2 MIN READ

By KIMBERLIE QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — A guest performer’s “misogynistic” remarks during the Ibaloy Day celebration meant to honor culture and unity have instead drawn sharp rebuke and a call for accountability from women’s groups and city officials.

During the February 23 Ibaloy Day festivities, guest performer Romeo “Romy” Ogong joked about his physical appearance and “offered to distribute his sperm” to interested audience members. He also mentioned in vitro fertilization in a casual, humorous way — remarks that some laughed at but others said were unprofessional and undermined women’s dignity.

In a statement, women’s group Innabuyog-Gabriela condemned the “blatant expressions of feudal, misogynistic, and patriarchal thinking” that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women. “That these words were expressed during a major celebration meant to honor culture and unity makes the offense even graver.”

Innabuyog-Gabriela stressed that public events must not treat sexism as entertainment, especially in gatherings meant to celebrate community pride and cultural dignity.

The group called for a public apology from Ogong, echoing a similar demand from Baguio Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, who took “very strong offense” to the remarks, describing them as trivializing women’s roles and values.

“Saying this in a festival which celebrates the Ibaloi culture insults not only the women, but even the men,” the councilor said. She clarified that the issue is not about the performer’s origin but about gender sensitivity and respect. 

Tabanda said the performer owes women a public apology and warned that failure to do so may lead to efforts to declare him persona non grata in the city, a move that Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Maximo H. Edwin has formally requested of the city council.

Edwin’s proposed resolution said Ogong’s behavior was not only culturally insensitive but also disregarded the event’s significance.

Ibaloy Day commemorates culture and the continuing pursuit of ancestral land rights, rooted in the February 23, 1909, Cariño v. Insular Government US Supreme Court ruling, which recognized Mateo Cariño’s claim under Native Title. The celebration honors both their heritage and the historic assertion of Indigenous ownership and self-determination.

The organizers of the event, Onjon ni Ivadoy, Inc., acknowledged the concerns raised by community members. It apologized to those offended, emphasizing that Ibaloy Day is founded on respect, dignity, and onjon (unity), and that any expression that caused discomfort was not the organizers’ intention.

The organization said it has reached out through the performer’s official page to request a statement or apology and committed to strengthening guidelines and coordination to ensure future celebrations uphold Ibaloy cultural values.

In a statement, Ogong said he and his counsel met with members of the city council and “committed to a positive and respectful resolution” of the issue.# nordis.net