THE Covid-19 pandemic not only posed a grave health threat to the public, it also affected everyone's way of living, human interaction, and culture.
But for the indigenous peoples (IP) in Davao City, the pandemic didn't stop them from keeping their culture alive.
Jessa Andian of the Bagobo Tagabawa said the pandemic should not be a hindrance to continue their traditions.
With the restrictions, resulting in everyone staying within their residences, Andian said there should still be continuity in the culture and tradition by educating the younger generation.
While the elders within the community, both in the city and hinterlands, had been imparting this, she said Millenials like her have the duties and responsibilities of imparting this to their fellow youths.
“Many of us millennials have been affected by modernization due to social media. That’s why it is important to remind them that although we are embracing modernization, we should not forget our roots and identity,” Andian said.
To encourage them to continuously embrace and be open with their identity as Bagobo Tagabawa, she spearheaded a virtual seminar with selected young IP participants wherein they were imparted with the traditional dances, how to play traditional musical instruments, introduce their tribe’s native food, and create traditional attire.
“In our own little ways, we find a way that our youth will have extra activity amid the lockdown, by introducing to them our culture, and that they would be able to adapt to our culture,” she said.
Nurainie Ampatuan of the Maguindanaon tribe also saw the potential of the digital age in preserving one's culture amid the pandemic.
In her tribe, Ampatuan they continue to maintain and preserve their culture through fashion and attire.
“Online sessions are a good platform to help in preserving culture and tradition from the community, especially now that almost everyone is at their homes,” Ampatuan said.
She encouraged her fellow youth who had been immersed with their culture and tradition to initiate and impart this knowledge to the next generation.
She said her tribe continues to preserve its weaving culture. This is despite the scarce resources of the materials due to various factors, including logistical problems brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions.
Cultural communities near tourist spots are still able to showcase and maintain their culture by showcasing their delicacies.
Other tribes in some parts of Mindanao had also been showcasing their culture and authentic products online, of which Ampatuan hoped that other tribes in the city would also take advantage. Hence, it is to embrace modernity without sacrificing the authenticity of one's culture.
“In our current situation, it is important that we adapt despite the struggles and difficulties because we have the obligation to maintain one's culture amid the pandemic. It is in our hands how we are able to preserve it,” Ampatuan said.
Missing the Kadayawan Spirit
For two years in a row, the Kadayawan celebration remains virtual due to the current threat of Covid-19.
Andian and Ampatuan, both 2019 Hiyas sa Kadayawan winners, said they miss the grand celebration and activities of the annual festivity.
Andian, Hiyas sa Kalambuan, said it is something they look forward to every year considering that the festival recognizes the different cultural communities in the city and their role in society.
"Through the Kadayawan celebration, the 11 tribe IPs are being recognized and have been less discriminated against throughout the years,” she said.
Aside from missing the Tribal house tour in Magsaysay Park, different exhibits, and other highlight events, IPs are also looking forward to showcasing their talents whether on streets or on center stage.
“It’s hard to adjust with the current situation. But still, the spirit of Kadayawan, to each and everyone who knows its value, is within the hearts especially to the IPs,” Andian said.
People from the far-flung areas, despite not being able to physically celebrate Kadayawan, are still able to celebrate, unite, mingle, and enjoy the festivity.
While the Kadayawan rites would have to be skipped for another year, she said the memories of its vibrant festivity would still inspire everyone.
“This shall pass, and we will look forward that we would be able to celebrate it once again, wherein we would no longer be wearing our masks and there will be no more social distancing,” Andian said.
Meanwhile, Ampatuan, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, hopes the Kadayawan would encourage her fellow IPs to preserve their ethnic authenticity, especially on their textiles. “It’s part of who we are,” she said.
“The Kadayawan spirit that I had been carrying all throughout my Hiyas journey is that we must maintain and preserve our roots. Wherever we go, and whomever we would be able to interact with, they would be educated of our individual identities,” Ampatuan said.
This is also to break cultural misappropriation. She added that there were stereotypes that there are indifferences between tribes, but she said the Kadayawan showcased that amid diversity, different IPs can get along.
“That’s what makes us authentic as Filipinos. This would help us lift our culture,” she said.
“We are celebrating the Kadayawan to showcase our rich culture, and at the same time, highlight our city’s progress throughout the years,” she added.
To recognize the different tribes, Ampatuan said, is something to be proud of as this distinguishes their potentials, which they hope would be recognized not only in the country but the entire world. (RGL)