Video: Rizal, Kalinga Tragedy

Here's a video of photos taken during and after the Rizal land dispute tragedy. It is sad, shocking, and not safe for the weak of heart. For us, the saddest portion of the video would be that picture of a handcuffed old man who was, from the looks of it, attempting to eat (or was he attempting to drink?).

PKalinga, the one who uploaded the video, asks some questions which we would like to echo here, "Is this the price of being poor? Or is it the price of lawlessness?"

Or could it be the price of both? We are working on a historical overview of this tragedy which we hope to upload in the coming days.

UPDATE: Be sure you check out the Voice of Kalinga which is regularly covering this tragedy. Thanks Katy.

RELATED: Bloody Hell. VIDEO CREDIT: PKalinga; Hat Tip: Voice of Kalinga.

The Nurturing Dad

Aha. I should have uploaded this during father's day but didn't know when that was. Me bad. Picture good.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ricardo Reyes/PCIJ.

Chi Balmaceda Gutierrez on the Uglification of Baguio

Chi Balmaceda Gutierrez gives us some background on the "uglification" of Baguio. Chi has a blog here and a photo site here. Thanks Chi for sharing your thoughts on this issue.
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Chi Balmaceda Gutierrez:
When Steve Hamada coined the word 'uglification' for the Skylandnews -- (which was popularized later by his cousin Jack Cariño, Skylandnews publisher, for the 2007 elections) -- the term didn't at all pertain to the congestion of Baguio per se.

What was being alluded to, first and foremost, was the proliferation of kitsch (objects/realities/ manifestations borne out of taste worse than "baduy." Bad-uy, take note of the etymology. Ha-ha).

Precisely, both of them meant it as "the over-commercialization of every single square meter of land in the city.” (Go figure the implications, greed, even corruption...).

Moreover, the basic challenge relies in the sensibilities of people governing the city for the longest time. Dominant among those elected are lawyers irredeemably steeped in legalese.

Just ask yourselves Jack's election ditty: "Where have all the flowers gone?" and re-think your own roles in the life cycle of a single bud of flower or tree.

It's a shame that lowland La Union's Botanical Garden and Ilocos provinces plazas are better off than Baguio's. That's how most Baguio residents have taken for granted the mountain town's splendid natural gifts.

Just because the prototype Metro Development models are creating blunders doesn’t mean the same experiences would be replicated. The Hundred Monkey Phenomenon would be put to shame if that happens again and again.

The bottomline at the end of the day is the kind of consciousness pervading the so-called critical mass.

RELATED POST: On the Uglification of Baguio; Anonymous Reader on the Uglification of Baguio. PHOTO CREDIT: Worth1000.com

Bloody Hell

Are these the signs of the apocalypse?

►Nine people were killed while nine others were wounded during a gun battle between squatters and police authorities in Rizal, Kalinga. [More at ABS-CBN and Kalinga Tambayan Blog.] We really have serious land problems in the Cordilleras.

►A known ally of Abra Governor-elect Takit Bersamin was shot dead while driving a tricycle in Bangued. [Sunstar] Meanwhile, the wife of Tineg Mayor Edwin Crisologo died one month after she was shot by a supporter of her husband's political rival. [Inquirer]

►A soldier by the name of Pvt. Joefrey Dirain was killed while two others were wounded during an armed encounter between soldiers and NPA rebels in Tubo, Abra. [Journal]

►Two buses were robbed in Ifugao. A brave woman passenger named Mary Pay-an Mangibin fought the robbers and was killed. [Northern Dispatch]

►A bank collector named Renel Esquivas of the Summit Bank in La-Trinidad, Benguet was robbed and mauled by robbers. [Sunstar]

►Okay this is old news but we are talking about the Apocalypse here and this may yet be the best proof that the endtimes is near: A priest in Bontoc, Mt. Province was accused of repeatedly raping a convent girl while a lay worker was accused of molesting her in a different occasion. [Northern Dispatch]

►Meantime, iBaguios are stewing in their own filth (in their bad air to be exact). According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the air pollution in the city is almost twice over the normal level.

►Amidst these depressing reports, the good news is that you can now send emails to Jesus. Here's a sample:

Dear Jesus: Can you please tell me why you took my grandma to heaven? What was her purpose. I miss her and send her a kiss for me. Love, Sarah

And how did Jesus reply?

Dear child: Our facilities are better than that home your parents stuck her in.

You can read more emails to Jesus (and, horror of horrors, Satan too) here.

Gloria in Baguio

Pick the best caption:
1) Dudette, what kind of get up is that?
2) And a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)
3) Pare, kaya pala hindi ma-impeach impeach si Gloria dahil meron siyang anting-anting.
4) Where's Morris? Doesn't he need a walk?

Or suggest a better caption.

UPDATE: Be sure you go read Pagano's hilarious post connecting GMA's avarice to her "subconscious discontent with her height". Thanks Pagano, I had fun reading it.

PHOTO CREDIT: PIA

Outgoing Ifugao Governor Glenn Prudenciano Quotes Santayana

Here's a very interesting speech by outgoing Ifugao Governor Glenn Prudenciano sent to us by a tipster. It is a bit long but we hope you will still read it. In case you don't have the time to read the whole speech, make sure you read the most interesting part [7th paragraph onwards or the part preceded by "arrows"], where the governor talks about Ifugao's version of blood politics.

It's not deadly like Abra's version but it can be just as dangerous. We're with the governor on this one. In this day and age, why is pure bloodedness an issue? [We're sure though that this became an issue not only in Ifugao but in other provinces of the country as well with politicians claiming that they are the only true son of such and such a place.]

By the way, one of the good things that Governor Prudenciano did during his short term is to ensure the passage of the Ifugao reproductive health ordinance, the second such ordinance in the country. But let's go back to the speech:

Speech of Governor Glenn Prudenciano
delivered during the Ifugao Foundation Day
In celebrating our 41 years of political existence, we the people of Ifugao ought to remember our short history. George Santayana a noted writer said: "Those who can not remember the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat it." Our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal also said, "To foretell the destiny of nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past." It is because in reviewing the past, we are guided to make our future better.

When the plan to divide the then Mountain Province there was a need for all the municipalities comprising all the sub-provinces to adopt a resolution to endorse the said division. In the then Sub-Province of Ifugao composed of seven municipalities only the municipality of Mayoyao adopted a resolution endorsing the said division. All the rest did not and refused to do so for the reason that they fear Ifugao cannot sustain the financial needs of a separate province.

In spite of this however, the division went through with the endorsements of the rest of the other municipalities of the entire Mountain Province. In commemorating our 41st anniversary we must thank the optimist ad visionaries who have believed in themselves that they can which made all the difference.

After the division, all the new provinces started to manage on their own. As in the beginning, there are always hardships and struggle. Since then we did not hear any financial complaints even as we try to continue managing our financial needs with whatever we have. For 41 years we struggled and survived. Our national government categorized us previously as belonging to the 20 most depressed provinces or the so-called Club Twenty of the poorest provinces of our country. To extricate ourselves from this club is the continuing challenge not only to the leaders of Ifugao but to all our people. Our people must know and be reminded that in order to be developed and progressive there is an urgent need for us to sacrifice.

In my short stint as a provincial official I saw the need for everybody to work together in harmony and sacrifice. To sacrifice is to be discipline and discipline is all what our people need. During elections, our people are so demanding to their local candidates for this and for that reason, which they do not do with national candidates maybe because they are not accessible. Why do we have to burden our local candidates with plenty of our individual demands? Why do our own voters prostitute themselves in exchange of their vote during elections? We are warned that joining the so called "rat race" will turn all of us into rats. We must all realize that our local candidates maybe our friends, our town mates and perhaps our neighbors. We must also realize that a candidate who wanted to win at all costs will have to borrow so much money in order to meet those election campaign demands.

The same determined candidates are forced to tell lies and be hypocrites in order to win. These are the negative things we are making of our local candidates who from among them will become eventually our leaders and officials.

These negative practices will find their eventual acceptance as a matter of course and become our way of life with hypocritical officials and a prostituted people. Then these negative [practices will at the end find our people the poor losers even as they say that "life is what we make it" After election we continue to be unreasonably demanding our officials. I just wonder if any officials can be able to meet all those demands. What price have we gained if by our winning in the election we shall have damaged the moral values of our people? We should be asking these questions seriously to ourselves.

►► After separation as a distinct province, our first appointed Governor was Gualberto Lumauig who is an inapo of Kiangan and not a pure blooded Ifugao. Of all our seven governors to include myself, only two are pure blooded Ifugaos they are Governors Albert Pawingi and Ildefonso Dulinayan. Of all the five who have been our congressmen, only one is a pure blooded Ifugao, no other than our present congressman Hon. Solomon R. Chungalao. Why do I mention this? It is because from time to time the subject of being a pure blooded Ifugao becomes a political issue which tends to divide us.

In the 2004 congressional election retired General Renato Paredes ran for congressman and he won in Kiangan and in Lamut yet he is not a pure blooded Ifugao as his younger brother Jess Paredes who won in the 1984 National Assembly election.

Let us be warned that the issue of Ifugaoism can be distorted to mean purification of Ifugao leaders. It is perhaps because since Ifugao became a province, the Ifugao voters continued to choose or vote non-Ifugaos as their governors or congressmen. So that in our sincere and honest desire to purify Ifugao leaders we might discriminate or muddle the issue. Some Ifugao candidates who may not have valid issues to talk about go to talk about who is the pure blooded Ifugao and who is thereby discriminating. We must not allow this foolish issue to divide us. We cannot say that Governor Benjamin Cappleman and Governor Theodoro Baguilat Jr. are not Ifugaos although we all know that they are not pure blooded Ifugaos.

We cannot politically disqualify the others and what have you, who were born and raised up in Ifugao. We cannot politically disqualify some Ifugaos of mix blood with Spanish and Americans much less we cannot now politically disqualify Ifugaos whose parents are either Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Tagalogs, Ilocanos, Gaddangs, Visayas or Muslims. It is because Ifugao diaspora caused it.

The test of true Ifugaoism is not in the blood but in the action. Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal laid down his very life to prove and show to the world his love for his country and people and yet he was not a pure blooded Filipino because Chinese blood runs in his veins. President Manuel Quezon was a well known nationalist and fought for our independence yet he was not a pure blooded Filipino because Spanish blood runs in his veins. Were they lesser Filipinos than the Aetas because they are not pure blooded Filipinos but nobody is questioning their patriotism and nationalism.

It is not really a matter of purifying our blood that matters but more importantly it is purifying our hearts and reforming our tongues so we should not be falsely accusing one another during election campaign of who is the true Ifugao and who is not. This is discriminatory and divisive, and it borders on hypocrisy and mental dishonesty. Ifugaoism should not be a political purification and purging but improving the stock and quality of Ifugaos.

We should learn from history. Hitler tried to create an Aryan race by purging 6 million Jews into the gas chambers in order to purify Germany and what happened to him and his government? Vanished and gone into the oblivion of history. Conversely, the United States of America constructed the Statue of Liberty on her shore to welcome all races to her shores and become the melting pot of the world. What had become of America?

We should also learn from natural and biological history. We learned that marriages among close relatives only reduce the quality of life but inter-marriages among peoples can improve the family stock. That is why nature made it that as we were taught, opposite poles attracts and same poles repels.

Ifugaoism should not be defined in terms of blood but by true love for Ifugao as would be shown in all his beliefs and actions. When an Ifugao comes and rob the capitol, is this love of Ifugao? When an Ifugao kills his own brother Ifugao is that love for Ifugao? Ifugao culture is not disliking or hating one another but helping, cooperating and sharing with one another. As the Filipino is hospitable, the Ifugaos are likewise more hospitable.

Lessons of history must teach us that there were those who struggled and fought for the attainment of freedom, liberty and independence, who after achieving their goals, turned to themselves and "eat their own children" so to speak. May God forbid that this will not happen to us Ifugaos.

After our struggles for political freedom from outside political predators through Ifugaoism as in nationalism against colonialism has been achieved, Ifugaoism must take now a new role. After achieving our political goal, the idea of Ifugaoism was deemed to have accomplished its mission. It may no longer gains most especially from some home grown hegemonic people, clans or families who distort the common goals and interests to insure their political supremacy and take the place of foreign rulers, so to speak again, which we determinedly fought to oust and prevent.

Ifugaoism can again become a weapon to combat new impediments to Ifugao progress and freedom. It is no longer the ideological tool directed against the presence of political outsiders; it should now be a principle that will liberate us from our narrow selfish interests in favor of the general welfare.

Ifugaoism should remain to be the uniting force in our continuing struggles against all external domination in all fields of endeavor. We all know that "in unity there is strength" and Ifugao need all that strength. Ifugaoism should not be selfish to economic investors but only against political predators. It should always be a means to discover or rediscover ourselves of our socio-economic and political identity as one people. Too much politicking is dividing our country and weakening our economy. The least that Ifugao needs is too much politics.

The task of Ifugaoism now is to elevate massive consciousness and awareness our past struggles against external political predators who took advantage of our passiveness and political naivety. To educate our people in responsible citizenship in dealing with all social, economic and political endeavors. We should as we can only learn from the past.

The concentration now Ifugaoism should be on cooperation, understanding and political unity in our efforts to confront our socio-economic problems. We must now allow political differences to divide us. We must turn political differences as tools and instruments of the learning process for better understanding. We must not allow political power as a means of entering the so called "rat race" or a "dog eats dog" society. Ifugaoism should be the ideological base for true Ifugao liberation which will do away with all forms of internal and external oppressions and exploitations. It should be the uniting force that will impel our political leaders to extricate us from a life of poverty, ignorance and under-development, ultimately to be out of the twenty poorest provinces.

Reforms are always possible through visions and commitments of our leaders. Lone Ranger type governance of only one doing everything cannot do but only through citizen's participation. Running a local government is more than just having internal revenue allotments (IRAs) to prop up a local budget. An Asian Development Bank study shows that local governments are "changing the social fabric and culture of nations, that it is unstoppable and changing people's lives, it has elements of unpredictability and chaos."

It is for this reasons that citizen's empowerment should teach ordinary citizens to exercise one of the very few means given to them in actually participating in their governance which is the honest election of their officials. Because it is here where unscrupulous politician exploit the naïve, trustful if not uncaring ordinary people. Citizens' empowerment means giving teeth and meaning to the constitutional provision of "power emanates from the people."

Pulling out our province from its present unpleasant situation should not be an end but rather only a beginning. Achieving all the known freedoms should always be our aim. This should be the continuing motivations for our leaders as it should be the continuing challenge for all of us too. It will be the lasting legacy they will leave to our people and the next generation yet to come. Let it not be said one day to our leaders that: "they came and went but left no trace of their coming and going." And as Tacitus said of the Romans, "They created a desert and called it peace and progress." These are the tragedies of leaders who are not true leaders in the first place.

I mentioned all these in passing as reminders and as lessons for us Ifugaos to learn if we are truly committed to development and progress for our beloved province. As father of Ifugao even for a few months, I wanted to leave these few sentiments and advices to you as a good father of a family should do. I am not ashamed to say that while we belong to the club of poorest provinces, I can say with pride that if there is one province in the whole country that do not have beggars, that is Ifugao province. Let us be reminded that our forefathers believe that it is more honorable to kill than to steal. That was their culture, uncivilized but free. They were the proud monarchs and kings of their own abode.

We can see that Ifugao is one of the most evangelized provinces in the Cordilleras yet we do not seem to relate our Christianity and put true Christian meanings into our characters especially in the matter of choosing our officials during elections. We have very little conviction of our own essential dignity or even of our essential decency. We seem to be following our country in proudly proclaiming that we are the only Christian nation in Asia and yet we are also proclaimed to be the second most corrupt and most dangerous country. There is something wrong in between. Perhaps our Christianity is misplaced. Our morality does not much our Christianity. Our Christian learning and values should be the means to honest, orderly and peaceful elections yet they seem not. The good book says that we should all "be doers of the Word and not hearers only." Our apathy does not deter catastrophe. Yes, we need to cry out to be saved-saved from ourselves, for it is the soul of Ifugao and a culture that is dying.

My friends, what I have all said are not sermons nor am I sour graping, but are only putting some road signs directing us to take the high road of life which is the only way our beloved province can stand shoulder to shoulder with all the provinces in this country. They are also danger warnings in order for us to avoid falling into the precipice down the swirling cesspool of meaninglessness and oblivion.

As we celebrate and commemorate our 41st anniversary, it is well for us to remember our leaders who have all gone before us who build upon one another to make Ifugao what we are today. It is also well for us to remember our successes and our achievements as well as our mistakes and failures; our strengths and weaknesses because they become our compasses to guide us into a brighter and more progressive province. Although I have said these, I do not claim to know everything but I just wanted to share everything I know.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my friends by way of saying farewell to all of you, I would like to give my sincere thanks and deep appreciation to one and all for helping and cooperating with me even for a few months as your humble Governor. May you all continue to carry the torch of true Ifugaoism to the heights of true patriotism and dedicated public service, for it is only then that we can have a government of the people, by the people and for the people and so our beloved province of Ifugao shall not perish upon this earth.

Thank you very much.

State of Our Roads Report

Balbalasang, Kalinga. May 21, 2007. Photo courtesy of Yajude. You can view her pictures of Tabuk and Balbalasang here.

RELATED POSTS: Halsema Road; Bad Roads, Good People. PHOTO CREDIT: Yajude.

Obla: Margie Lumawan, Bible Translator (Part 3)

Here's the third and last part of our interview with Margie Lumawan (who goes home to Nansiakan in the above picture) about her work as a Bible translator. In case you haven't read the earlier parts, you can read the first part here and the second part here. Thanks again Margie for this wonderful and enlightening interview.

Considering that you are also rooted in your indigenous culture, how does your work affect you as a Christian of indigenous background? Does it make you appreciate both your indigenousness and your faith? Or does it make you feel conflicted about some aspects of either your culture or your faith?
God and His Word is Supraculture. Christianity to me is not a religion (which is a system of beliefs, rituals and ideas designed to produce harmony with the divine in an effort to meet needs and gain favor) but a true Father and child, Boss and servant, Savior and saved, Friends-relationship with my Creator while culture is a means of survival.

For me, this puts everything in perspective -- that I was created to give glory to my Creator. Therefore, every other thing in my culture that does not work towards this end is not worth keeping. As for my culture and indigenousness (as you call it), I can use them to worship this one true God by whose grace I have been counted worthy enough to die for, not of my own merit but of the act that His Son has accomplished for me. In more practical terms, now that my faith is in the finished work of Christ, I can now take what has been used ( e.g chants) to appease and manipulate the spirit world and turn it into a song in worship of my Creator/Savior, not to get Him to do my wishes and desires but to bring glory and thanksgiving to Him.

What process does a particular translation undergo before it is deemed ready for publication? For instance, how many drafts/revisions do you often have to do?

We follow a specific and ideal procedure. Here's a summary:

BEGINNING TRANSLATION: The team decides what book to translate, in consultation with others involved.

Before beginning to translate, take time to study the whole book – read the whole book in versions. Also read the introduction to the book in a commentary or other translation help. Then focus on the text, taking a section (i.e., a meaningful chunk) at a time.

To achieve a good quality translation, the following procedures should be applied for each section translated:

Step 1. STUDY THE MEANING OF THE SOURCE TEXT (“EXEGESIS”): The first translation task is to study the text carefully, using Bible versions and commentaries, Bible atlases, Bible dictionaries and Bible Encyclopedia. This is called “doing the exegesis”. There should be at least one person on each translation team who is a skilled exegete. This step includes at least 5 or more activities such as outlining, researching, etc.

Step 2. MAKE THE FIRST DRAFT: The translator, a mother-tongue speaker of the Receptor Language (RL), makes the first draft of the translation.

Step 3. PREPARE SUPPLEMENTARY HELPS: (section headings, glossary, footnotes, illustrations, and others) Begin preparing these as you translate the accompanying text.

Step 4. KEYBOARD THE TEXT: The draft translation is typed onto a computer using Paratext or another software program that has been developed for this purpose. Especially if the spelling system uses a script other than the Roman alphabet or has special characters, the help of someone with computer skills will be needed at this point to set up the program.

Make a list of agreed guidelines for format. For example, rules for punctuation, for the use of capital letters, for paragraph divisions (whether to use “conversation” paragraph breaks or not), and for section divisions and headings.

Step 5. DO THE FIRST TEAM CHECK: Other translators on the team and the exegetical or project advisor go over the draft translation, making comments and suggesting improvements. The team discusses together. In projects where there is a project advisor on the team, the project advisor does a detailed exegetical check at this point.

Revise the translation: The comments and suggestions are evaluated and the draft is revised accordingly. The revision and updating of the text is repeated through the translation process.

Step 6. REVIEW THE TRANSLATION OF KEY BIBLICAL TERMS:
“Key biblical terms” are terms that refer to the culture and religious practices of the people of Israel, and other words and phrases with special meaning in the Bible. There needs to be careful consideration, testing and agreement concerning the translation of these terms. This is an ongoing task.

Step 7. TEST THE TRANSLATION – PRELIMINARY TESTING: Take the translation to some representative speakers of the receptor language. Read it aloud. Have others read it. This is the first stage of gathering feedback to find out whether the translation is communicating to the intended audience. More extensive testing with a wider audience will be done at Step 10.

Step 8. MAKE THE BACK-TRANSLATION: A back-translation is a very literal translation or gloss into the major national or trade language of the area or English. It should be done by a speaker of the language other than the translator. It helps to show whether the translation is communicating effectively and accurately, and it serves as the basis for the consultant check.

Example: Romans 6:15, 16 KJV (King James Version)

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

KANV (Kankanaey Version)

15 Sino ngarud di layden nina ay kalien? No maibasar din kaisalakanan tako sin seg-ang Diyos ay baken din panongtongpalan tako sin linteg, ay olay mambasbasol tako? Adi kabalin!

16 Ammoyo koma ay mo nampabagaen kayo si esa ay ipugaw ta siya tongpalen yo, sisya dedan din among yo. Isunga mo basol di tongtongpalen yo, basol met laeng di amoyo ya din pantongpalan na, maisian kayo en Dios ta madosa kayo. Ngem mo din on-onodan yo et din panongtongpalan yo en Diyos, maitorong sin kinalinteg yo.

BT (Back Translation of KANV)

What then does this mean to say? If our salvation is based on God's grace, not our obeying the law, is it OK if we sin? It cannot be!

You ought to know that if you have yourself enslaved by a person in order to obey him, he of course is your master. So if sin is what you obey, sin just the same is your master and the result is that you will be separated from God to be punished. But if what you are following is your obedience to God, it will lead to your righteousness.

In the Back Translation, figures of speech are explained, key biblical terms (words/concepts that have an encompassing meaning/relevance in the whole Bible and should be translated consistently. e.g. love, prophesy, priesthood, sin, etc.) are listed and researched.

Step 9. DO THE CONSULTANT CHECK: A translation consultant works with the team to check the translation for faithfulness to the original Hebrew or Greek text. While the team uses reliable source texts in other languages, the final authority is always the original text. The consultant also does sample comprehension testing, training the team further in methods of testing. S/he helps find solutions to difficult translation problems and helps in other relevant ways. (In the early stages of a project, the consultant check may take place early in the process. With a more advanced project, where the team is experienced and established in good habits of translation, the consultant check may come after Step 10.)

Step 10. TEST THE TRANSLATION WIDELY: Test the translation with a wide selection of ordinary speakers of the receptor language. Find out whether it is communicating clearly and also what the hearers understand is indeed the correct meaning of the original text. Is the information load such that people can understand easily? Is the language natural and good style? Is it the right kind of language (register of language) used? It is very important not to miss out this step.

DISTRIBUTE THE TRANSLATION TO REVIEWERS: “Reviewers” are appointed to represent different denominations and dialects. They are invited to give feedback on the translation. The translation team receives and evaluates the suggestions and does the final revision of the text.

Step 11. FINAL EDITING, CONSISTENCY CHECKING AND POLISHING: Computer-based tools are used to check the consistency of the translation of key Biblical terms and of parallel passages in different Bible books, also spelling (including proper names), capitalization, format and punctuation.

Step 12. FINAL READING THROUGH: The translation team and key reviewers read through the text aloud together for the last time.

RECORDING AND/OR TYPESETTING: The translation is then prepared for publication. It may be recorded on tape for distribution on cassette or by radio. Or it may be published in print: the typesetting is done from the computerized text, the pages are formatted, illustrations are inserted, and finally the camera-ready copy is sent off to be printed. At that point the work of the distribution team begins!

For those who haven't read your blog yet, where are you from in the Cordilleras?
There is a song that goes like this:
Kayapa, Oh! sprawling land of beauty
Kayapa, my heart belongs to thee
Over mountain hills beyond the tall pine trees
I will love thee ever be, where'er I may.

I was born deep in forests up in the mountainous village called Nansiakan belonging to a relatively unknown town of Kayapa in the eastern part of Nueva Vizcaya. I grew up in Tagaytay City, went to college in Baguio City and now lost soul in terms of permanent address.

Based on some of your comments in the blog, why do you admire Bishop Claver and his work? (Note: More on the Bishop here)
My admiration of Bishop Claver started when I interpreted for him during a Worldview and Scripture-In-Use Workshop in the summer of 2004. He is the author of the idea of Inculturation of Christianity in the Philippine setting. Lots of foreign authors (among them Edward Rommen, David Hesselgrave, Stephen Bevans) wrote about taking Christianity in Context but our very own Bishop Claver came up with a local theology that is relevant to the Philippine context.

His idea of Inculturation aims to make Christianity relevant to all kinds of people in all kinds of situation. Although I do not agree that Christianity should be presented solely to scratch people where they itch, that is to address people's felt needs, I believe that Bishop Claver is one of those scholars who has the guts to depart from what is default, challenge the present and formulate a local theology that is pertinent to here and now.

RELATED POSTS: Obla: Margie Lumawan, Bible Translator (Part 1 and Part 2). PHOTO CREDIT: Margie Lumawan.

Report Card For Our Officials

On June 30, outgoing officials will be relinquishing their posts while the newly elected ones will be assuming office. Because of this we decided to start a series where we pretend that we are, errm, professors giving grades to students, i.e., our officials.

We hope to make this a regular feature of this blog and we invite you to join us by also giving out your grades. The grades will be based on the actions of our officials as reported in the media (or as sent to us by reliable tipsters). We will be using the grading scale which you will find at the bottom of this post. The default grade will be "B" and it will go up or down depending on the reported actions of the official being graded.

Here's our initial grading effort, listed from the person who obtained the lowest grade to the top scorer.

Mt. Province Congressman Victor Dominguez: D
His withdrawal of "scholarship" support to students from towns and barangays where he lost is the act of a vengeful vengeful man. Next time, he might direct hospital personnel to ask a patient whether s/he voted for Vindictive Dominguez before they will treat him/her. More here.

Baguio Congressman Mauricio Domogan: C-
He lands in the news but for the wrong reason. Really Morris, when will you stop being such a GMA cheerleader?

Outgoing Kalinga Rep. Lawrence Wacnang: C
What was he thinking when he agreed to have his son in law James Bejarin run for Congress while he, at the same time, ran for the gubernatorial post? Thank God Kalinga voters are more discerning than their neighbors to the south (Yes we meant you Mt. Province voters!). Otherwise, if the iKalingas voted for the Wacnang-Bejarin tandem, we will have a family dynasty in Kalinga.

Apayao Governor Elias K. Bulut: B-
We don't like the fact that he runs a political dynasty in Apayao but people are voting for him and his family so who are we to complain.

Apayao Congressman Elias Bulut Jt.: B-
See above.

Baguio Mayor Peter Rey Bautista: B
All is quiet in his front for the moment.

Mt. Province Governor Maximo Dalog: B
All is quiet in his front too.

Benguet Congressman Samuel Dangwa: B
All is quiet in his front din :-)

Incoming Abra Governor Takit Bersamin: B
Good luck and may Abra shed its image as the killing fields of the north during your term.

Ifugao Congressman Solomon Chungalao: B
Not much has been heard of him after the elections. We hope he retains his chairmanship of the indigenous peoples committee in Congress.

Incoming Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan: A
We kind of like his advocacy in behalf of vegetable farmers. More of that please.

Incoming Kalinga Governor Floydelia Diasen: A
We especially like the fact that she posted a "Thank you" note at Kalinga Tambayan. Ganyan dapat ang official, they should adopt new technology.

Incoming Ifugao Governor Teddy Baguilat: A+
Because of his willingness to invite civil society groups or non-government organizations to be a partner in his administration. See here.

Additional grades:
Abra COMELEC: F
Ano ba iyan? When will you determine and proclaim the winner of Abra's congressional race?

Note: Here's the percentage equivalent for the above grades.
A+= 90–100
A = 85–89
A−= 80–84
B+= 76–79
B = 72–75
B−= 68–71
C+= 64–67
C = 60–63
C−= 55–59
D = 50–54
F = 0–49

IMAGE CREDIT: school.discovery.com

From the Rice Terraces to Policy Advocacy

By Gina Dizon
KIANGAN, IFUGAO - Governor-elect Teddy Baguilat Jr lives and breathes home. Home is the rice producing province of Ifugao which boasts of its stairway terraces to the skies, the famous 8th wonder of the world. (Ed's note: Officially, there's no such thing as an 8th wonder of the world, see our earlier post here.)

Rice being the top product of the province, the young governor sees rice culture as a vital source of livelihood and a potential source of income to be developed too.

Currently heading the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO), Baguilat wants to bring the experiences of SITMO in the provincial level. (More about SITMO here).

For one, SITMO wants to popularize a viable method of transplanting rice seedlings at an early 10- day age and not at the usual 30- day maturity. Tried in the municipalities of Kiangan and Lamut, rice seedlings of the tinawon variety are transplanted early and spaced at least 25 cm from each other.

The rice planting technique forces the roots to grow deeper into the ground, grow more panicles, and yield more harvest when transplanted earlier. Tried first in Nueva Ecija by the Kalikasan Federation of Farmers in northern Nueva Ecija, it was found out that yield increased by at least 50% from the usual harvest.

Recently, SITMO won a 2-year grant from the United Nations Development Program which works on a biodiversity program for four towns of Ifugao.

These experiences shall serve as models in related programs in the provincial government which can be replicated in other parts of Ifugao, the development-oriented governor-elect said.

Ifugao is known for its mud- walled rice terraces which have been built centuries ago. Rice culture continued through the years and has been the livelihood of majority of Ifugaos since then.

Depending solely on rice farming is not a viable source of income and livelihood in this times of commercialized era however. Where most Ifugaos, if not most Cordillerans have terraced rice lands in limited scale, rice production is only good for at least 6 months and the rest of rice supply bought from the market.

With this, rice culture is seen as a diversified source of income where tourism comes in.
SITMO launched a rice terraces cycle tours which intends to offer a different experience to tourists. They will not just see the rice terraces but actually experience working on them, Baguilat said.

The community will be economically benefited as to the fees which the visiting tourist will pay including environmental, guide, entrance, and cultural show fees. While this is the case, the community also shares an age-old culture of planting and harvesting rice the indigenous way to the visiting tourist who does not only see and take pictures of the eighth wonder of the world but also try working on them.

Currently, SITMO in cooperation with Pochon Group will be spearheading the B’foto ad Majawjaw tour (Harvest tour) on June 22-24 at Mayaoyaw,Ifugao.

The package tour includes transportation within the province, a three-day meals and lodging, and the fees as earlier mentioned, a souvenir t-shirt and an ID and certificate for the participant-tourist.

These experiences furthering tourism for Ifugao and generating income for the community shall be elevated in the provincial government through advocacy policies promoting eco-cultural tourism for one.

Packaging the rice wine is also a need. Ifugao wine makers bottle their wines in the San Miguel 4 x 4. Baguilat sees the need to support packaging of Ifugao products including rice wines.

Participatory development
Development for the province needs the participation of the community. For this dynamic governor in his early 40s, Baguilat wants to see progressive politics in Ifugao at least. “It is a development-oriented approach in terms of decision making on the appropriations for the allocation of funds for one. It is looking beyond tomorrow, towards the future.”

For example, “we want the community to decide what tourism they like in their community. They will decide the dos and don’ts. What is important is that you have a protected area”, he said. With this, Baguilat commented that Banaue is fast losing its rice terraces with the gradual building of houses in rice-terraced areas.

Baguilat asks, would they (the community) want to see rice terraces 50 years from now? Who will work on these rice terraces? What kind of development would they want? How relevant is culture in this modern times?

And one major approach in making progressive politics happen is to involve civil society groups in local governance. Baguilat wants the private sector like the church-based groups, cooperatives and non government organizations be part of special bodies of the provincial development council take part in decision making and local governance.

Progressive politics is also making a stand against traditional politics. It is making a stand against corruption. For this youthful leader who dons a ponytail as a sign of protest against corruption, he considers worth supporting the initiatives of community groups like the monitoring and evaluation systems of the church-based Social Action Development Center (SADC) in monitoring government programs and likewise curbing corruption.

And for corruption to be gradually eradicated, “I have to start with myself”. The two- time (he was governor in 2001-2004) governor-elect said corruption means not receiving SOPs. “Where one contractor has won his contract fair and square, then he does not have to give an SOP and bribe a public official,” he said.

“Corruption is not only malversation of funds. It is also poor planning”. Baguilat sees development as a wholistic and interrelated approach to development. Capability building and provision of support services are necessary to make a development program finally redound to the people in the community. For example, not only are roads built. Livelihood trainings are given and the necessary packaging and market outlets will be established to support a person’s initiatives and a community product.

Note: Gina also writes for the Northern Philippine Times which has a blog here.

RELATED POST: A Tale of Two Politicians; Teddy Baguilat Says Thank You; Banaue Coca-Cola. PHOTO CREDIT: SITMO.

Bamboo Crafts: Bangued's One Town One Product

We often criticize bad government policies and public officials but we are not blind to the good things that they do.

One of the good government programs out there is the Department of Trade and Industry's One Town One Product (OTOP). This program seeks to help small and medium enterprises -- like the bamboo craft manufacturers of Bangued, Abra -- develop markets for their products. The above photo shows former Bangued Mayor Ma. Zita Valera entering a "vehicle" made of bamboo. You can read more about the One Town, One Product here.

UPDATE: It turns out that the creator of this bamboo jeepney has a son who blogs at The Broken Arrow; read his post about this jeepney here and here. It turns out too that the jeepney actually runs; I thought it was only meant for display that's why I put quotes in "vehicle" but no quotes are needed since this vehicle is actually used for transport. [Thanks to AnitoKid for the tip.]

PHOTO CREDIT: PIA/Art Tibaldo.

Picture of the Day: Church Ruins in Pudtol, Apayao

Pudtol Church ruins in Pudtol, Apayao. Photo courtesy of My Visita Iglesia.

Obla Series: Margie Lumawan, Bible Translator (Part 2)

Here's Part 2 of our enlightening interview with Margie Abella Lumawan. You can read the first part of this interview here. [Above photo: Mother tongue translators during a workshop.]

Can you tell us about the organization/company that you are working for?
The Northern Philippine Mother Tongue Translators' Association (NPMTTA) was incorported in April 2001. It's goal is to produce quality Bible translation in all the languages that its members are translating into. It has 11 language team members: Kalanguya, Ibaloi, Central Ifugao (Amganad), Ayangan Ifugao, Bontoc, Barlig, Balangao, Paranan, Palanan Agta, Tuwali, and Keley-i. It partners with the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), Translators Association of the Phils (TAP), and Philippine Bible Society (PBS) to get the training that its members need to pursue excellence in Bible Translation and literacy.

Have you encountered words or concepts that are just not translatable? How do you translate them?
Lots. Some if not most have to do with cultural distance (the difference between the culture and worldview of the original author and his original audience compared to the culture here and now) and the personal cognitive schema of the translator as well as that of his/her readers.

There is a level of ambiguity in some parts of the Bible. As translators, we opt to maintain this especially if the author is obviously being deliberately ambiguous. We make a choice to keep a certain amount of ambiguity when we are sure that this will not result in wrong understanding or communicate a totally-zero meaning to the reader.

We also do a lot of consulting with Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclos, commentaries, historical writings, etc. to shed light to an unknown idea.

There are actually a few ways to translate an unknown concept.
1) Give a description of the idea which is pertinent to its use in the passage;
2) Substitute a known but similar concept;
3) Borrow from a nearer language;
4) Retain the original word but put the nearest meaning in a footnote somewhere; and
5) Cross-reference it to another occurrence which might help shed light to its true meaning.

How do you feel about the fact that you are continuing a scholarly tradition and that you are translating a very important book which is considered by Christians as the word of God?
Sometimes, I find myself heartsick when the burden of communicating the Word in all accuracy, clarity, naturalness and acceptability bears down on me. The knowledge that I am an imperfect human being doing something that in some ways is next to impossible (at least to those who believes like I do) scares the hell out of me, fearing that I might not be doing justice to the Word of God. BUT I am comforted by the honor and inner peace and fulfillment in the knowledge that I am a part of something that is much much bigger than myself or even the whole world.

For those who might want to venture into the work of Bible translation, what skills should they have?
The most important thing is commitment. You'd say this is not a skill? Ok, it is not, but it is. S/he needs to be committed to excellence, appreciation and love of his/her language, dedication to truth, and reverence to the Word and of course to the Big Boss.

There is also a need for teachability, openmindedness spiked with humility, and a measure of curiosity and kakulitan. Nobody gets rich serving as a Bible Translator so one should not try it if riches is the motivation. I personally think, to become a translator is a gift. But no matter how gifted in linguistics and translation a person is, if the motive is not to glorify and serve his/her God, everything that person does is in vain.

You also need a skill in interpersonal relationships. Your work is not yours alone. Many people will contribute to it that sometimes it is hard for the translator to let go of his ideas and take or adapt someone else’s. Team members even argue on what is the best word in their language to represent a certain concept in the original language. A stormy interpersonal relationship among the translators will deter the progress and undermine the work. So humility and teammindedness is a must.

How did you acquire these skills?
We attended a lot of workshops both in linguistics, translation and team building. Some of us were also given opportunities to pursue formal training in original biblical languages (Hebrew & Greek), linguistics and theology. As for the commitment, it's a given, you just have to maintain it. Like a seed that's already planted, all you need is to water it regularly.

What's the most rewarding aspect of the work?
Four things: 4) Mindboggling, and challenging puzzles but free, pure, fun mental exercises. 3) Being forced to learn how two ancient languages work (Hebrew and Greek) 2) Hearing/Reading God's Words in my heart language. 1) Seeing lives transformed by the translated Word.

What's the most challenging aspect?
First, it is a real challenge for a mother tongue speaker to study his own language. He needs to distance himself from it for a while so that he can be objective in analyzing his native tongue. Native speakers are a bit touchy when they are asked to study their language. They would say, "What for? It's my language anyway. But when I was forced by necessity to really get into analyzing my language, I realized that I did not even know where an affix ends and a root begins. So it was a challenge to humble myself and admit that all I know about my language is the vocabulary and how to speak it. But when I am asked about its grammatical structure, define all the senses of a word, discover the discourse pattern of my language, all I give is a blank stare.

Secondly, Staying faithful to the Boss is a pure pure challenge. Living what I write. A congressman can be a lawmaker by day and then choose to be a lawbreaker by night but the law he passed is still a law. A businessman can be an honest dealer to a poor associate but crooked to a competitor and yet both his gains are all the same in value. A Bible translator cannot write about someone who is merciful and live in cruelty and unkindness. S/he is in constant battle to live what s/he preaches and not give in to the 'easier' way of life.

Do you consider this a dream job? After all you are able to mix things which you are passionate about: your culture and your faith.
It is a fulfilled dream, it is not a job. With a job, you get paid; with a dream, you give all you are. If I'm given a chance to live my life all over again, I'll live it the same way (probably with a few changes here and there. Hehehe) I am living it now. But I am still human. I have many ‘what ifs,’ in fact, a heaps and heaps of them. Sometimes, in another frame of mind, especially when I look at people who started out like I did but moved on to greener pastures, I question myself if it is really worth it living my life like this and working a ‘job’ like this and all that. Then again, my faith in the God I serve and whose Word I write tells me that my rewards are more eternal than the high pay that the nursing profession could have had given me abroad. This is a come-and-go struggle.

In the end, I realize that by giving myself, I have gained lots in return and I rejoice in all that I have learnt: about translation, about myself and especially about God’s goodness and faithfulness to me/us in the midst of the struggle.
.....

NOTE: The third part of this interview will follow soon.. Part 3 is now here.
Meantime, in case you know of a kailiyan who is doing an interesting (or uncommon) job and who would be willing to answer an email interview about their work please tell us about them through email (igorotblogger@gmail.com or in the comments section). Thanks.

RELATED POST: Obla: Margie Lumawan, Bible Translator (Part1). PHOTO CREDIT: Margie Abella Lumawan.

Obla Series: Margie Lumawan, Bible Translator

Do you remember our Work/Obla Series? Well, in case you don't, it is our attempt to feature our kailiyans who are doing interesting jobs. For those new to this blog, you might want to read our introduction of the series here and you might want to read our interview with Jay Watan, an Internet entrepreneur here. Incidentally, Jay has a blog (Blog of a Siomai Addict) which you might want to visit.

The second person we are featuring is Margie Abella Lumawan (above right). Margie is a Bible translator and, if you don't know already, she is blogging at Gandang Igorota. Her blog was among the first blogs I visited before I started this blog and I was touched by her post, Kalanguya Dreams where I made my first ever comment in a blog. Well, I was encouraged by her response and we became blogger friends since then. Thanks Margie.

Anyway, what's it like to be a Bible translator? How are concepts alien to our culture translated? What process do they follow in translating the Bible? What are the rewards and challenges in being a part of this endeavor? Read on as Margie graciously answered those questions for us.

How did you end up doing the challenging work of Bible translation? Was it something you pursued or dreamed about (as in, "When I grow up, I'd like to translate the Bible.")? Or did it happen by accident?

I dreamt to be a Kalanguya writer but I was under duress to go to nursing college and go abroad and give my family a taste of the 'easier' life (if there ever is.) Therefore, did getting into translation happen by accident? Nope. Bible Translation and I have a history.

When I was yet to start primary school, my dad was one of the language helpers of the American missionaries working in our village who were translating New Testament into Kalanguya at the time. Language helpers read the translated manuscript to see inconsistencies and if the words and their construction flows naturally. I used to go with him in the office while they were doing this work and they would ask me to do little things.

I would burn the thrash for them (they were printing trial versions and so there were loads and loads of paper to burn.) If I am not being asked to do something, I would fool around and mimic my father's actions like I would take a heap of printed paper, put it in front of me and then act as if I am reading them one by one and making pencil marks on the pages.

When I started school, I say my dream is to become a teacher when people ask me what my ambition is. The reason is that it’s the only profession I know.

Then later on, I got hooked on reading books and from then on, I dreamt of writing stories, maybe novels that will entertain people and that people will love. But when the time came for me to plunge into the study of writing, it wasn't among the choices open to me. My path was chosen for me and so I went into the caring profession.

When I finished, a Christian missionary couple who established a center for discipling students from the tribe where I came from, offered me a job as the center nurse. There wasn't much nursing work for me and so my boss asked me if I can help him with the work he was doing.

Without any hint about what I am getting into, I said yes. And so he told me to get my Kalanguya Bible, turn to the Gospel of John and write the whole book back into English and warned me strongly never to peek at any English Bible. I went like, "Oh, my goodness! He doesn't think that I can write in English good enough so I had to practice by writing the whole book of John from Kalanguya to English!"

When I finished back translating the book of John, my mentor slowly introduced me to the basic translation principles; that meaning is the name of the game in translation. I continued back translating the rest of the Kalanguya New Testament; at that time, I have learned that it wasn't a test of my English writing skills but rather one of the important activities in the translation process.

During the revision of our New Testament, my mentor introduced me to the intricacies of translation as we went along the revision process. I began loving the work. I would ask myself, "Where can you have a job that makes you have your quiet time the whole day? Only in translation!

When the revision of the Kalanguya New Testament was coming to an end, my boss told me that when we finish, I may go now to anywhere I want and should not feel obliged to stay on at the Center. But while we were doing the finishing touches in the revision, he received a call from a friend telling him to attend a workshop on Proverbs. He asked me if I want to see the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). I tagged along never knowing that in that workshop, the Lord will tag me.

In that seminar, I met people who are doing a great job of translating the Old Testament in their mother tongue. I never knew that that's possible. I always have this idea that only a foreign missionary, educated in another land, expert in the Bible should translate the Word of God. But when I saw the dedication and fervor of the mother tongue translators, I just can't help being challenged and asking myself what is it that I really wanted to do; if that which I planned to do will be the maximum thing that I can do with my life.

Not without much difficulty, I committed my life to Bible Translation.

Next part to follow soon... Part 2 here and Part 3 here.

RELATED POST: Intro to Obla; Jay Watan, Internet Entrepreneur. PHOTO CREDIT: Gandang Igorota.

Let's Go Swim!

Adda kastoy yo? If you think the Cordilleras is only about mountains, valleys, some flat lands, and mountains again, aba, you are mistaken. We also have bodies of water. Topmost photo: Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet. Bottom photo: Bulalacao Lake in Kabayan, Benguet.

PHOTO CREDIT: Benguet.gov.ph

Know Your Officials: Abra Gov Eustaquio "Takit" Bersamin

PHOTO CREDIT: Abrenian.com

Truth or Propaganda: Military Nabs Six Students in Sagada?

Six high school students from Tubo, Abra who are studying at the Bangaan National High School in Sagada (photo above and it has a website here) were alleged to have been abducted by the military yesterday, June 22.

If the report is true, then it is another proof that the administration of Gloria a.k.a the Female Version of Gollum is worse than Marcos. If it is a propaganda ploy by the CPP/NPA then it is lame and stupid.

The CPP/NPA version:

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) accused the military Friday of abducting six high school students in Bangaan in Sagada, Mt. Province last week.

In a statement posted on its website, the CPP demanded the immediate release of the six students, all from the Mt. Province General Comprehensive High School.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines for carrying out the abduction of the six Sagada high school students. We demand that the AFP respect their rights of the Sagada Six as children and innocent civilians, immediately release them and make amends for the violation of their rights," said CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal.
...
[C]iting witnesses' accounts, the CPP said the Army's 54th Infantry Battalion abducted the students who happened to cross their paths along the narrow Bangaan-Buasao-Kili foot trail that links their village to the school.

The students include three boys and three girls, all from Kili village in Tubo, Abra. The boys were identified as Egan, Banglay and Magensay. More details at GMA-7.

The AFP version:

Military officials on Friday bewailed what they said was a propaganda peddled by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on the alleged abduction of six students from Mountain Province by Army soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, commander of the Army's 5th Infantry Division based in Isabela province, said the incident could not be perpetrated by the military because it has no presence in the area, particularly at Sagada.

"We have no presence there because that's a peaceful area. That (allegation) is a communist propaganda. We have no presence there. They have to prove that such incident occurred," Maclang told a telephone interview. More at Balita.ph.

UPDATE: Students found. They went home to Abra via Baguio. More at GMA-7.

Our take: The CPP is wrong in claiming that the students were abducted by the military. And the military is wrong in its earlier assertion that there is no ongoing military operation in the area.

SOMEWHAT RELATED POST: The Rebel vs. the General. PHOTO CREDIT: Bangaan National High School.

High Tech Allapo

But of course Wil Reyes ain't the only one who knows how to use a notebook computer. Thanks to Kent Sinkey for sending us the picture. Visit Kent's site if you are looking for pictures of flowers from the boondocks.

Boondock Links

Time for another roundup which we have not been doing for a while.

► Have you ever wondered how the different barangays in Baguio got their names? Bugan of Mountain Breeze has the answers (Part 1 and Part 2). Thankfully, the naming process of these barangays didn't involve a misunderstanding between a lost foreigner and a local resident. (You know, that stuff about a foreigner asking about the name of the place and the local thinking that the foreigner is asking about what s/he is carrying, yada, yada, yada.)

► So you toiled and toiled and toiled to raise your cabbages and how much are they going to fetch in the market? One peso per kilo! What do you think is the more criminal act -- the government's neglect of struggling farmers who feed the nation or raising opium poppies (whether intentionally or not)?

► Joel Melod, prime suspect of the Diasen murder, confesses to a reporter that he shot and killed the late Kalinga Vice Governor. You can read more information at the Voice of Kalinga.

► Juan Duntugan pleads not guilty to the crime of murdering Julia Campbell. [Inquirer via Asian Journal] Note that Duntugan hired Atty. Pedro Mayam-o to defend him while the U.S. government hired the Agranzamendez law firm to serve as private prosecutors.

► The town of Kabayan, Benguet will screen strangers who go there to work. [Source: Sunstar] Good for the town because it is asserting control over itself. Not so good for those looking for work.