Uggayam to the Tingguians of abra
Authors: Pablo Geneva N. , Paredes Perfecto F. , Arizabal- Enriquez Alexis 
Published: July 2022

The study was conducted by recording Uggayam samples and collecting different information and views of some elderly Tingguians of Abra regarding how they looked or regarded and perceived one of the existing cultures of the Tinguian tribes of the province which is the Tingguian chant, usually called the Uggayam. It dealt with some themes like how people give meanings of Uggayam culture to their lives, the way it is sung or delivered, the language, the occasions when it is used, the way it is sung or delivered, the variations or differences on how it is done, its importance or values to the people and how is its preservation as a culture to the Tinguians as the Indigenous Peoples of Abra. The study, which is qualitative and descriptive, employed the interview method in the gathering of the data wherein the researchers interviewed the respondents but observed strictly the different protocols in against Covid 19. With much awareness, some were interviewed through their cellphone. As a result, it came out that the selected Tinguian respondents variedly defined the term Uggayam. They said that the Uggayam is sung by a chosen elder of the community. The Tingguians regard the Uggayam as a very special way that they used to express their sentiments and thoughts regarding their occasion, purpose, and reason. They very much valued the Uggayam as an unforgettable custom and a usual way to sing and express their emotions as well as thoughts but not performed by anyone since it is not easy to do. It is using a language that is well-chosen aptly according to the theme and occasion hence appearing/sounding as poems of the natives since time immemorial; and an old practice in delivering intentions and information regarding the occasion. In the delivery of the Uggayam, the Tingguian chant, elders, or leaders of the community are the ones who are usually chosen; not anybody can do and deliver the Uggayam. There are more males than females observed to have the ability to deliver this chant. However, it does not matter whether it is a male or a female who will perform the Uggayam if he/she can perform and deliver it well.The Tingguian chant according to the respondents said that during their younger ages, Uggayam was frequently heard and delivered every occasion like weddings, burials, festivals, bodongs, and other important Tinguian occasions. When compared to the present, its observance is less especially to the Tingguians who may be tagged as modernized due to their transfer to the more non-Tinguian populated municipalities in the lowlands. Moreover, the Uggayam or the native chant as claimed, when sang, varied according to the different occasions.  Its language use varies, its tone and selection of words hence comparable to songs, poems, and other literary pieces where emotions match with the lyrics or the messages of the Uggayam being delivered. The valuing or the esteem and regard for the Uggayam is still high, the only difference is the frequency is no longer utilized or performed as frequently as how it is used to be performed before. Respecting the Uggayam culture is respecting the practices and the ancestors who handed this tradition to the younger generations, the respondents claimed. The respondents (the chosen elders) wished that Uggayan will be preserved with the help of the whole community specifically the home, the school, and the church through its more frequent observance hence instilling into the younger generations, an appreciation of their cultural heritage.