THERE is now an organized Cordilleran group in Germany which overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can turn to. This is the Cordillera Germany which was formed recently.
The group had its first General Assembly in Frankfurt, Germany and election of officers highlighted by socialization, playing of the gongs, and promotion of Igorot culture through the different Indigenous dances such as the tayaw dance.
The more than 50 Cordillerans based in the country and attended the event also celebrated the social occasion by dancing to the beat of the popular Kalinga song “Sisiwit.”
An officer of the group Clint Bangwa who traces his roots in Sabangan, Mountain Province and has been working in Germany for four years now said that as a member of the Igorot Community, he is pleased to witness the establishment of a Cordilleran group in Germany.
“To all our kakailians who are here in Germany and to those who will come here, you are all welcome to join our group. One of the aims of the organization is to create a venue of socialization,” Bangwa said.
The creation of Cordillera Germany is an offshoot of a meeting of the Cordillerans held in Berlin last September 2019.
The plan to create a group started when Noribhel Paca, a native of Bangao, Buguias and working as a nurse there was featured in Damag Pinoy Abroad segment of the “Kangrunaan a Damag” newscast of People’s Television Cordillera.
In the said feature she shared her experience being away from home and the need to have an organized group for Cordillerans where they can turn to in times of challenges and an organization that will lead them in continuing their culture and tradition there.
Congratulations to the Cordillera Germany! May you continue to play a significant role to the lives of the Igorot Community in Germany.
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