HISTORY MAKES US . . .

We just received an email from Mr. Sid Lactao informing us that his book entitled "75 Unknown Facts" About Isabela now climbed to 88.

The fact that the oldest archaeological remains of the Philippines were found in Cagayan Valley by itself proves that Cagayan Valley already have its own civilization and to a certain extent, an organized polity comprising of different tribes even before the coming of the Spaniards. It can be recalled that Nueva Ecija up to Tuguegarao, actually comprises the Cagayan Valley where the Ibanag Tribe, which name was derived from Cagayan River's ancient name, "Bannag" lives within the banks of the great river. While the Gaddang tribe lived in the upper riches of the Cagayan River and its tributaries going upward in the Cordilleras ruled by the Igorots. The Ibanags, Gaddangs and other tribes in Cagayan Valley are friends of the Igorots. In Fr. Salgado's book Cagayn Valley and the Eastern Cordillera 1581-1898, the different tribes in Cagayan Valley used to hide in the mountains with the Igorots whenever they, upon the rising of a leader, rebel against the Spaniards.

Talking about Cordillera, lately in the April 7, 2009 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, our friend and fellow peace advocate hit the front page (lower section of PDI):"Papuans Eye Mankayan Fish Terraces". The Minister of Fisheries in Papua New Guinea was so impressed with the Fish Terraces in the Cordillera that they intend to replicate the same in their country. Much of the development in the Fishery Sector was brought about by the peace effort of both the CPLA, BFAR Director Rebecca Dang-Awan, whose son is a PMA Graduate and Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr., whose father is the former ARD of the Department of Agriculture, Teddy Sr. and a an in-law of Gen. Brawner. It can be recalled that Gen. Victor Luga, whose roots is from Isabela, is also a Cordilleran by marriage.

In one of our project almost three (3) years ago, we referred Mercy Bahatan, a high ranking CPLA official to Dir. Dang-Awan in support of the peace effort in the Cordillera. The internet, indeed has played its role in bonding old ties with people of divergent belief acting in unison towards attaining our illusive quest for a better country.

Dir. Dang-Awan wrote us a note, it reads: "Sorry, we can't access to your email - anyway we were able to read your cousin's info. We want to know the exact location where do we put the project and who are the beneficiaries. Remember Ifugao is big." That was three (3) years ago.

Today, the bond of the past have in some way contributed to the success of BFAR's project that impressed the Papuans, some part of its history not known to others maybe attributed to the peace effort and the understanding among these people who makes a difference trying to re-invent and mold the course of history - people like Edsel Arrieta (+), Sid Lactao, Rebecca Dang-Awan, Mercy Bahatan (including those who supported their efforts) and those who believe that we can make a difference in our own humble way -

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - This one is for all of you: