Napiya un egaw tako losan! (Good morning to everyone!)

This is a blessed day for all of us the members of Cindewoll (Cordillera Indigenous Elected Womens’ Leaders League) because this is the first time we come face to face with the illustrious Don Emilio Yap and adopt him as son/brother of the Cordillera. It is indeed a privilege and honor.

Don Emilio Yap is a man in his 80’s but looks like he is in his sixties but I know he feels like he is in his 50’s with his vigor and stamina and public service. No wonder the heart and mind of Don Emilio Yap flow with magnanimity and love.

Today, we feel so proud that Don Emilio has accepted our invitation to be a son/brother of the Cordillerans, especially as a big brother to the women elected leaders.

The Cindewoll was organized in 1995. Members are women elected leaders trying to bring energy and value to public service. To date we have about 1,800 members from the provinces of Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, and the Cities of Tabuk and Baguio. Women who wants to make a difference not because we are elected women but because we want to give a new meaning to public service – that “Public service is a public trust.”

In the Cordillera, before, women were not accorded the same status as the men, as Pangat or leader but with Cindewoll, we can show that we can be like the men, strong, brave, honorable and ever ready to give service.

To date, we have the following priority programs: Livelihood programs for women constituents targeting indigenous practices and products and women entrepreneurship. We want our product to find a place in our markets.

To further formalize the adoption of Don Emilio Yap as son of the Cordillera. Don Emilio will be clothed with indigenous fabrics and bestowed with ethnic gear to symbolize his full acceptance and adoption as genuine Cordilleran.

The Pinagpagan, an ethnic blanket for the kadangyans or those who bear royal blood. It is intricately designed and bears the eye design, the number of which is indicative of the number of pigs to be butchered in rituals for the bearer. The many eye designs in this blanket also means for good fortune to come to the bearer. Don Emilio has already built a fortune for himself, his family, and employees.

This blanket shall allow him to maintain that fortune and gain more.

The Wanes, a clothing that symbolizes richness of the wearer through its color and brightness. By sharing his fortune with the needy, Don Emilio shines above anybody else. He has exuded brilliance in his management of Manila Bulletin, Manila Hotel, and other properties.

The Spear spells security, a weapon that will drive away harm and misfortunes. This spear will spare him from any evil plans laid against him by envious people.

The Kalasag or shield which symbolizes protection in all his activities and travels.

The Head Gear is an accessory that emphasizes boldness and manhood

The Necklace was worn by warriors in the olden days. It reflects the bravery of the wearer in fighting enemies.

Our brothers and sisters in CAR will know of this momentous event so that whenever he travels anywhere in the Cordillera, he will be treated as a beloved son and a brother receiving the extraordinary hospitality that Cordillerans reserve for distinguished leaders and guest.

Cordillerans are proud of their unique culture and rich heritage. We are able to preserve and enrich this culture by not submitting to foreign invaders during World War I and II. The geographical terrain of the mountain ranges also serve as the warriors shield, hence, the Cordilleran bravery is legendary.

Anybody who is sneers at our culture, customs, and traditions, they will receive the wrath of the Cordillerans. We cannot forget actress Candy Pangilinan who was declared persona non grata after she said that “Igorots are not Filipinos.” We are very proud of our cultures and we are Filipinos.

We are also known for our love for our environment. For us land and environment is life. That is why we indigenous women leaders take this advocacy very seriously.

We then expect Don Emilio Yap named Pitapit to take pride in our culture and we are very proud to have him as our beloved son. As a philanthropist who has exuded genuine concern for the plight of the poor, he has severally exchanged birthday parties for charity. His name was taken from the name of the first Igorot doctor in Mountain Province with impeccable track record in public service. It is our prayer that Don Emilio “Pitapit” Yap will continue to extend his benevolence to his unfortunate brothers and sisters in the Cordilleras, especially in the women sector who bear the brunt of rural poverty.

Likewise, we pray that “Pitapit” will have a long life and greater properity for the glory of the Cordillera.
Together with brother Sen. Miguel Zubiri – Ducayag, brother Sec. Gilbert Teodoro – Salucon, and Sis Loren Legarda – Tokwifi, we the members of the Cindewoll other Cordillerans welcome you to the family. Mabuhay! Matatago tako Losan! God Bless us all! Good afternoon.