Beyond Carrot Man: Issues that matter to Baguio and Cordillera

MANILA, Philippines – Carrot Man, the newest Internet sensation to sweep the country, is unwittingly bringing the issues of his region to the fore. 

Netizens who admire the 21-year-old farmer from Bauko, Mountain Province are now talking about local concerns including agriculture, environment, and culture.

In a Twitter conversation facilitated by MovePH on Sunday, February 28, netizens shared how other indigenous farmers like Carrot Man are dealing with poverty in the region. 

@MovePH they are farmers but they go hungry. Food insecurity very high in the region

— Jaque #55Kabataan (@jaqeroles) February 28, 2016

@MovePH IP children, like Carrot Man, are forced to drop out of school to work. Like the Lumad of Mindanao, they lack access to education!

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016 

The conversation also tackled how Baguio City, which is geographically within Cordillera, is being threatened by rapid urbanization.

@MovePH the cool climate. But i think Baguio’s overpopulated now, compared to 15 years ago.

— Krinkle Yap (@krinkletwinkle) February 28, 2016

 

Baguio is known as the Summer Capital of the country because of its inviting weather loved by both foreign and local tourists. Cordillera, on the other hand, is known for its rich indigenous culture, heritage, and natural resources.

#Panagbenga2016 street dances are inspired by the Bendian — an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region! @MovePH

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016

@MovePH Development is necessary but Cordilleran culture and heritage is more important since these are gems formed through centuries#PHVote

— Xavier Solda (@reivaxadlos) February 28, 2016

 

Disintegrating culture 

Netizens noted how infrastructure and commerce have drastically engulfed the city’s green landscape over the years. Poor city planning and weak implementation of environmental laws have also contributed to Baguio’s fading beauty, netizens added. 

Instagram user skylarmcv cited another example – the case of Tamawan Village, which is located on the outskirts of Baguio.

“What happened to the pine trees, greenery that the tourists came for? There should be a long-term plan for urban development alongside maintaining the tourist (attractions) and traditional spots like in Korea or Japan,” she added.

Worse, various indigenous communities across the region and their ancestral lands are being threatened by destructive industries like large-scale mining.

Netizens who joined the conversation echoed the same sentiment, adding that these issues extend to the rest of the region. 

@MovePH CAR is a rich region but being exploited by mining companies, local and national officials, as well as the bad urban/dev’t planning

— orly oboza (@orlyoboza) February 28, 2016

@MovePH I love the Cordillera’s rich culture & heritage! But at the moment, ‘development’ projects serve as great threat to its continuity!

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016

@MovePH Mountains are now sporting different colors because the populace has inhabited the area; trees are gone and forests are in danger 

— Regina Francisco (@mrcfrancisco) February 28, 2016

Parking lot in Banaue

Meanwhile, Twitter user Neen Sapallo specifically complained about a pending proposal by the municipal government to build a 7-storey parking lot.

Aiming to strengthen the town’s tourism industry, the project proposes to replace the old two-storey trade center building in the town.

According to Sapallo, projects like this are implemented at the expense of the region’s culture.

@RaiMarielle @MovePH The municipal government secured a 55-Million loan from DBP to “construct & develop a medium rise building (parking).”

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016

@RaiMarielle @MovePH NCCA and local residents have filed a TRO, but I’ve no updates about it yet. Rationale: to solve traffic problem. UGH.

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016

But Mon Corpuz disagreed, saying that the project could be viewed as a positive initiative.

“Major infrastructure (projects) are underway in Banaue-Batad-Mayoyao. Haven’t seen this in 8 years of visiting Ifugao,” Corpuz added.

Corpuz, however, stressed that it is important to involve affected communities in consultations and inform them about the impact of tourism on their communities.

@RaiMarielle we @PencilTreks works closely w/ barrio schools to help them understand impact of tourism in the terraces region

— Mon Corpuz (@moncorpuz) February 28, 2016

@moncorpuz @RaiMarielle Grassroots mobilization and resistance has always been consistent but are met with HRVs and state fascism

— Neen Sapalo (@NeenjaMoves) February 28, 2016

@NeenjaMoves @RaiMarielle cliche, IMHO Bottom-up conservation is key, for decades, Cordi were forced to abide by national initiatives

— Mon Corpuz (@moncorpuz) February 28, 2016

#PHVote

With elections just around the corner, netizens who participated in the Twitter conversation stressed the importance of discussing solutions to the problems affecting Cordillera. They also challenged candidates to offer a clear vision and platform on tourism and environment protection. 

@MovePH @JayMoli the next president should address the plight of our farmers. It will not be solved by these kind of agreements.

— orly oboza (@orlyoboza) February 28, 2016  

@MovePH by putting limits and setting stricter rules. too much tourism is bad, esp when tourists deface and pollute the places they visit

— Heather Ann (@heatheranntukin) February 28, 2016 

@MovePH @rapplerdotcom @krinkletwinkle Limitations on residential and commercial zoning decl is the answer, but city politicians won’t do it

— Joey Koh✈ (@_JoeyKoh) February 28, 2016

@MovePH local government & citizens should collaborate to implement policies that protect culture & heritage from harmful tourism practices

— Regina Francisco (@mrcfrancisco) February 28, 2016 

@MovePH#PHVote Educate the tourists about local culture. Encourage them to participate. Also, some good tourist management can’t hurt.

— Basil Mencias (@baszkupas) February 28, 2016

@orlyoboza @MovePH Indeed. Implementation of existing laws and programs is key. It seems like as a nation, we don’t love our farmers enough.

— Jay Moli (@JayMoli) February 28, 2016

MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm, will be holding a #PHVote forum in Baguio to discuss these issues that matter to voters in Baguio and Cordillera. (READ: MovePH brings #TheLeaderIWant forum to Baguio!)

Join us. Get your tickets here. – Raisa Serafica/Rappler.com