MANOLO FORTICH RECOGNIZES LUMAD MANOLEÑOS THROUGH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH CELEBRATION

Mga Katutubo at Katutubing Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan

FRIDAY — Manolo Fortich witnessed the gathering of its Indigenous People (IP) from the existing tribes of the municipality: Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig, as they came together to celebrate the culmination of Indigenous Peoples Month at the Municipal Gymnasium, Barangay Tankulan, on October 25, 2024.

The celebration, organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich through the Municipal Indigenous Peoples' Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Datu Alex D. Payangga, also commemorated the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) or Republic Act No. 8371, which recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities and Indigenous peoples in the Philippines.

In his speech during the program, Datu Payangga emphasized how IPRA can unite IPs despite their tribal differences. “Pinaagi sa IPRA, magtimbayayongay, magtinabangay, ug maghiusa kita alang sa kaugmaon sa atong mga kaigsoonan hilabina ang mga IP leaders ug community. Nagkalain-lain man ta og tribu, pero usa ra atong mga lumadnon nga buhat hilabina nga kita ang gitawag nga Indigenous People dinhi sa atong lungsod sa Manolo Fortich.”

Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño also extended his support, highlighting the LGU’s priority of providing education to IP children. He encouraged the IP members to form a cooperative for mutual benefit. “Ato gihatagan og priority ang edukasyon sa mga IP alang sa mga kabatan-onan lakip ang paghatag og suporta sa inyong mga kalihukan. Ipaabot sa ako, pinaagi kang Datu Payangga, kung unsa ang plano, o kung makahimo og cooperative, mas maayo kay atong suportahan. Mas nindot nga mahimo mong cooperative para ang tanan maka benepisyo.”

The celebration began with the Pamahandi ritual, led by the datu and bae of the different tribes, followed by a motorcade in the morning. Various performances of binukid songs and ethnic dances highlighted the festivities, along with traditional tribal sports games such as Duso, Bag-id, Galing hu Kamais, and Kag-asud hu Humay, which the IP members actively participated in.

Graciano Camahay, a 70-year-old performer from Barangay Guilang-guilang, shared his thoughts during an interview. He appreciated how the event emphasized the cultural roots of the IP communities. “Matawag nako nga maayo kaayo ni nga aktibidad tungod sa experience na iyang dala kanamo mga IP kay isa pud ani, mapahinumdom jud mi sa mga nalimtan na mga pamaagi ug buhat na karon mahatagan sila og importansya.”

The celebration was also graced by members of the Sangguniang Bayan, led by Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr. The event upheld the theme: “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan.”