Why Some Igorots Don't Like Being Called Igorots

It's common knowledge by now that some Igorots don't want to be referred to as Igorots. They find the term inappropriate or derogatory. Their reasoning is that it's a name given to them by the Spaniards who were opressors of their ancestors.

Some of them would say they prefer being called Cordilleran instead of Igorot. But if you look into the word "cordilleran", it means the same thing as Igorot.

The Spaniards used the word "igorotte" to refer to "people of the mountains". 

"Cordillera" is the Spanish word for mountain range. That said, "Cordilleran" means mountain-dweller. 

In conclusion, Igorot and Cordilleran mean the same thing. And both terms are remnants from the Spanish occupation. 

#cordillerahistory