‘Topayya’ eyed as cultural heritage
TABUK CITY, Kalinga-Department of Tourism in the Cordillera sees the inclusion of ‘Topayya’ of Kalinga, an old courtship dance for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) intangible cultural heritage.
“We would like to enroll it as a UNESCO cultural heritage intangible treasure, because it’s an old tradition, Topayya. Where can you find in the world courtship that involves community members. This is a great story of the indigenous. We will look into that,” said Jovita Ganongan, officer in charge of the Department of Tourism in the Cordillera region.
Topayya, is performed in special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Ganongan disclosed the move seeks to influence the youth in preserving their tradition.
She added the provincial local government unit will be the proponent, the same that of Baguio City who was designated as one of Unesco Creative Cities.
The tourism official addressed her message to farmers, cooperatives, business sectors, senior citizens and civil society organization on February 15 during the Bodong Festival coinciding with Kalinga’s foundation anniversary and expressed willingness to support for the inclusion of the province in Unesco.
An intangible cultural heritage is a representation, expression, knowledge, or skill, as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that are considered by Unesco to be part of a place's cultural heritage.
During the third Bodong Festival, Pinukpuk was hailed as champion during
the ‘Digdiga din Tupaya’ presentation followed by Tabuk City and Tinglayan.
Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac added Bodong is an agreement between two tribes, once the Bodong is severed, it starts a tribal conflict.
“Bodong saves lives and maintain peace among our people. It protects life, property within their area of responsibility,” Baac said.
Reverent Gabriele Giordano Caccia, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines also visited the province during the festivity.
The governor added the Nuncio took part in the program giving prayer to the province and visited parish church.
The visit is an appreciation to our peace situation now in the province, knowing beforehand that the province was not that peaceful, in our resurgence and with the attitude of our people before maybe that might be the encouragement,” Baac added.