BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) – Amidst the series of forest fires, and the effects of the El Nino phenomenon in the municipality, the local officials of Bontoc decided to blend culture with modern science hoping for a positive outcome.

The 29 forest fires that have happened in the different barangays of Bontoc since January this year, coupled with the decrease in the volume of water in water sources due to El Nino, prompted Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong to consult with the elders and barangay officials on possible traditional solutions.

As concerned government offices, and other stakeholders do what they are supposed to do to respond to the problems, a rain-calling ritual called "Manerwap" will be performed.

This ritual is being practiced by the Bontoc people during periods of drought to invoke rainfall.  

As shared by the elders, Manerwap involves a journey to sacred locations on the mountains, to pray to Lumawig (God), offer wine and tobacco to ancestors, and play the gongs.

Doing the Manerwap is no easy act as continuous gong playing and several other rituals in between are done until the rain falls.

From playing the gongs up the mountain, and walking back down to do more gong playing, to performing rituals of butchering livestock to offer to Lumawig is truly a symbol of strength.

This ritual also symbolizes unity, and a deep connection to their ancestral and natural surroundings. It showcases the community’s resilience and their belief in the spiritual forces that influence their environment for the betterment of their community.

The Bontoc Ili community was chosen to perform the Manerwap.

The people of Bontoc are hopeful that just like the manerwap in the past, the rains will fall soon to drench the forest fires, and alleviate drought.

Meanwhile, Tudlong mentioned some new initiatives of the local government to support the ongoing efforts to combat forest fires. These include the recruitment of trained personnel as "Bantay Gubat" to augment the firefighting efforts, and the allocation of additional funding for the procurement and installation of fire hydrants in the barangays.(JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)