Summary of the 11th ICBE Conference

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11th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference 

May 18-20, 2023

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

MABIKAs Foundation - The Netherlands ushered in the decade by hosting the 11th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on May 18-20, 2023. The theme was, “Bridging the Gaps: Exploring the Government Programs for OFWs and Perspectives on Cordillera Autonomy.”  

At the height of the conference, which was the Cultural Night, there were around 100 participants -- both young and old. They came from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

The organizations represented were: BIBAK Switzerland, BIBAAK Cordillera Barcelona, Cordillera Community in Belgium (Cordi-Bel), Cordillera Germany Organization (CGO),  Ifugao UK, Igorot Czech Republic Community,

Igorot in France Association (IFA), Igorot Organization in Austria, MABIKAs Foundation- The Netherlands (MABIKAs), Rambak Austria, Solibao NRW (North Rhine Westphalia), Germany [Solibao] and Igorot UK Charity.

The program on the first evening, May 18, was “Getting to Know You.” With Yvonne Kay-an Belen, coordinator of the 11th ICBE Conference, as Emcee, the program opened with welcome remarks by Myra Colis, founding member and chairperson of MABIKAs Foundation. This was followed by a Bad’iw by Gil Tiban Catimo, past president of BIBAAK Cordillera Barcelona. The attendees introduced themselves and some were so enthusiastic that their two-minute introduction became five minutes. Marjorie Akistoy gave an update on the 14th Igorot International Consultation to be held in Auckland, New Zealand on January 27-29, 2024. Hosted by the Organization of Cordillerans in New Zealand (OCNZ), the theme is, “Igorot Diaspora: Celebrations and Connectivity in a Changing World.”   

On May 19, some participants went to Marken, Simonehoeve (a cheese and clog store) and to Zaanse Schans. At the last place, they spent three hours going around the site – visiting the cheese and clog factory, walking and going into the windmills and having a one-hour ride along the river Zaan. Of course, photos were being taken here and there.  

The Emcee for the program on the morning of May 20 was Christina T. Moncado of MABIKAs Foundation. As the resource speaker, Atty Cheryl Daytec-Yangot, Head of the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Geneva, Switzerland delivered her talk on “Perspectives on Cordillera Autonomy.”  

In charge of the afternoon program was Renijune Abaya of MABIKAs Foundation. There were cultural workshops on dances of Benguet, Abra, Ifugao and Mountain Province. Most participants enthusiastically joined the workshops. 

Myra Colis and Manny Mones, member of BIBAAK Cordillera Barcelona, were the Emcees for the Cultural Night. Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Eduardo J. Malaya gave an inspirational message. Prior to his talk, Henry Foken delivered an Oggayam. And before the cultural performances, Yvonne Kay-an Belen read the Acknowledgments. Though quite long, she made sure that everyone who made the conference a success, was mentioned. There were cultural performances consisting of songs and dances like Lablabaan of Abra, Ifugao dance and Bendian of Benguet. Community dances followed like Ballangbang of Mountain Province. Winners of the 11th ICBE raffle draw fundraising initiative were also drawn that evening, including 10 consolation prize winners drawn by the youth/children (2nd generation), and three grand prizes drawn by  Ambassador Eduardo J. Malaya. He surprised MABIKAs Foundation with a plaque of commendation from the Philippine Embassy in The Hague to MABIKAs for the organization's support and solidarity with the Embassy's programs and initiatives as well as for hosting the 11th ICBE Conference. Earlier, Cordi-Bel, through Ric Cuyob, mentioned their community’s willingness to host the 12th ICBE Conference in Belgium in 2025. So, with the ICBE logo, the MABIKAs Foundation Board headed by Myra Colis and the constituents, turned over the hosting of the next conference to members of Cordi-Bel. The formal program ended with Glenn Yamoyam, president of BIBAAK Cordillera Barcelona, giving the closing chant. What followed were  community dancing and forming a circle to bid each other goodbye until the hall had to be closed. It was a sad moment to say goodbye. However, everyone was happy with the thought that they will meet again in Belgium in 2025. 

MESSAGES for MABIKAs Foundation

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11th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference 

May 18-20, 2023

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

MESSAGES for MABIKAs Foundation

From Honeyleen Lucero-Meyer

Thank you moreover for the very warm welcome that you have shown towards all the participants.

From Henry Foken

I’m so happy the MABIKAs held this 11th ICBE conference and thanks God, He gave us the chance to come. 

Thank you to Emy and Martijn for their hospitality.




From Glenn Palangdan Yamoyam

Thank you so much, we have a lot of good things happening in every activity and schedule. 








From Susan Kilakil

Thank you very much to all of you in MABIKAS, talaga ay mabikaskayo. (you are really industrious.) 



From Herminia Teh-op, Conchita Linobhut, Marissa Teh-op

As early as February we were able to receive the confirmation of our accommodation from Renijune Abaya so we were lucky for that. 

Thanks to Manang Yvonne for her dedication in emailing us all the information in advance.




From Marilyn Velasco Magoo

Thank you and MABIKAS for hosting this year’s conference! It was a pleasure meeting you all!








From Marjorie Akistoy

Last but not least, thank you Mabikas Foundation for a job well done!





  From Annie Hruska

Congratulations MABIKAS Amsterdam and ICBE.
Thank you Myra, Mng. Yvonne and your team for organizing the conference.

Thank you to our host family.




From Claire Bucher

It‘s way beyond being generous and caring ti panangsabat and panang-itulud ni manang Christine kinyami! Salasalamat launay. (for Manang Christine to meet and accompany us. Thank you very much.)  

Karen‘s accommodation was very accessible, comfortable and it felt like we‘re home. Thank you so much ading (little sister) for having us. 

Thank you so much manang Yvonne for your energy, effort, time and care. You are the spirit of the Igorots in EU! What an inspiration you are! 




From Lydia Soliba

I also wish to thank Zeny Loy-odan for the accommodation on May 20. Also to my cousin, Yvonne, for fetching me at the Amsterdam Central station and for seeing me  off for Bonn. Thank you for your effort and for the short time I was with you, Manong Cesar and your family.

Thank you to MABIKAs Foundation for bringing us participants together for the 11th ICBE Conference, May 18-20, 2023. 

I also say Muchas Gracias to MABIKAS Foundation, The Netherlands, for hosting the 11th ICBE Conference this year! . . Mabuhay! . . Matago-tago tako! 



From Sr. Josephine Corpuz 

Many thanks to the organizers of this 11th ICBE conference/gathering and thank you for inviting me to join. Thanks  to the food committee, program committee, the ICBE pioneers, the MABIKAs officers. Special thanks to Sir/Pastor Cesar Taguba, our energetic, courageous and  hardworking leader. Our big brother and father to us all. Thanks also to Ms.Cristina Moncado who welcomed and  accommodated us.  We slept over in her house right after the cultural night and the next day she toured us around Amsterdam before we left for home.

— END —

COMMENTS on other parts of the conference or SUGGESTIONS for future conference

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11th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference 

May 18-20, 2023

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

COMMENTS on other parts of the conference or SUGGESTIONS

for future conference

All of us are living in Europe and we know how important time is so maybe it is high time to learn punctuality!

An Award for the biggest number of  participants :)

  • Honeyleen Lucero-Meyer

Thanks again for the invitation. Mayat koma no addati (It is good if there is a) Dancing Workshop. To learn Igorot dance for those like me who left our town early. Thank you.

  • Christeta Aliping-kuca

It would be great if there is a Facebook Group to connect with everyone and share photos, videos and future activities. Unlike a Facebook page, in a Group all members can post.

  • Marilyn Velasco Magoo

I suggest that we should sing the Cordillera Hymn better for the next ICBE Conference. 

- Annie Hruska

 

 The Cultural Night is the heart of the conference! It is "Everybody's Darling'' and so the three hours allotted was really too short! I wish it was a little bit longer!   

- Lydia Soliba 

Quick daily introductions for those who were not present in the days before.

Longer gangsa (gong) time and if possible, in Igorot attire.

- Julia Geston 

The cultural night was very good as well as the workshop but it would have been better if the dancing part was given more time so we could learn more about others’ dance as we all felt it was too short but nevertheless truly enjoyable. Many many thanks to all!

- Sr. Josephine Corpuz 

 

The technical aspects, such as the projector and microphone, could be improved for next time. Perhaps consider using cordless microphones for the speakers, allowing them to freely walk and express themselves through actions as well. 

The food could be improved. While everything was delicious, we had very few traditional delicacies available. It would be great to include more of our traditional dishes in the next ICBE Conference. 

- Kirsty Zachoval 

More prizes kuma for the raffle. 

- Espie Beniyat (Igorot Czech Republic Community)

I hope that the medium for introduction during the first day of the conference was English. Kenneth was intently listening to all the speakers but most of them were speaking in Ilocano. If we wanted to invite more people aside from Igorots, we must also be sensitive enough to include them in the group. Well, I asked twice if everyone can speak English but I think they misheard me. I don't want to go to the conference and become a translator 

Also, a Facebook group should be created for easier communication and information dissemination. 

- Amy Balbawang (Cordi-Bel) 

–END –

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