I’m convinced with the famous Ilonggo quip “basta Ilongga [Iloilo] gwapa [matahom] . It has a vibrance and verve that some other cities do not. Iloilo might have a tiny fraction of the population but has a lot to offer and a good place to live in. Iloilo is very multicultural. The multiculturalism adds to the diversity of peoples, food, the list goes on- And don’t forget the innumerable tourist spots, that are all worth-the-visit, and for the most it is very much welcomed.

Ilonggos are warm and generous people when you get to know them well. I have never regretted staying in Iloilo for quite a few days and experience the reasonable safe place to be. Iloilo certainly has had a massive positive growth in the coming years and could be what sets it apart from the rest of the cities.

Iloilo is a modern city with good quality air, drinkable water, stable electricity grids, and fairly clean streets and suburbs. The drainage and sewer systems within the metro and suburban work well, and most infrastructure in the cmtero iloilo is maintained, with additional infrastructure being added and upated as required.

The public transport systemin metro Iloilo is best described as rudimentary, suburb to suburb travel is virtually impossible on public transport without first travelling to the city centre. There is an efficient North/South roadway with an extension. The road surfaces are great, potholes are a rarity. In the city centre there are jeepneys on a circular route and to various places around the centre. This is a frequent, excellent service.

Some of the public schools have an excellent reputation and compete for overseas students. The West Visayas States University (WVSU) is one of the best in the country in many fields of learning.

Don’t forget the innumerable beaches that are all mostly pristine sand. Perfect example is the Gigantes Island situated in the Northern part of Iloilo.

“Bato Iloilo, kaya ta ni!” is a sign of community spirit.

Food is amazing in Iloilo. Known for its Lapaz Batchoy KBL (Kadyos, Baboy & Langka) etc, and previously named as UNESCO city of gastronomy in the latest UNESCO Creative Cities Network for 2023.

Iloilo can be an expensive place to live, especially if you want to live closer to the city center and enjoy all the perks of city living. There are some beautiful places to visit that usually a walk away.

Throughout history, changes in migration have sometimes led to torturing and slaughtering the Indigenous community’s culture, disregarding their land rights and traditions. It is indeed important to protect and maintain the ancestral land rights, customs, culture, and tradition of our fellow Indigenous People and its community.

The classical example is this isolated family group of Indigenous People, who is the permanent residents at Sitio Agsirab in Dumarao Capiz where there is a good level of biodiversity. They acquired the land through labor compensation and have been residing in the place for 2 (two) decades now. Their culture develop its attachment to the flora and fauna- they are very concern and conscious with the conservation of these resources, and thus play a major role in the biodiversity conservation.

The older ones are strict to pass on their traditional knowledge and skills to younger generation. They live in a very primitive way that is tacit knowledge and therefore difficult to codify. This isolated family group is dynamic and continuously innovates with the help of local level communities nearby.

They usually honor the roots of their genealogy by respecting the Nanay or Inang (Mother) and Tatay (Father), the leaders of the family. They need to celebrate their proud history because doing so, it⁹ helps to stop the loss of their cultures. They have their own folklore, stories, and a set of beliefs. It is an enormous cache of information to be shared and to be preserved.

They have their unique views of the world and everything on it. Their tradition and beliefs matter to them and represent the blueprint of thinking. They are somehow intelligent people because their traditions (those accumulated knowledge and skills) have had a long relationship with the environment.

Preserving the way of life of indigenous peoples is incredibly important for several reasons:

Cultural Diversity

Indigenous cultures represent a wealth of diverse traditions, languages, knowledge systems, and ways of life that are valuable to humanity as a whole. Preserving these cultures helps maintain the rich tapestry of human diversity.

Environmental Stewardship

Indigenous peoples often have deep connections to their lands and possess traditional knowledge about sustainable resource management and conservation practices. By preserving their traditional ways of life, we can benefit from their wisdom in maintaining biodiversity and protecting the environment.

Human Rights

Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and practice their cultures, traditions, and languages as enshrined in various international human rights instruments, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Respecting and preserving their traditional ways of life is essential for upholding their fundamental rights.

Historical Continuity

Indigenous cultures hold unique histories and worldviews that have been passed down through generations. Preserving their traditional ways of life ensures that this historical continuity is maintained and that future generations can continue to learn from their ancestors.

Social Justice

Many indigenous communities face marginalization, discrimination, and challenges to their way of life due to historical injustices and ongoing systemic issues. Supporting the preservation of their cultures can contribute to efforts towards social justice and empowerment for indigenous peoples.

Spiritual and Emotional Well-being

For many indigenous peoples, their cultural practices, ceremonies, and connections to the land are integral to their spiritual and emotional well-being. Preserving their traditional ways of life is essential for maintaining these important aspects of their identity and community cohesion.

Overall, the preservation of the way of life of indigenous peoples is crucial for honoring their rights, safeguarding cultural diversity, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. It is important for individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to work together to support indigenous peoples in preserving and revitalizing their cultures and traditions.