ABS-CBN, CHED, Indigenous Peoples agree on use of ‘Bagani’

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commissioner Ronald Adamat, House of Representatives Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples chairperson Rep. Nancy Catamco, and leaders of the Indigenous Peoples had a dialogue witnessed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) last Saturday, March 10, on the use of “Bagani” as the title of the network’s new fantasy series.

All parties had the opportunity to discuss and explain their positions on the issues raised on the program. After hearing all sides, all parties have come to an understanding that the use of “Bagani” is in good faith. In continuing the use of “Bagani” for the teleserye, all have agreed to be partners in further educating the Filipino audience about Filipino culture and its roots from Indigenous Peoples (IP).

There are real Baganis among Indigenous Peoples. They are the IPs’ warriors who protect entire communities and ancestral domains from external threats and armed intrusions. They are looked up to by IPs as armed vanguards willing to die for communities to thrive and live in peace. They are among the inspirations used by ABS-CBN in coming up with the fantasy series titled “Bagani.”

Since it began airing on March 5, ABS-CBN has been showing a disclaimer before the airing of the program, emphasizing that the story is purely fictitious, taking inspiration from elements of Filipino mythology and folklore, and does not represent or pertain to any IP in the country.

According to ABS-CBN, the show would like to reiterate that it recognizes the importance of the Bagani to Filipinos’ IP culture and history and never intended to malign or disrespect their beliefs. 

“Bagani” stars Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Matteo Guidicelli, Sofia Andres, and Makisig Morales.