The indigenous communities have traditional systems of imposing sanctions on those implicated in forests fires, as a way of preserving these forests, which are considered part of their ancestral domain. If a villager caused the fire, intentionally or otherwise, he will be summoned by the elders to explain in one dap-ay session,

Dap-ay is an indigenous socio-political system where elders lead the discussion of community affairs. The elders decide on the sanction, usually a fine, levied on the culprit, he said. The punishment ranges from exacting a fine (usually, one pig) and other consequential performance of community service. In Ankileng village, Sagada, the culprit is required to pay with one ogo (a mother pig that has given birth at least twice).

In the eastern Sagada barangay of Antadao, the fine is one pig. In nearby barangay Kilong, still in Eastern Sagada, the fine of the culprit is an eteng or piglet, A piglet is also the fine for any member of a community who cut trees with which to make lumber, from their forests. The system is effective. It is done through the communities' initiative and with their collective efforts. The fine will be used in a ritual called apoy. The community will declare ubaya (or tengaw in eastern Sagada) where the community members cannot leave during the duration of the ubaya. The lalakay in the dap-ay will perform the apoy ritual and pray to their god Kabunian and their ancestors' spirits, who may have been affected by the fire, to pardon the culprit and finally to protect the community from harm.

The fine or other sanctions imposed by the community through the dap-ay is considered grave so that the culprit will not repeat his act. The elders reiterated that these indigenous practices should continue as it is participatory in nature, just and implementable as part of their traditional practice and community life. It is their contribution to sustainable environment protection.

Credits to Cordillera Indigenous Knowledge on Agriculture, Forestry and Biodiversity
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