Editorial: Did you meet the tribes?

THE Kadayawan drew to a close on Sunday, August 19, with the Pamulak and Pitik events.

It has been broadcast and written that the Kadayawan Festival, aside from being a thanksgiving of the bounty harvest, is also the time of the year where we truly highlight the 11 tribes of Davao City -- Bagobo-K’lata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Matigsalug, Ata Manobo, and Ovu Manobo of the Lumad; and the Moro people of Sama, Kagan, Maguindanao, Iranun, Maranao, and Tausug.

The tribes are brought closer to the people with the Kadayawan Village, the staging of the Hiyas ng Kadayawan 2018, and the Dula Kadayawan. At the village, the tribes had the opportunity to show to Dabawenyos who they are and what their culture is.

However, with all these activities prepared, were we able to truly understand and get to know who the tribes are? Probably not, as the whole Kadayawan week is not enough to get to know them. Also for some, it is just the start of getting to know these tribes.

Once the Kadayawan season ends, it does not mean that we should also stop our efforts to get to know the tribes.

Let us make an initiative as individuals to get to know them and understand their culture. We can always start at the Museo Dabawenyo, which has a section that highlights the tribe.

It is only through understanding and learning who they are that will allow us to truly appreciate the tribes and their culture. With this, we are also able to live with them harmoniously.

Yes, the Kadayawan Festival brings more fun and color to Davao City every year but coupled with those is helping us gain appreciation and understanding of the people who settled here first.