Timek ti Umili (Voice of the People) is an 18-month project that empowers the vulnerable sector of indigenous youth in the Cordillera region, Philippines. It explores using modern technologies and approaches such as social media and citizen journalism to preserve traditional knowledge and ways of life and at the same time advocate for indigenous youth experiences.

It is the adaptability and resourcefulness of the youth that continues to surprise even us. Since the start of our project with VOICE in 2018 we did not think that a pandemic would hit our country and ultimately affect our lives and work. The worsening political climate also proved a hurdle to overcome – CEGP-CYC

Timek ti Umili or Voice of the People indeed gathered the voice of indigenous youth. While the implementation experienced challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it also served as an opportunity for them to explore other technologies and approaches to amplify indigenous youth stories and rights. They were able to transition to a digital approach but prior to that, they held their research and production of “Kasasaad ti Agtutubo: Cordillera Youth Situation and Challenges”. The research was a very helpful output not just for CEGP – Cordillera (CEGP)  but also to the Cordillera youth at large. It can be used as reference material for various discussions and further research. Kasasaad ti Agtutubo, Cordillera Youth Situation and Challenges

Although some of the planned activities were put on hold due to the pandemic, there are reasons to celebrate throughout the project. CEGP got to reestablish their contacts in school publications, strengthened their organisation and shared skills to budding writers through journalism skills training and socio-political discussions, gathering and production of various materials online and in print as the core of our project – amplifying the voices from the margins. A network of high school student-writers and community journalists was initially established in Baguio and Benguet areas. 

Moreover, CEGP was able to flexibly adapt to the pandemic situation through the redesign of the project. They were successful in creating a social media presence on Facebook through human interest stories and articles that feature students and youth in the communities. They highlighted issues and concerns they are facing such as K-12 education, rising tuition fees, environmental plunder, and cultural exploitation. They also published their very first newsletter and zine featuring works of students in Baguio City. 

 More than their social media presence, this endeavour further validated their conviction in empowering the indigenous youth in making their issues heard by their right audience all the while, addressing their problems with proper venues for resolutions. CEGP’s reach in social media means nothing if we did not reach the actual youth and students in their own schools and communities, understood their situation and concerns, and catered to what skills and learning they need to further their agenda. The organisation met new faces and stepped into new soil we haven’t been to before. The whole experience really invigorated the progressive spirit of their student volunteers who were more than willing to travel to reach their fellow youth in other places. 

Newsletter

The production of the first issue of the “Cordillera Guilder” is a breakthrough for CEGP. It has reflected the initial results of the training and networking CEGP has been doing for the past months. 

Young artists contributed to the production of the QuaranZine. A total of 23 artworks — visual and written — were collated.  

Selected stories TIMEK TI UMILI (Selected stories from March-Aug 2020)

Part of our continuing work with youth and community journalists is the concrete output of the training we conduct. Amplifying the stories and narratives from the ground and from youth and indigenous perspectives! 

Right now we are still facing the pandemic and this has greatly constricted our mobility and limited our physical audience in Baguio City. We can still rely on Facebook and other social media to reach out to the communities in the Cordilleras. We are exploring webinars and online meetings to provide training and consultations for the youth. We plan to revisit the student publications in other provinces and communities we previously reached once physical classes and provincial travel is made possible. 

Hopefully, when the situations are more favourable, CEGP will be able to convene to elect their executive committee as well as to other provincial chapters. 

We shall overcome, move forward and do better as we have learned a lot through the course of this project. Moreso, the seeds we have planted as we implement the project will serve as the Guild’s backbone to carry on and achieve even greater heights! –CEGP – Cordillera Chapter