2022 BIBAK Fathers Day

June 18th, 2022

BIBAK Fathers day picnic in Surrey, BC

“This Father's Day, we take this opportunity to see the roles of men in the Cordillera region based on our known academic research.
#DidYouKnow that in Bontok society, childcare is seen as a cooperative effort between the wife and husband? Both males and females are distinguished identities relevant to the child's growing years. Men are expected to be around, especially during a difficult childbirth and as they grow and learn the right way to live amongst their society.

Fathers have also been recognized as the decision-makers in the family. In Cordillera region, the decision-makers primarily comprise older men among the Ibaloy, Kankana-ey, and Bontok. In some cases, they also came from distinguished families with functions of directing, advising the head of families.

The anum'nemen' or impamana (Ibaloy) or lakay or amam-a ( Kankana-ey and Bontok) are composed of men whose primary function is to settle disputes between person and families. They also settle cases of conflict between neighboring communities. In general, they are seen as the decision-making council of certain ili, a truly distinguished position in the community.

Naragsak nga aldaw iti amin nga Tattang, Ama, Papa, Daddy, ken Lolo dita!! Ay-ayaten da kayo!

References:
Prill-Brett, J. (2009). Tradition and Transformation: Studies on Cordillera Indigenous Culture”

—— caption by One Cordillera (via. https://www.instagram.com/one.cordillera/ )