Baguilat frowns on pageant’s ‘misuse’ of traditional ‘bahag’, asks for due diligence

Former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. was dismayed by the Man of the World pageant’s misuse of the traditional “bahag” or the loincloth worn by indigenous people.

The former senatorial candidate, who advocates for indigenous rights, called out the male pageant for the “wrong use” of the traditional attire of the IPs.

“Ginawang (It was made use as a) sex toy,” he said in a Twitter post accompanied by the hashtag #MisrepresentationOfIPCulture.

He even shared his old photo of wearing the bahag almost two decades ago when he was younger and “lighter.”

“Talo sana kayo kung kinareer ko lang (You’ve lost if I only made it a career),” the former lawmaker added.

Turning serious, Baguilat reminded the organizer and the contestants of exercising “due diligence” on the proper use of the traditional bahag during the pageant.

“Seriously, due diligence lang. Especially in portraying IKSP (Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices) and IP culture by non-IPs,” he wrote in a separate tweet.

Baguilat, who ran for senator but lost in the last month’s elections, wore bahag as part of the IPs of Ifugao province during the campaign period.

READ: Senate bet Baguilat wears ‘bahag’ in Naga rally to highlight his platform

He came to the campaign rallies of Vice President Leni Robredo’s slate around the country to push for honest governance.

Baguilat took to task the Man of the World Pageant after the male contestants were photographed wearing the bahag to resemble modern underwear.

Indigenous rights group Takder earlier called out the pageant’s bahag competition, saying it was "done in bad taste," and wanted the organizers to apologize and correct the "cultural appropriation."