THE Indigenous People's Mandatory Representative Office (IPMRO) proposed a year-round marketplace within the Kadayawan Village at Davao City's Magsaysay Park.
IPMR chief-of-staff Michael Siawan, during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Davao City Hall, said that they aim to sustain the sale of products in the tribal houses, not solely during the Kadayawan season.
Their motive is to consistently honor and uphold the cultures and traditions of Davao's Indigenous Peoples (IPs) throughout the year.
The 11 tribal houses at the Kadayawan Village showcase the architecture of Iranun, Maguindanao, Tausug, Kagan, Maranao, Sama, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Uvu-Manuvu, Matigsalug, Ata, and Bagobo-Klata. These houses were renovated using sturdy materials, so tourists are welcome to explore the homes and even purchase indigenous accessories and attires with permission from the tribal leader.
The IP community joined in the celebration of the Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan, Tabuan sa Kadayawan, Agong ng Kulingtang sa Kadayawan, Habi sa Kadayawan, Bantawan Cultural Celebration, and the Dula sa Kadayawan.
As a highlight of the Kadayawan Festival, the IP community eagerly anticipates the Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2023, where representatives from the 11 tribes will vie for the coveted crown.
Aside from the Kadayawan Festival, the IP community observes Indigenous People's Day. Though typically celebrated in October, tribal leaders and IPMR decided to commemorate it earlier to avoid clashing with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
IPMR is conducting programs through the School of Living Tradition (SLT) to bridge the technological and cultural gap for the younger generation.
In addition to bolstering IP sales in the tribal houses, IPMR, with the assistance of IPMR Representative Peg-Buyyahon Rodolfo M. Mande, aims to submit educational ordinances to further aid the IP community. RGP