These are all meant to call Kabunyan (Almighty God) and the spirits for guidance and protection, for peace and progress of the IPs and for fertile ancestral domain.
In general, tongyab is a ritual performed before doing something or celebrations including life events. It is done by offering food, wine or butchering animal which kind and size depends on the occasion.
Sissiwa is the local term for prayer before “Kabunyan” asking him and the spirits for blessings and miracles. Example is invoking for food abundance (tagi-losak) and for whatever is being prepared.
Posik is usually done when eating on midway during travel or on streams after a catch from hunting. A small amount of rice or a slice of meat is shared to spirits of the waters and mountains and who are believed owners and protectors of wild animals.
Hunters strictly offer posik to mountain and water spirits after catching wild. They cook meat of their catch on fire, put it on tree leaves and offer it before eating. Posik can be hanged, place on a lot corner or depending on the location of the affair.
In the Mangali practice, they call also the wine offered during wake the Tongyab. iPosik nuyan (Do Posik first) before eating. Sissiwaom yan (say a prayer first).
Since the IP Month is a significant event, a carabao was butchered for the Tongyab, Posik and Sissiwa in one ritual aimed at preserving the culture and maintaining co-existence with Kabunyan, nature, all that crawls the earth and spirits of ancestors.
Among Kalinga IPs, sacrificing animals through rituals is the medium of talking with Kabunyan and establishing harmonious relationship with spirits.
An IP elder was called to perform the “Sissiwa”. The message expressed by the IP elder was that, in everything we do we must recognize first God, thank Him and ask for His blessing and protection. He also asked Kabunyan’s help for the realization of regional autonomy.
Earlier, Governor Ferdinand Tubban led the wreath laying ceremony in honor of the departed Kalinga leaders. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
By Peter A. Balocnit