Module 3: The Land and Our People/
Ang Ating Lahi at Lupa
Dumaloy ang Ilog Chico:
The Struggle to Defend Indigenous Peoples’ Land
written by Jayde Hunter Abdon and Pia Arboleda
This teaching module on the story Dumaloy ang Ilog Chico is designed for students 13 and older. This module could be modified for us in the high school classroom or at the university level. We use folklore as a springboard to discuss indigenous culture and relate it to other cultures, and to promote critical thinking about indigenous people’s rights and current events across the globe.
Background
This story takes place in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. The surroundings of the Chico River is home to hundreds of indigenous Filipinos. The Chico River is the biggest resource for those who live around the river; the water from the river is used for animals and people to drink, for irrigating the rice terraces, and for other daily needs. They care for the Chico River because their ancestors used this river as well. Dams were proposed to be built over the Chico River for it to produce energy for the cities around it. To protect the land, the people of the Cordillera fought to prevent the dam from being built, and the struggle continues to this day.
Motivating Activity
- Do you have a favorite spot, for example a beach hiking trail, park? What things did you do in there? Do you have some photos to share?
- What will you do if your favorite nature spot is threatened?
- Do you know where Chico River is?
- Have you ever heard of a hero named Macli-ing Dulag?
Processing Activity
Film ShowingDumaloy ang Ilog Chico (And So The Chico River Flows)
Story by Judy Carino translated by Rene Villanueva
Illustrated by Bernie Solina Narrated by Dr. Pia Arboleda Animated by Darren Santos Subtitles synchronized by Rovie Jay Dacumos |
Classroom DiscussionAsk the following guide Questions:
Discuss articles on the Chico River Dam and explain the effects of these actions on the project. Relate it to current events. |
SynthesisAsk students to think about the current real life issues that are similar to what happened in the story. Some examples are:
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Culminating Activity
Give the students the following instructions: Create a poster or write a Letter to the Editor, spreading awareness or offering solutions for these actions of stealing indigenous lands. The content of this poster or letter can be about any place in this world that has experienced this kind of tragedy or has personal relevance to you.
Play the Video of one girl's success in promoting gender equality.
Enrichment Activity
Show students CSEAS website teaching modules and ask them to watch other videos on Ifiallig culture.
Jake Atienza: Silencing and Hearings on Mining: A Discussion of Fieldwork in Cebu Philippines
Bibliography and Resources
brady-deraedt_1979_to_know_the_meaning_of_the_chico_project.pdf | |
File Size: | 924 kb |
File Type: |
guyguyon_1979_history_of_chico_river_project.pdf | |
File Size: | 455 kb |
File Type: |