How to wear a bahag properly

The indigenous garment bahag should be worn according to tradition and culture.

On Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report Thursday, indigenous peoples focal person Gary Donggayao said the cloth should be long at the front and not folded on the sides as it covered the wearer’s private parts. At the back, meanwhile, it could be tied up and styled depending on the user.

Though the bahag isn’t used as frequently anymore, Kuya Kim said it was still worn by indigenous peoples during special occasions such as fiestas, birthdays, or weddings.

Meanwhile, tribes may be identified through their bahag, which features designs that are unique to them. In Bontoc, for instance, their bahag has geometric shapes that symbolize things they see around them.

Recently, the Man of the World pageant came under fire as indigenous rights groups complained that the traditional Igorot clothing was not worn properly by the contestants.

“That’s a very good platform sana. Nagkaroon ng controversy dahil do’n sa pag-fold ng bahag,” said National Commission on Indigenous Peoples–Cordillera Administrative Region director Atanacio D. Addog.

According to Man of the World president Carlo Galang, they just wanted to “showcase Cordillera” and the use of the bahag “entails knowledge.”

The organization’s chair Jennylyn Floresca said they ensured everything was in order before the event, which included getting clearance and educating themselves.

“Meron kaming clearance from the NCIP na pwede namin gamitin ang different bahags before we stage this event,” she said.

“Kumuha tayo ng consultant natin endorsed by the Department of Tourism. Na-educate na kami kung papaano ang tamang pagsuot.”

Pageant consultant Dr. Maria Catbagan-Aplaten also said she gave the organizer a copy of her book, which tackled the right way to wear a bahag “in our contemporary time.”

Still, Catbagan-Aplaten apologized over the issue. “Nagsusumamo po ako sa inyong lahat. We apologize. It’s a continuous learning and culture is dynamic.”

The pageant organizers said they would hold a discourse with NCIP so “they can raise all their questions on the right platform.”

Addog said their elders would participate and decide what the “appropriate sanctions” would be if proven that a violation over the tradition was committed during the pageant. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News