Lakay Billy, Defender of the Indigenous People

Our podcast story today, Lakay Billy, Defender of Indigenous People, is part of the Modern Hero Stories, a series of stories under Sandaang Salaysay about the lives of great and honorable Filipinos. This story is about William Funa-ay Claver, also known as Lakay Billy, protector of the human rights of indigenous people of the Cordillera region, written by Luz B. Maranan and read by Skilty Labastilla.

Listen to the episode on Spotify.

Learning Guide
Prepared by Ricardo G. Abad, Ph.D. and Ivy Baggao.

Heroes are not always “big people” who are endowed with power, possessions, or popularity. They are also “small people” who lead ordinary and unspectacular lives. Big or small, they are people who light the way forward for others. What sets heroes apart is the way they shine that light against overwhelming odds, sometimes to risk life and limb, and for a cause infinitely greater than themselves. Heroes inspire us to be good and do good deeds--to become heroes ourselves.

1. Who are the people that served as Lakay Billy’s "heroes?"

2. How did Lakay Billy’s heroes help in their journey to success?

3. In what way is Lakay Billy a hero? What aspects of their life make them a hero?

4. Who in your life is a hero? What makes this person a hero to you?

5. How does one become a hero? Can we choose to become a hero? Or does one become a hero only by accident?

Source: Lakay Billy, Defender of Indigenous People. Luz B. Maranan. The Bookmark, Inc. 2018.

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Stay tuned for the other stories in this podcast series!