not immediately be imposed upon the two since there is due process. According to Cerbo, the BOI report will serve as the basis of the investigations to be conducted by IAS and Napolcom.

World consumers’ rights day celebrated to promote rights of consumers Healthy food, this is the right approach in facing the alarming increase of food related diseases. This is the focus of the World Consumers Rights Day observed last Sunday, March 15. The increase in the so-called diet related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer represent the crisis in public health.

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Countries have continuously increasing number of obese and overweight people and at the moment, not one has been successful in decreasing the number. That's why this year in the celebration, the focus was not only the consumer's right to food but to healthy diet, to help decrease the possible acquirement of chronic medical conditions. World Consumer Rights Day was first celebrated in 1983 and became an important occasion every year for collective action under international consumer movement. It is an opportunity to uphold the basic rights of consumers that will establish respect and protection against market abuses and social injustices. Former US President John F. Kennedy was the first leader to give attention to the rights and significance of consumer movement. In the Philippines, Proclamation No. 1098 of 1997 declares the month of October as the Consumer welfare Month every year including all series of activities for consumer welfare and protection.

Regional/Provincial Six Cordillerans who died in public service recognized by Civil Service Commission The Civil Service Commision Cordillera recognized 6 cordilleran civil servants who died in public service during the CSC-led Women’s Month forum in Heritage Mansion in Baguio last Thrusday until Sunday. Given posthumous awards were George Severo Lauro, PO3 Jody Lino Lagayan Mamgue, PO2 John Isican Codod who died in an encounter with NPA in Asipulo, Ifugao on April 5, 2013; PO3 Roswell Camungao Balliente who died during a response in a community conflict in Pudtol, Apayao on January 7, 2014. Arthur Dalsen Jr. of Tabuk City, Kalinga Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and barangay Kagawad Isabelo Gayumba from Tabuk were also recognized; they both died during a search and rescue operations in the chico river on September 2013. CSC-CAR Director Marilyn Taldo and Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Rillera headed the awarding of plaque of recognition and a check of P100 000 to every family of the six lingkod bayan of Cordillera. Taldo stated that the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani of CSC is a special recognition of public servants who died doing what is right and doing the responsibilities of their work.

Pamana-Payapa and Masaganang Pamayanan Program cannot be discontinued by DILG The DILG cannot just command the termination of the Payapa sa Saganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program. To the response letter of Cordillera People's Liberation Alliance (CPLA) chairman Arsenio Humiding raising the suspension of funding to the program, DILG regional director John Castaneda said that the agency cannot just halt the funding of the said program. According to him, the agency do not have the authority to suspend the implementation of the Pamana program particularly the Pamana CY 2015 projects in Cordillera.

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Castaneda also said that the Pamana is implemented by national agencies in partnership with LGUs through different concepts. It is the national government which allocated a fund of P958 M to the Pamana-DILG Fund. The Joint Memorandum Circular no.1 series of 2012 signed by Sec. Jesse Robredo of DILG and Sec. Teresita Deles of OPAPP and another Joint Memorandum Circular no. 2 series of 2014 signed by Sec. Manuel Roxas III and Sec. Teresita Deles provides the implementation of the approved subregional projects. In line with the capacity building mandate, the DILG supports the Pamana Program since it provides targeted interventions and adaptation strategies and approaches to improve local governance and LGU institutional capacities that will enhance development and reduce poverty in conflict-affected areas.

Sabangan’s Gagayam Festival to be celebrated on Friday (March 20) Sabangan, Mt. Province, March 16 (PIA)- The 9th Gagayam Festival in the municipality of Sabangan will be celebrated on Friday (March 20-23, 2015) with the theme “Nasiknan ay Kultura, Ipeyas Isnan Sumubwa.” In this occasion, Sabangans will again be gathered in the celebration of a rich culture, tradition, and knowledge. Activities will commence on Monday through a civic and street dancing parade. The street dancing will be participated in by five high schools in the said municipality, and the civic parade by the 15 barangays. The guest of honor, Roldan Colas, hails from the municipality and is also a 2014 Dangal ng Bayan awardee. According to the chairman of the program committee, Cedric Rommel Likigan, other activities will include Agro industrial fair to showcase the products of Sabangan to the public, battle of the gongs for elementary level, cultural presentations of the different barangays, parlor games, indigenous games such as ‘bawwet’, ‘ak-akkad’, ‘pakpaka-ak’, ‘lumban di manga-ew’, ‘lumban di sumalulong’, ‘penpenek’, ‘ginnuyudan’ and ‘sanggol’, indigenous literary musical such as the ‘dad-dad-at’, ‘uggayam’, ‘buyag’, ‘liw-liwa’ and ‘tantandak’; ball games, and Search for Binibining Sabangan. There are also inter-barangay games and friendship/invitational games.

Eighteen students from Montanyosa who passed the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) will follow four to five-year courses BONTOC, Mountain Province, March 16 (PIA)- Eighteen students from Montanyosa passed the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship exam on September 2014, out of 218 high school students who took the exam. DOST provincial director Norberto Cobaldez recognized the passers as:  Jordan Lee Achawon of Barlig National High School (NHS);  Lenbon John Attolba of Data NHS,  Allyne Boyongan of Namatec NHS, YAP | 50

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 Yoshi Pilando of Pingad NHS, all in the municipality of Sabangan;  Lhelie Cawilan of Lubon NHS in Tadian;  Exequiel Jan Damiyay and Jeanne Sumedca, both of St. Mary’s School of Sagada, Inc.,  John Lee Gayao of Sagada NHS,  Olivia Olaget of Balugan NHS ,also in Sagada;  Jovanie Onsat of Saliok NHS and Albert II Pat-og of Immaculate Heart High School in Natonin;  Joyce Dao-asen of Guinzadan NHS and May Joy Oloy of Bauko Catholic School, in Bauko;  Jola Dumbab of Paracelis NHS; Mah-ya May Fakat and Luger Lex Pit-og of the Mt. Province General Comprehensive High School in this capital town;  Charles Paatan of Banguitan NHS and Rufin Maricris of St. James High School of Mt. Province, Inc. in the municipality of Besao.

The DOST-SEI examination is done every year and has established a testing center in Bontoc. Under the scholarship, qualified students will follow four to five-year courses of any DOST-SEI priority fields of study in a university recognized by CHED as center of excellence. Cobaldez said that the scholars will receive financial support that will cover tuition fee and other school fees and book allowance per semester, monthly allowance, physical education/military science uniform, and transportation round trip fare for those who will study out of the province.

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