Pinikpikan

Speaking of horribly-killed chicken, here's my story on pinikpikan:

A single word can spell the difference for the pinikpikan industry here that is why local politicians said they need more consultation with their village elders here regarding the implementing rules of the animal welfare act which is set to be approved next month.

The word is "immediate" as in to "ensure immediate death of the animal at the shortest possible time is likewise acceptable" in the implementing rules and regulations regarding ritual animals for indigenous peoples.

Pinikpikan means the beating a chicken to death with a stick and then singeing its feathers. It is the favorite way of serving chicken not only among the IPs here but also the lowlanders.

That is why this tasty dish is also known as "killing me softly" because of the way it is prepared. The coagulated blood adds flavor to the stew.

Benguet Vice Gov. Cresencio Pacalso during the consultation on ritual animals here said they will still consult their village elders about pinikpikan.

Pinikpikan sacrifice is integral in Cordillera ritual life because the chicken is used to appease spirits and the slow squawk of the fowl, particularly a rooster, is needed to call attention to the spirits.

But the proposed passage in the rules and regulations in the implementation of Sec. 6 (regarding the use of animals during rituals of an established religion or sect or by tribal or ethic customs of indigenous cultural communities) of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 stated that "all animals used as part of a religious ritual or ritual required by a tribal custom shall be sacrificed only by using humane procedures or methods that would ensure immediate death of the animal. The animal should not be exposed to unnecessary pain or distress before or during the ritual."

Another controversial passage in the IRR specifically called for the prohibition on the "use of painful procedures like burning while alive, whipping, beating, tail twisting, breaking of shoulder or neck bones, putting pressure on eyes, ears or external genitalia to control the animal or as means to kill the same."

Melchor Alipio, country representative of UK-based Network for Animals, said that pinikpikan may still be allowed for ritual purposes as long as the one beating the chicken would not sadistically prolong it.

One suggestion given during the forum here called for severing the spinal system of the chicken to paralyze it but others said the squawk is important to the ritual.

All ritual slaughters would have to be coordinated to the punong barangay or village chief before or after the event, the IRR said.

But passing by the streets her or even in Baguio showed that pinikpikan is a flourishing industry here.

Broiler culls or layers past their prime and bought from egg farms in Bulacan and nearby provinces are preferred because they are considered tastier for pinikpikan.

In some restaurants here, the chicken feather is no longer singed through a slow fire but through a blowtorch.