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A strong sense of community:
A tribute to Lakay Alipio Pasiteng

The Bulalacao community huddled in a small space outside the family house, eyes fixed in a small TV screen set up some two feet above the ground. People’s organizations in Baguio City have prepared a 15-minute video tribute for Lakay Alipio “Alibcang” Pasiteng, a community elder, anti-mining activist, and a people’s martyr. Tonight, at least 1,000 individuals gathered to honor Ama Alibcang, as he is popularly called.

Expressions of joy and sorrow sweep the faces of the viewers as clips of Ama Alibcang speaking in community meetings and taking part in mass actions were flashed. In one clip, he is shown in an interview with the Probe Team on large-scale mining. A curtain of Mankayan clouds serves as the backdrop, with the afternoon sun filtering through. Speaking gently but firmly, he imparts a vision for the people of Mankayan. They watched the video several times, now and then smiling at the memories of the old man.

“Kas ama ti ili, simple laeng ti arapaap ko; sumardeng koman dayta dakkel a panagminas para iti masakbayan. Palalo ken sobra unayen ti panangundaway ken panangabuso ti negosyo ti Lepanto (Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company) a pagminasan ditoy ili mi a Mankayan ti unos ti nasurok a 66 a tawen”, he says.

Members of people’s organizations, like APIT TAKO (Alyansa Dagiti Pesante iti Taeng Kordilyera) and Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) revered Ama Alibcang during the tribute, recognizing his indispensable role in wielding unity and determination among Mankayan communities against large-scale mining and its devastating effects. Leaders from MAQUITACDEG (Mankayan, Quirino, Tadian, Cervantes Danggayan a Gunglo) and other Mankayan-based organizations recalled trying times against the mining giant Lepanto, when it tried to suppress the growing opposition by filing civil cases against Ama Alibcang and other community leaders. In the end of it all, the cases were dismissed one after the other. Community strength and unity prevailed.

A poem was read later in the evening, in honor still of the old man. In the family house, other community elders chanted the day-eng deep into the night, fending off sleep. Of his 34 grandchildren, the more able ones keep themselves busy with chores, serving coffee, cooking. A humble array of mountain flowers and personalized crepe blossoms were given to the family. Despite the chill, people simply kept coming, in sympathy with Ama Alibcang’s family, in memory of his contributions to the community, and in pursuance of his leadership.

He is survived by his wife Martina Caslangan and their 10 children—Berto, Corazon, Marlet, Paquito, Walter, Agosto, Marcelino, Sofia, Junio, and Carmen.

“As a father, he was firm, always guiding and teaching us children to do what is right”, recalls his son Walter.

“Ama was always convinced to run for office, but he refused for he always believed he can still serve his kakailyan without holding public office. And he did”, he proudly recalls.

As a grandfather, he loved, said his children during their testimonies, and his grandchildren attested to this, too.

Ama Alibcang, who had in him a strong sense of community has left behind tasks that we will continue, leaders of community organizations said during the tribute. With the kind of leadership Ama Alibcang exemplified, that sense of community is well and alive in Bulalacao. There are more who will take the path he trod upon. # Abi Taguba Bengwayan for NORDIS

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