June 30, 2026 – Traditional Igorot values remain among the strongest foundations for protecting the environment, according to environmental and Indigenous People (IP) advocate Jeanira G. Okubo, who served as guest speaker during the closing program of Itogon’s Environment Month celebration held Tuesday at the Municipal Gym in Poblacion.
In her message, Okubo emphasized that the way of life of IPs has long demonstrated how communities can live in harmony with nature while ensuring the survival of future generations.
“The way of life of Indigenous Peoples has proven to sustain not only individual lives but the survival of the entire community,” she said.
Okubo observed that society is gradually losing its connection with Indigenous practices and beliefs that once guided communities in caring for the environment.
Among the Ibaloy, she cited the belief in Pijew, a traditional concept that warns against actions that disrespect or exploit nature, such as destroying forests or contaminating water sources. It teaches that such acts may bring misfortune, illness, or poor harvests, reinforcing the community’s responsibility to protect the environment.
According to Okubo, this belief instilled environmental consciousness among the IPs.
“Naaywan tayo ti aglawlaw ken rerespetoen tayo ti danom,” she said. (“We should care for our surroundings and respect our water sources.”)
The Kankanaey concept of Inayan carries a similar message. Serving as a moral guide, Inayan reminds individuals to avoid actions that harm others, the community, or the environment. Both Pijew and Inayan encourage Igorots to become responsible stewards of nature, where the destruction of natural resources is strongly discouraged.
Okubo stressed that these Indigenous values should be revived and passed on to younger generations.
“Let’s go back to who we are,” she urged. “It not fair to the future generations no dadaelen tayo amin tata.”(“…if we destroy everything today.”)
She called on the community to practice patience and discipline in using natural resources, respect the environment, and embrace the principles of reusing and recycling as part of everyday life.
Okubo also underscored the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP), as time-tested traditions that have enabled Indigenous communities to sustainably manage forests, water sources, agricultural lands, and other natural resources long before modern environmental policies were established.
Concluding her message, she encouraged the public to foster kindness and understanding within the community.
“If we see imperfections, we should be kind enough not to slash or tear others down, but instead help one another improve,” she said, emphasizing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, respect, and compassion.
