A powerful Agta saying: Mountain restoration in the ancestral lands of Dumagat-Remontado youth in Sierra Madre

I am Kristel Quierrez, Boniknik is my Indigenous name, and I come from the Dumagat-Remontado Indigenous cultural community at the heart of the amazing mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre in the Philippines. 

I am often asked when I started protecting nature and our ancestral domain, and I always answer – when you come from an Indigenous community, serving comes naturally because it reflects your identity and your culture. But to understand more deeply, let me share this saying:

“Ako ay may bigas ay kalahating gatang; husto sa marami, sa iisa’y kulang.”

“I have a half cup of rice; enough for many, but insufficient for one.” 

I have been hearing this since I was a child; it is the first part of the song Puray, which talks about various beliefs of the Indigenous Dumagat-Remontado people, performed by both young women and men, accompanied by soft music. It is clear that this saying plays a significant role in reflecting our culture, guided by the teachings and wisdom of our elders and other leaders in the community.

This saying is also often used by parents as part of their advice to teach their children to value the food on the table or to tell stories about the importance of sharing.

When I started to become interested in learning about the activities of traditional leaders, particularly when they expressed that what they do is to save our communities for future generations, I realized that the mystical meaning of this saying is not just about singing, dancing, advising, storytelling and so on. 

Instead, this message of sharing and appreciation for what we have is at the center of our culture, our identity and the deep connection we have with nature.

“We are not selfish, and this saying proves it,” are the words I always hear from my community regarding this. They emphasize the importance of making decisions that do not negatively affect the agreed-upon outcomes. And here, I continue to be amazed, despite the complexities of situations within the community, internal and external issues, our people manage to make decisions without harming others, and I know that a great part of this wisdom comes from nature.

Undoubtedly, our ancestral land is rich in natural resources. The Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest mountain range in the Philippines, is the source of water that sustains many parts of the island of Luzon, where I live. Because of this, it has attracted the greed of capitalists known for offering fake solutions to social issues that are inhumane and environmentally harmful in the broader context, as they are only interested in making profits. There’s a history of illegal logging, mining at the mountain peaks, large dam constructions that will submerge towns and many other examples of destructive and extractive activities.

As a young Dumagat-Remontado, identifying myself as Agta, which means human, I feel the need to understand that we must take part in the changing environment. Along with this is the need to understand the important processes to protect our ancestral lands. 

In the midst of facing challenges to defend it, I’ve come to understand the meaning of the message in this saying that has become my foundation in standing up as a land defender. Sharing ideas is important, but the essence of Indigenous life must remain alive through sustainability and simplicity.

This saying is also connected to the belief that the role of Indigenous youth is important in passing on our culture; the children, as partners of the elders in rituals, are responsible for preparing necessary items like fire, incense, Almaciga tree resin used as a source of fire and others, as they have the purest hearts and are sincere in their feelings

The Lingguwehi, where nature is allowed to speak

Perhaps I should also share an important reason why mountain restoration is what I wish to contribute to the challenges we are facing today – the unique style of communication we call Lingguwehi. This is not like the alphabet of various languages with letters or words to clearly convey a message. Instead, we allow nature to speak.

For the Dumagat-Remontado people, every leaf has meaning. From creeping leaves, those that sprout from the ground as grass, cling to trees, or any other form, each carries a significance. And through them, the message you wish to convey—whether a warning, an important reminder, or announcements—can be delivered.

It is unique, amazing and magical. The connection between the Indigenous People and nature is truly felt. This also explains why, for us, everything that is part of nature is sacred.

However, currently, there is a fear that our language might disappear and become nothing more than colorful stories from elders and old books. And the loss of this would mean the loss of our appreciation for our identity, because for us, language is the heart of our identity.

Mountain restoration is the biggest step to fight for culture and territory

The Lingguwehi language and the first part of the Puray song are enough to explain our intricate traditions and customary laws. And I understand that these are on the brink of disappearing.

Together with UGBON, the first organization of Indigenous youth formed in the northern part of Quezon province protecting the Sierra Madre, we carefully studied what can be contributed to the ancestral lands we belong to. Since the members were chosen by the communities to share and learn with others, it was agreed to focus on and expand the mountain restoration efforts being carried out in each community using Indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous people are born alongside nature: forests, bodies of water and even the sacred meanings of every stone, hill, mountain and cave in our ancestral lands. Planting is natural and part of our daily lives, so this continuation of Indigenous knowledge is simply a more collective effort, showcasing the inspiration to love the Sierra Madre.

So, to the Indigenous trees like Balobo, Lam-ang, Ibano, Malaitmo, and many others – we want you to be symbols of the strengthening of the mark of our ancestral territories, and we will continue to value and protect you against destructive and unjust activities or projects. Because of you, we can ensure that future Indigenous youth and other people will continue to enjoy the richness of the mountains.

And by feeling the true meaning of this saying, I can confidently say that the Dumagat-Remontado culture will continue, even after many generations.