"I uninstalled all of my social media applications in my phone. Period." Gladly, nobody asked me why I did so, but one of the things why I decided to disconnect from the Internet because I was lonely about the plight of the indigenous people (lumads) in Cebu City. This blog is not about the injustices they received but my journey which brings out my passion to these people.
A Three-Man Team in Bagobo Klata Tribe
My first exposure with the lumads was a community immersion my friends and I did in Davao last 2015. It was at the peak of bombings in different mountainous areas in Mindanao because of the rising friction between the NPA's and the government which unfortunately displaced these people. We were supposed to be engaging with the Manobo tribes but later on advised in a different tribe since the former area became a hotspot between these conflict.
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| "Literally spent our vacation reaching out with these children in Bagobo-Klata Tribe" |
It was a fulfilling experience that later on became my main inspiration to be more informed and aware about their plight for ancestral domain. Until then, the IPs' have been in my thoughts, and I become determined to give them my respect and support.
A Year in Mindanao, and A Dream Fulfilled
Since living in General Santos, I broadened my exposure with a varied indigenous tribes and races. The first one I met was a community of weavers (T'boli women) in Lake Sebu. During my stay in General Santos City, I made it a point to somewhat visit them every weekend or twice in a month if I weren't pressed with time. I was able to immersed in their culture especially about their weaving industry, and the elders who composed their weaving community.
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| "She is the great grand daughter of Lang Dulay, the Dreamweaver" |
Our Filipino Race All Over the Philippines
One of the reasons why I travel from one island to the next while staying there for quite sometime is the experience of getting involved with their culture, and their people. As I said earlier, I became very fascinated about our race, and our rich culture whichever part of the Philippines I maybe.
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| "I had the chance to talk with these Ata Tribe women." |
All throughout time, I could always remember how a certain B'laan told me this, "Take away our ancestral homes, and we lose our culture, and our people."
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"I had fun swimming together with these Aeta children." |
The Lake Sebu T'boli National Awardee in the Philippines once left a message saying that her designs were all inspired by her dreams - dreams about nature, and her land. Lang Dulay's immortal words are the constant reminder that we always need to look back with our roots, and to respect our culture and preserve it in any way we can.
The Struggle for Ancestral Domain and Education
Going back to my premise of this article, I am so saddened about red tagging, and the issue of terrorism the lumads were involved into in Cebu especially the children. I could imagine the trauma and the injustices they experienced in the hands of our peace officers, the protector of justice in our land.
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| "Focus your eyes at the writing overhead." |
Discouragement. Disbelief. Disappointment. These D's were my feelings when I saw the news. I looked back and reminisced my experience with the lumads when we were playing in Hikong Alo (Alo Waterfalls in Lake Sebu - T'boli language), when I hugged a B'laan kid at the top of Sanchez Peak. Finally, when I had my teaching experience with the Bagobo-Klata tribes. My words could go on with the Aetas, Mangyans, and the Ivatans who represent the minority of the Philippines. They have the same struggles - their FIGHT against their ANCESTRAL DOMAINS; their PLIGHT TO EQUALITY AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT of their RIGHTS; their THIRST FOR EDUCATION.
I admire your dedication and passion to help these lumads. It is probably obvious by now that I admire people who pursue a greater purpose in life other than upholding themselves. The lumads maybe in trouble here in Cebu, but its people like you who make their lives better.
ReplyDeleteSalute to your enthusiasm and passion in promoting our local Filipino tribes. We are indeed rich in our original culture and yet such a plight about the terrible news. But for sure, you have made a difference in the lives of these children that you have reached out to. That cannot be forgotten.
ReplyDeletehuhuhu i don't know why my comments are not pushing through... but okay here we go again, I salute your passion in promoting our local Filipino tribes, its sad what they go through but for sure you have made a big difference in the lives of the children that you have reached out to and that cannot be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI admire your bravery and love for our natives in the Philippines. When my father was in college he went to also be a missionary under SULADS to go to the Manobos in Bukidnon and I heard his stories about how it was back then with them. I would love to someday do with my dad to meet his Manobo friends!
ReplyDelete-MJ
Thank for looking back and helping lumads. They are the most unnotified part of the society. It's needs and cultural behavior.
ReplyDeleteI often asked myself before why there are still tribes in our country when we are in modern society now. I did realized before how important it is to preserve our traditions and culture that were taught from our ancestors.
ReplyDeleteJek, back in 2016 I had been in the Miag-ao, Iloilo after spending a week in Mt. Madjaas, Antique and it then opened my eyes to the reality of the lumads. They exist. They breathe and live the same lives as we di, but sadly, they weren't given the same opportunities. It is just sad but still, I yearn for the day that the LUMADS are recognised.
ReplyDelete