THE indigenous peoples (IP) and their rich and colorful culture took the spotlight last Wednesday, October 24, as Cagayan de Oro City celebrated the National Indigenous Peoples Month.
Highlighting the tribal dances of the IPs, several Higaonon youths from 12 schools have gathered in the City Hall to perform and showcase not only the intricate steps of their dances but also the colors and designs of their clothes, which possess significant meaning for the IPs.
The schools that participated in the celebration includes: Tablon National High School, Cugman National High School, Lumbia National High School, Taglimao National High School, Pigsag-an National High School, Dansolihon National High School, Mambuaya National High School, and others.
"Natutuwa kami dahil nire-respeto na yung mga katutubo dito sa Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental dahil may IPRA (Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act) law at tsaka sana mapanatili yung pag implement ng mga laws na ito dahil yung iba, hindi pa nila alam na may batas na para sa kanila," Nena Lumandong, IP focal person of the City Social Welfare and Development and the one who pushed through the celebration of Indigenous People in the city four years ago, said.
(We are happy because the indigenous peoples are being respected here in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental because of the IPRA. We hope that the implementation of the law will continue because there are still others who are not aware that there is a law for them)
Lumandong, who is also a Higaonon, said that letting the IP youth participate in the celebration will help preserve the culture of the tribe for next generations to come.
"Dahil sinisiguro natin yung future ng mga kabataan na hindi sila matiwali, kung baga, makikita nila kung anong ginagawa ng mga ninuno nila at tsaka yung mga elders," Lumandong said.
(We make sure that the future of the youth will not go astray and for them to know their past and their elders)
The IP month celebration also aids in conveying how important the IPs in our society are and how we can recognize, promote and protect their rights.
"Kaya importante sa amin na i-celebrate sya para makita nila na ganito ka importante, una, yung mga rights ng katutubo sa lupang ninuno. Ikalawa, yung justice system. Ikatlo, yung cultural integrity. At ang ika apat yung Human Rights ng mga katutubo," Lumandong said.
(That is why it is important for us to celebrate this because firstly, it is important to understand our ancestral rights. Second, our justice system. Third, our cultural integrity and fourth is the rights of the IPs)
The City Government of Cagayan de Oro, according to Lumandong, has been a huge help in the preservation of the culture of the IPs, especially in terms of educating the IP youth.
The IP focal person said that every Saturday, in Dansolihon, the IP youth are being taught of their culture, not just the dances but also their language.
"Yung mga kabataan, maliliit, sa Elementary school hanggang sa ngayon, every Saturday yung mga elders natin tinuturuan sila, hindi lang sa sayaw pati na rin yung linggwahe," Lumandong said.
(The children are taught starting from elementary and even until now. Every Saturday the elders will teach dances but also our language)
"At kung may mga problema sa mga conflict areas, may mga justice system na kung saan sila yung nag aayos ng problema, sila yung may conflict resolution through the facilitation of NCIP (National Commision on Indigenous Peoples), tayo ay nagfa-facilitate lang din," she added.
(If there are problems in conflict areas, there are existing justice systems that will resolve it and the NCIP, and me, will help facilitating it)
Ave Gladys C. Gabucan, the officer in charge of City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office said, “October is the Indigenous Peoples’ month. This initiative aims to protect local cultural heritage, and in Cagayan de Oro, we have the Higaonon Tribe’s very rich culture.”
According to Gabucan the rich Higaonon culture is one of the essential components of a true Kagay-anon identity. “The series of activities lined up in celebration for the IPs month, like the showdown presentation showcased the authentic storyline, music and dance of the Higaonon culture” she added.
Gabucan believes that by supporting the Higaonon's activities, it does not only give awareness to every Kagay-anon, but it also gives deeper understanding, appreciation and respect for the IPs culture and people as well.
Every October, the Philippines celebrates the National Indigenous People month, teaching the students, the IP youth, to respect and know their human rights and cultural diversity.