Baguio celebrates World’s Biodiversity Month, National Heritage Month 2024

May 11, 2024 | By Raven Mensenas

Kasigudan, Kaammuan, Karbengan Biodiversity Exhibit on Museo Kordilyera (Photo by The Companion/Raven Mensenas)

Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP), University of the Philippines Baguio University Student Council (UPB USC), Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) and Tongtongan Ti Umili (TTU) organized an Environmental Exhibit and Cultural Forum at the Museo Kordilyera Grounds, UP Baguio, last May 8 to May 10.

The exhibit on Biodiversity, Indigenous Knowledge, and Protection of Life entitled Kasigudan, Kaammuan, Karbengan presented photographs of native shrubs in Benguet, artworks of Cordillera mountains and local crafts that feature efforts in local biodiversity conservation and promotion.

“The exhibit also aims to raise awareness on the current threats to local biodiversity, indigenous communities, and people’s movements in Cordillera that advocate environmental justice and indigenous people’s rights,” Jason Verzola of PIKP said.

According to the Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance (CPA), the Cordillera region is currently planning 98-103 hydropower projects, including Abra-Kalinga Wind Power Project, Kalinga Geothermal Project, as well as other renewable energy projects.

Pagway: Cultural Forum on Local Biodiversity capped off the three-day exhibition and was attended by various cultural groups, progressive organizations and individuals.

The forum also served as an event for intergenerational exchange of culture, indigenous knowledge and practices through cultural performances. DKK Salidummay, Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan sa Baguio (TABAK Baguio) and student writers of UPB performed, among others.

Mother Daisy, or often called Mother Nature, telling HerStory! (Photo by Northern Dispatch/Kim Quitasol)

Daisy Macapanpan shared her experience as an environmental defender in their fight against Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Plant Project in Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

“Katulad sa Southern Tagalog, ang Kordilyera din ay mayroong mga kinakaharap na malalaking developmental projects na nakakaapekto sa kabuhayan at karapatan ng mga nakatira dito,” she added.

In June 2022, Daisy Macapanpan was violently apprehended and arrested in her own house by 40 policemen from the Special Action Forces group dressed in full battle gear.