By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net
BAGUIO CITY — Women from various sectors in Metro Baguio organized a “Purple Day of Action” to condemn corruption fueled by “bureaucrat capitalism,” described as the use of bureaucratic influence and positions to amass wealth and influence, treating government as a private enterprise for personal or family gain.
The September 13 protest, organized by the Innabuyog-Alliance of Women’s Organizations in the Cordillera, along with its city and university chapters, called for accountability from government officials accused of misusing public funds. They emphasized that taxpayers’ money should go toward accessible public services instead of enriching powerful families.
Raven Mansenas, Innabuyog Metro Baguio spokesperson, said corruption worsens the conditions of women and families, particularly during disasters.
“Ang usapin ng korapsyon ay hindi lamang sa imprastraktura. Tahasan itong panlalapastangan sa ating pamilya, ina, ate, at mga anak na inaagawan ng karapatan at kinabukasan,” she said, “Danas natin ang matinding peligro ng pagkasira ng kalikasan, pagbabaha, pagguho ng bahay at gusali, at kakulangan sa serbisyong pangkalusugan.”
(The issue of corruption is not only about infrastructure. It is a blatant violation against our families, our mothers, sisters, and children whose rights and future are being taken away. We face grave risks from environmental destruction, flooding, the collapse of homes and buildings, and the lack of health services.)
Meanwhile, Innabuyog’s affiliate in Mountain Province stated that the controversy over government flood control projects breaches the cultural values that guide their indigenous communities.
In a statement, Binnadang cited reports linking MG Samidan Construction, a firm based in the province, to questionable contracts. “These projects are supposed to shield our communities from danger, but corruption turns them into hazards and symbols of dishonor. This is a grave violation of inayan,” the group stated.
Inayan is a cultural principle observed among the Kankanaey of the Cordillera that emphasizes harmony in interactions with people, the community, and the environment. Similar values are shared by other indigenous groups in the region—paniyew for the Bontok and paniyaw for the Kalinga.
“We call on our fellow i-Montanyosa to be vigilant. To uphold inayan today is to confront corruption, defend our people’s dignity, and ensure that the protection of lives and land is never again sacrificed for profit,” Binnadang said.
In an earlier statement, Innabuyog regional spokesperson Imedla Tabiando linked corruption to the rise of “development aggression,” which suppresses indigenous communities’ resistance to large investment projects on their lands.
She cited cases where government agencies supposedly collude with mining and energy firms, frequently using bribery, intimidation, or coercion to secure consent.
“Women of the Cordillera affirm that the fight against corruption is inseparable from our struggle for justice, peace, and self-determination,” she said. “For the sake of our children, women, and our entire communities, systemic corruption and development aggression in our communities must end.”#nordis.net
