Gordon's racial slur against Igorots, whom he described as "beggars."

"YOU KNOW WHERE THE IGOROTS ARE? THEY ARE NOW GOING DOWN LIKE THE AETAS TO MAKE PALIMOS BECAUSE BAGUIO IS ALREADY DETERIORATED." SEN.DICK GORDON

It was unfortunate that Igorots were being likened to beggars when most of them are actually learned and professionals who are gainfully employed locally and overseas. Yes it is true that many of them have gone down to the lowlands not to make PALIMOS but because they bought pieces of property, which they are now tilling.

There are still many Filipinos like Gordon who are unaware that true Igorots are universally admired for their stewardship of the earth. Respected in many countries where they work because of their industry and perseverance. They are humble. They live simple lives because they choose to.

And definitely, making "palimos" is not part of their culture.

There are Igorots who make palimos, we hate to admit it, but we never condoned it. We don't promote it nor make it our main source of income. Perhaps there is only 1% or less of the entire Igorot people do that. Baka mas narami pang beggars sa other ethnolinguistic groups.

It's insulting to be accused of something we're not. It's similar to that undying theory saying "Igorots have tails."

It hurts to be called something we always strive to never be. IGOROTS are the most independent people of this beautiful nation. Never forget we were unconquered during the Spanish colonization.(Look at our indigenous surnames. Patunay na kami ay hindi sumaludo sa mga banyagang sumakop sa bansa. Hindi katulad mong hilaw). Our ancestors toiled hard everyday and learned to never depend much on the government for anything. Until now, we strive to depend on ourselves first then help each other second, whether the government helps or not.

youtu.be/MwdOW2YEIsQ

www.manilatimes.net/2019/05/09/news/regions/gordons-racial-slur-vs-igorots-slammed/551517

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