BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — Amidst the rise of modern technology and changing lifestyles, Mountain Province remains a stronghold of indigenous culture and tradition.
Barangay Tocucan in the municipality of Bontoc, exemplifies cultural resilience as it continues to uphold its rich cultural traditions.
One of the most sacred practices still observed today is the “Chaw-esh,” a traditional ritual where community members offer prayers and sacrifices to Kabunyan (the Supreme Being), asking for healing and protection.
For the people of Tocucan, the “Chaw-esh” is more than just a ceremony—it is a powerful reminder of their deep faith, unity, and respect for their ancestors.
During this ritual, elders lead the community in chanting, offering native chickens and pigs, and gong-beating, an age-old custom that has been passed down for generations.
In an interview with Erpidio Caracho, the indigenous representative of Barangay Tocucan, he explained that Chaw-esh is a traditional healing ritual performed when someone is ill and seeks recovery.
The family of the sick individual informs their Ka-ator (a group formed within an ator), or if they are not affiliated with any “ator” (traditional gathering place), they may still perform the Chaw-esh with their kafumaryan (relatives).
Once informed, the group gathers at the ator and proceeds to the mountain. There they grill the meat provided by the family traditionally known as “chawis.”
Before eating, an elder offers an “apag”, a prayer to the Anitos (spirits). After the meal, the elder calls out to the spirit of the sick person using their traditional name, summoning the spirit to return home.
As they make their way back, the group continues calling out the person’s name. When they reach the halfway point, they pause briefly.
Upon returning to the ili (barangay), they go directly to the ator, where a ritual is performed by an elder.
Afterwards, they proceed to the sick person’s house carrying the fen-ag (fayash or basi, a traditional alcoholic drink), which was left at the ator.
The elder then offers the fen-ag to the sick person to drink. If the person is too weak to drink, the elder rubs it onto the body. This act symbolizes the return of the person’s spirit.
Following this, the community performs gong-beating and an “ayyeng,” a chant in which the elders ask Kabunyan for healing, recounting their journey to retrieve the spirit.
After several rounds of gong-beating and ayyeng, they butcher a pig.
Before eating, an elder delivers a shafoshab, a prayer that includes a story, specifically chosen for the Chaw-esh ritual.
To show support, neighbors may join the Chaw-esh, bringing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
This communal participation reflects the unity and collective spirit of the community.
Barangay Captain Mariano Way-yas also emphasized the importance of preserving their cultural traditions.
He stated that in order for the culture to survive and not be forgotten, present and future generations must be educated about it.
Regardless of religion or career paths, people should remember and appreciate the cultural practices that shaped them.
By actively participating in these traditions, they help ensure that their heritage continues to thrive. (JDP/CGAS – PIA-CAR, Mountain Province)
