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Monday, November 28, 2005
Sarangani's 3rd MunaTo Festival: A historical perspective
ALABEL, Sarangani -- Sarangani's 3rd MunaTo Festival held on November 26-28 is dubbed as "Gearing up, Sarangani!"--a celebration of Sarangan's cultural diversity and accelerating the province's progress and development.
It is also the celebration of the province's 13th Foundation. Sarangani was founded on November 28, 1992.
MunaTo is a B'laan term, which means "first people".
The B'laans are among the first settlers in the province and the biggest among Sarangani's indigenous peoples.
MunaTo brings the connotation of the archaeological find in Barangay Pinol, Maitum town.
The archaeological find consists of potteries and earthenware, among them 2,000 year-old man-shaped burial jars, according to the National Museum.
Sarangani, a 12-year-old province was once part of South Cotabato, according to National Historical Institute official Heide Gloria.
Years ago, the province mistakenly observed its yearly celebration on May 11, the date when a plebiscite synchronized with the national elections called for the separation of Sarangani from South Cotabato.
The result of the plebiscite on May 19, 1992 officially declared Sarangani as another province along with its seven municipalities--Alabel, Malungon, Glan, Malapatan, Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum.
Its first set of provincial officials, led by Priscilla Chiongbian as the first governor, took their oath of office on November 28, 1992, hence, the birth of the province as a political entity.
MunaTo is "a celebration of the people and the culture of the sarangans", said Governor Miguel Dominguez.
"Before we say we are Sarangans, we must first appreciate, we must be proud, highlight our rich cultural identities, traditions, which make us all Sarangans," he added.
"We will be witnessing a showcase of the richness of our culture," Dominguez said.
The Provincial Board has already passed resolutions to promote the development of the unique and diverse Sarangan cultures. (Press release)
(November 28, 2005 issue)
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