Traditional Tboli feast

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 10, 2009) – A traditional feast of delectable native dishes is offered inside the newly built Tboli house at Falel community in barangay Tamadang, consecrated during the feast of Immaculate Concepcion Wednesday, December 9.(KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Allan de Lima)

Kehelubong Lemlunay: A feast of exotic culture

KIAMBA, Sarangani (December 10, 2009) – Seven kilometers of uphill motorcycle ride from Kiamba proper awaits an unveiled paradise of a mountainous village in barangay Tamadang.

Sitio Falel is endowed with rich traditions and well-preserved culture that have long been kept by one of Sarangani’s indigenous tribes – the Tboli.

It is a community now groomed by the local government as an integral part of the town’s eco-tourism showcase.

“It is one of our beautiful tourist spots here that if you happen to miss, you missed half of your life,” Mayor Rom Falgui quips.

On December 18-20, the Tbolis at Falel will display various traditional practices of the tribe as they celebrate Kehelubong Lemlunay, which means a gathering in paradise, as the village commemorates its 33rd founding anniversary.

One of the feast’s highlights will be the showcasing of Tboli hut making, revealing the tribe’s time-honored way of building their houses which are primarily composed of indigenous materials such as bamboo poles and Fern tree (cabo negro).

The name “Falel” was derived from one of the species of Fern plant that is prevalent around barangay Tamadang.

Meanwhile, Cogon grass and Rattan strips are used for binding. Even without bolts and nails, Tboli houses are said to last for 15 years.

Prior to the occasion, a hut was already constructed. Through a bayanihan, the building was put up as the multi-functional hall for the community’s various ethno-cultural practices.

The Tboli villagers, who are now mostly Catholic converts, have consecrated their newly-built house during the feast of Immaculate Concepcion (December 8).

“Kasi po proud kami na Tboli tribe kami. Gusto sana namin ibalik ang sinaunang sistema ng paggawa ng traditional na Tboli house para sa eco-tourism program ng munisipyo,” said municipal tribal affairs coordinator Juanito Sampan.

“Kiamba is full of pure beauty that every nature-lover, local or foreign, will surely admire especially the picturesque view here in Falel,” said municipal tourism officer-designate Allan de Lima.

“Every tourist will surely experience the traditional means of living as the way it was during the ancient days of the Tboli community,” De Lima concluded. (KIAMBA NEWS CENTER/Joel C. Pinos)

Sarangani's festival for "first people"

By Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2009) - Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon formally opened Thursday (November 26) the three-day celebration for the 17th Foundation Anniversary of Sarangani and 7th MunaTo Festival in time with the provincial athletic association meet.

Solon, before a crowd of more than 5,000 spectators and athletes, said the festivity calls for two things for Sarangans to celebrate - “to remember its province’s history” and “a celebration of the diversity and the unity of its tri-people (Indigenous People, Moro and Christian.”

He said “kinahanglan dili nato kalimtan ang pagmungna sa Sarangani in 1992. Kung asa ta gikan ug asa ta karon.”

Progress is evident in Sarangani, he said.

“Such great progress for Sarangani! And it is what we are celebrating in our foundation anniversary,” the vice governor said.

In a message of Congressman Erwin Chiongbian delivered by his brother Roy, he said this year’s theme, “Pride of the Sarangani Tri-People history… culture… resources” is very appropriate because “our history in Sarangani is short as we are only 17 years old and we go a long way back. But like all teenagers, we are full of energy.”

Chiongbian said “our culture is unique as we are filled with diverse people of different cultures working together to live together in peace and harmony.”

This, Solon has credited to the leadership of Governor Migs Dominguez for his “mission of making the tri-people working together for the benefit of the province as a whole.”

MunaTo meaning “fist people” is a festivity to showcase the cultural heritage as well as the tourism potentials of Sarangani.

It has also been linked to the 2,000-year old archaeological finds (anthropomorphic jars) in Maitum, Sarangani revealing the origin of community life in Southeast Asia.

Sarangani is culturally rich. It is populated with more or less 60 percent indigenous peoples. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IP products

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) – Board Member Eunice Santos fits in a headdress made by indigenous people (IP) in Sarangani. It is one of the displays in the “Fabli Gu Ni” trade fair during the opening of the MunaTo Festival Thursday, November 26. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Fyu Kura

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2009) - A parade of dressed horses called “Fyu Kura” is one of the highlights during the opening of the three-day celebration of the 17th Foundation Anniversary and 7th MunaTo Festival of Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tubad performing arts group

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Dancers of the Tubad Performing Arts group perform a welcome dance at the opening of the Sarangani Sacred Sites exhibit at the Capitol lobby Monday, November 23, which preludes the week-long celebration of the province’s MunaTo Festival and 17th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Michelle Solon, Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association president and chairman of the MunaTo Festival this year, beguiles herself at a sacred site during the opening of the Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit Monday, November 23, at the Capitol lobby. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival soft opening

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon unveils and formally opens Monday, November 23, the Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit which preludes the week-long celebration of the province’s MunaTo Festival and 17th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo exhibit

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 23, 2009) – Capitol employees flock to the Capitol lobby after the flag raising ceremony Monday, November 23, to witness the opening of the Sarangani Sacred Sites Exhibit which preludes the week-long celebration of the province’s MunaTo Festival and 17th Foundation Anniversary. The exhibit, a product of research by the Provincial Information Office and Indigenous People Development Program, is a tribute to the old traditions and rich cultural heritage of Sarangani tribes. MunaTo is a Blaan term for first people. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani's MunaTo Festival, a tribute to its past

By Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 18, 2009) – Sarangani’s MunaTo Festival this year is anchored on the promotion of its cultural heritage, tourism potentials as well as the best practices, experiences and developments reaped over the 17 years since it was created in 1992.

Michelle Solon, president of Sarangani Tourism Industry Association (SARTIA), said activities lined up like the tribal mass wedding and the inter-dialogue among lumads (indigenous people), Muslims and Christians would wrap up the concept of culture and heritage which Sarangans claim the “pride of tri-people.”

MunaTo is a Blaan word that means “first people.”

Solon said this year’s celebration would “bring in and drive interest of people towards Sarangani. Ano ba ang Sarangani? Ano ba ang pagkakilala ng tao ng Sarangani? What we boast of is our culture.”

Solon estimated more or less 60 percent of the province’ population comprises the lumads and Muslims. “It’s more than our immigrants so ang pride natin is our heritage,” she said, thereby relating it to the discovery of 2000-year old anthropomorphic jars in Maitum which reveals “community life started in Sarangani.”

After the Tabon man, she said, “is the anthropomorphic jars. So we are like a link to the past and also we are looking forward to the future and this festival shows ‘yun ang kagandahan ng Sarangan, ang kagalingan ng Sarangan, ang uniqueness ng Sarangan at ito ngayon ang gusto nating ipakita sa buong mundo.”

Solon reported that tourism arrivals increase every year. On MunaTo festival monitoring alone, last year posted around 17,000, a significant increase compared to the previous year which is estimated at only 5,000.

SARTIA spearheads the MunaTo Festival this year. It is all private sector participated group which businesses are in Sarangani.

Solon, leading the group, said “talagang kitang-kita ng lahat na ang private sector is very supportive in pushing towards tourism of Sarangani. Nasa puso talaga namin kasi it affects the businesses of all and the tourism establishments.”

“This is one way of increasing tourism arrivals so talagang we are very supportive with the government’s efforts of pushing the tourism of Sarangani.”

Preparations for the festival of the different event organizers are now in place for the week-long celebration to start on November 23 and would culminate on November 28.

Other activities are cultural shows, street dancing competitions, showcase of products from each municipalities, concerts and street party and fireworks display. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MunaTo Festival 2009 press conference

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 18, 2009) – (From right) Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association President Michelle Solon, with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Board Member Art Lawa (Committee on Tourism and Indigenous People), and provincial administrator Vicente Camacho, answers a question from the media during the press conference Wednesday, November 18, at the Capitol conference room for the 2009 MunaTo Festival and the province’s 17th Foundation Anniversary. This year’s theme is “MunaTo Festival: Pride of Sarangani Tri-People”. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial SLTs preserve IPs' cultural heritage

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 11, 2009) – Through the province’s Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) on School of Living Tradition (SLT), Sarangani indigenous peoples learn to value their tradition while gaining recognition from national and funding agencies abroad.

The SLTs provide the opportunity for the Blaan, Tagakaolo, and Tboli to preserve their cultural heritage and pass it on to the next generation.

“Among the eighty SLTs in the country, only Lamlifew was given the opportunity for a second funding,” disclosed Adelina Suemith, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Public Monitoring Evaluation Division Chief. Sarangani models the country’s SLTs according to the NCCA.

Sarangani has at least four SLTs for the Blaan in Lamlifew and the Tagakaolo in Malungon town, the Blaan mat weavers in Malapatan, and the Tboli brass casting and basketry in Kiamba.

“This (SLT) will provide livelihood for them while preserving their customs and tradition,” according to the NCCA.

In Upper Lasang, Malapatan town, “dreamweavers” there make mats for their living but more as a means to preserve their tradition. This Blaan community has a continued support on their SLT of mat weaving from the American Women’s Club of the Philippines (AWCP), IPDP, and the Sarangani Indigenous People Professional Association (SIPPA).

Sarangani tribal organizations have won in the regional art exhibit conducted by foreign-funded Kalinawa Art Foundation at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas College, General Santos City in 2007 and 2008.

In Lamlifew, its women association built a weaving house called Gumabal with the assistance from the IPDP. The Provincial Governor’s Office funded a Gu Kmaan or cafeteria near it.

In August last year, the IPDP turned over an ETV (educational TV) set donated by Bantay Bata Foundation to the village.

The provincial government’s special project in preserving the culture and tradition of indigenous people in Sarangani through the IPDP includes the planting of traditional rice varieties which not only give a high yield, but are also disease resistant, glutinous, and very tasty.

Last month, a skills transfer on silk weaving reached the women’s association from masterweavers of the Iban tribe in Malaysia.

The four-day visit was one of the projects of Mrs. Rosevida Alcantara Dominguez, mother of Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez.

The village school in Lamlifew has produced the most number of professionals in barangay Datal Tampal. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village children are genius of an old craft

By Russtum G. Pelima, MA Ed

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – “Mahirap po pero kinaya namin kaya masaya ako dahil marunong na akong gumawa ng accessories at magtahi ng sarili naming attire,” mused Christian Ditan, a Grade VI pupil of Lamlifew Elementary School.

“Ang aking karanasan sa loob ng apat na buwan ay ang beadsmaking at paggawa ng sariling damit. Masaya po ako dahil bata pa ako ay marunong na akong gumawa,” said Cristel Joy Mocam, Grade V.

Christian and Cristel are among the 37 Blaan pupils who graduated Friday (November 6) from the Blaan traditional craft of beadsmaking and traditional clothing integrated in their Home Economics and Livelihood Education classes.


“Naa diri ang mga intelligent designers (Here we find the intelligent designers),” said Beth Farnazo, program manager of the provincial Indigenous People Development Program under the Provincial Governor’s Office.

“You are considered as genius of our traditional craft. Unlike cross stitching learned by urban schoolchildren, here you do not follow any pattern yet come up with your own design. We must preserve this ability,” Farnazo told children and parents at the graduation ceremony.

The IPDP started in 2004 to look into the development programs for the lumads of Sarangani. Farnazo said in the country, the Lamlifew is the only village school which was given an Educational TV by the Bantay Bata Foundation.

“You have inspired me,” said district supervisor Nora Nerpiol. "It’s my dream to turn this school into an IP school,” she added.

Nerpiol said this because she said now she has found partners in education with the municipal and provincial government.

An IP school integrates the School of Living Tradition (SLT) such as beadsmaking and traditional clothing into the Department of Education’s regular curriculum and the translation of instructional materials into their native language.

Nerpiol also said the school will be recommended for Coca-Cola’s Little Red Schoolhouse while the provincial government will provide them additional teachers.

“In fact, new teachers from the province are now teaching here even without the new school buildings yet,” Nerpiol said.

Helen Lumbos, president of the women’s association who taught the children said Japanese national Taku Kawamuta, an anthropologist, after seeing photos of the Blaan children at the Sarangani website (www.sarangani.gov.ph), funded the textiles and threads for the children.

“Then the elders (were trained), now it’s the children,” Lombos said.

“Ang kasing-kasing ni Governor Migs Dominguez naa sa atoa. Dili ni mahitabo kung wala ang iyang suporta (The heart of Governor Migs Dominguez is with us. Without his support, this will never happen).”

“Dili sya tribu ug dili sya Blaan pero naa ang iyang suporta sa atoa (He is not a tribesman nor a Blaan, but he is always with us),” Lombos added.

Farnazo said yesterday, 30 children also graduated in Upper Lasang , Malapatan town, from SLT on mat weaving.

The Blaan dreamweavers of Upper Lasang are assisted by the American Women’s Association of the Philippines , IPDP and Sarangani Province Professional Association (SIPPA). (Russtum G. Pelima/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Young beadsmaker and dressmaker

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Grade V pupil Cristel Joy Mocam thanks donors and supporters for helping them finish a four-month school-based SLT (School of Living Tradition) on Beadsmaking and Traditional Clothing at the graduation ceremony in Lamlifew Elementary School Friday, November 6. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani tribal theme

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Graduating pupils of a four-month school-based SLT (School of Living Tradition) on Beadsmaking and Traditional Clothing at the Lamlifew Elementary School sing a tribal song “Sarangani, Land of Beauty” at their graduation rites Friday, November 6, at the Lamlifew Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Graduating class

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Grades V and VI pupils of the Lamlifew Elementary School pose with their teachers at the graduation rites for a four-month school-based SLT (School of Living Tradition) on Beadsmaking and Traditional Clothing at the Lamlifew Elementary School Friday, November 6. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Children musicians

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Blaan children play Blaan traditional instruments at the graduation ceremony of a four-month school-based SLT (School of Living Tradition) on Beadsmaking and Traditional Clothing at the Lamlifew Elementary School Friday, November 6. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan thanksgiving dance

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Blaan lasses perform a thanksgiving dance during their graduation ceremony for a four-month school-based SLT (School of Living Tradition) on Beadsmaking and Traditional Clothing at the Lamlifew Elementary School Friday, November 6. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Beadsmaking class

MALUNGON, Sarangani (November 7, 2009) – Teacher Beth Ditan teaches her students the art of beadsmaking at the School of Living Tradition (SLT) in Lamlifew Elementary School. Japanese anthropologist Taku Kawamuta, after seeing photos of the Blaan children at www.sarangani.gov.ph provincial website, funded the children’s materials on beadsmaking and traditional clothing. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani implements continuous programs for IPs

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 6, 2009) – The Provincial Government of Sarangani has long recognized the importance of the Indigenous People (IPs) in the province thus, programs and initiatives were taken up in order to further boost not only their way of living, but also preserve their cultural heritage.

In his statement, Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon asserted that a lot of programs have been conducted for IPs for the past years.

"Andami na naming programs sa IPs. Isa, meron na tayong university, a venture with MSU sa Malandag just for the IPs. We already have 47 scholars, nag-start na sila nung June to get their degree in education, so we created a school in Sarangani Province specifically for the IPs," Solon said.

He added that the provincial government has established the Indigenous People's Development Program (IPDP), a special unit under the Provincial Governor's Office that helps and protects the rights of the IPs in the province. It is also responsible for making programs for IPs such as livelihood assistance, and others.

"Meron din tayong Haggai Project na directly for the IPs, so imposible na hindi namin pinansin yung mga IPs kasi sa tingin namin ni Gov. Migs, we are all equal," he said.

Solon pointed out that Governor Migs Dominguez is implementing continuous projects for IPs' development. The governor's office even funded projects in the IP communities through the IPDP on School of Living Tradition (SLT).

Sarangani Province has at least four SLTs for the Blaan in Lamlifew; the Tagakaolo in Malungon town; the Blaan mat weavers in Malapatan; and the Tboli brass casting and basketry in Kiamba.

SLTs enable the tribe to value their culture and tradition. According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the province models the country's SLTs. This only means that there is a strong support from the provincial government in developing SLTs in the IP communities. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malaysian master weavers

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 24, 2009) - Nancy Ngali and Bangie Embol, master weavers from Malaysia, check the materials used by Blaan weavers. The Malaysian and Blaan weavers were sharing learning on their traditional way of weaving cloth. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malaysian designer

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 24, 2009) - Edric Ong, a Malaysian and Southeast Asian textile designer, shows the finished product of Malaysian weavers to Blaan weavers in Lamlifew village. The designer is in the province with two Malaysian master weavers to exchange learning with Blaan weavers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Exchange learning in traditional weaving

MALUNGON, Sarangani (October 24, 2009) - Edric Ong, a Malaysian and Southeast Asian textile designer discusses with Beth Farnazo, Indigenous People Development Program project manager, the materials used for weaving in Malaysia as weavers of the Blaan tribe in Lamlifew village listen. The designer is in the province with two Malaysian master weavers to exchange learning with Blaan weavers. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sacred place

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 13, 2009) - Even before the Christian settlers arrived, this site with a view of Sarangani Bay called Bulol Kilot is claimed by the indigenous Blaans as a permanent resting place for almagol (soul). Sarangani will feature its indigenous people's sacred sites at the MunaTo Festival last week of November. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Victory dance

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2009) - Blaan men perform traditional victory dance during the Tribal Day Tuesday, October 6, at the municipal plaza as the municipality marks its 95th foundation anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal Chieftain

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian (right) listens as Datu Tanao Tao, municipal tribal chieftain, talks and points at the mountainous areas of Glan during the Tribal Day Tuesday, October 6. The Tribal Day aims to reunite and revive all the indigenous people to preserve their culture. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Datu Banwe (Protector of the Land)

GLAN, Sarangani (October 7, 2009) - Datu Tanao Tao (left), municipal tribal chieftain, installs Mayor Enrique Yap (seated) as Datu Fulong Munong Banwe which means Protector of the Land during the conferment ceremonies as the highlight of the Tribal Day Tuesday, October 6, as part of the celebration of 95th foundation anniversary of the municipality. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School of Living Tradition

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 11, 2009) – Businessman Roy Chiongbian is guest speaker during the graduation ceremony of 13 Tagakaolo women at the School of Living Tradition after a two-month training in barangay Talus. The purpose of this project is to restore and promote the traditional craftsmanship of Tagakaolo. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Tribal women

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 11, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left) congratulates one of the 13 Tagakaolo women graduates at the School of Living Tradition in barangay Talus thru the Indigenous People Development Program in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This project was envisioned to restore and promote the traditional craftsmanship of the Tagakaolo tribe through transfer of skills from cultural masters to learners. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Women's representative

Malungon, Sarangani (September 11, 2009) – Board Member Nene Santos gives her remarks encouraging tribal women to pass on Tagakaolo traditions and culture to their children during the School of Living Tradition graduation ceremony of 13 tribal women trained on traditional basketry and related handicraft in barangay Talus. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Bon-Bon Quiño)

Lumad association

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 28, 2009) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon listens to a report of Sitio Ihan Lumad Association (SILA) during an organizational planning workshop Thursday August 27. SILA members are skilled in weaving nito plates, picture frames and other products made of nito, bamboo and rattan. The vice governor gave a counterpart fund of P10,000 to the association which is also in partnership with the provincial government and the Alcantara Foundation. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Photo by Bon-Bon Quiňo)

Free eye check up and eyeglasses

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 19, 2009) - Galngan Manggun, 89, a Blaan, avails the free eye check up and a free reading glasses facilitated by Eye Crafter Optical Clinic during the provincial outreach in barangay Daan Suyan Tuesday, August 19. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal dance

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 18, 2009) – Elon Tolentino plays the faglung, the Blaan guitar, as he dances with Magdalena Gambo and other tribal elders on the occasion of the 55th founding anniversary and 1st Santifun festival in Malalag Cogon Tuesday, August 18. Santifun, a Blaan term for gathering or assembly, reminisces the town’s early years when the natives of Malungon such as the Blaans and the Tagakaolos assemble here for barter and community meetings. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lumad children visit city for first time

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2009) – Thirty Grade VI pupils from New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools, seeing the city for the first time, pose in front of KCC Mall of General Santos Friday, July 25, as one of their destinations in their educational tour. New Canaan and Kiangkos, a village community of the Blaan indigenous people who still practice their old tradition, are among the farthest communities in Alabel town where children have to walk for an hour from home to
school. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kiangkos and New Canaan pupils at Bombo Radyo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2009) – Grade VI pupils from New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools, with sponsors Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) and the Alcantara Foundation officials and Bombo Radyo-General Santos station manager Ricky Collado (middle-left) pose in front of the station after greeting their parents in Kiangkos and New Canaan on air. Transistor radio is the only means of
communication that reaches the community from the city. The indigenous children, on their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” experienced city life for the first time. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SPPC with indigenous children

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Pupils of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools pose with Southern Philippines Power Corporation personnel, Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program manager Annalie Edday, Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez (2nd and 3rd from left respectively) at the SPPC compound on their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” Thursday, July 23. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Visit at the city of tuna

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2009) – Indigenous children of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools pose at Makar Wharf during their “Making Little Dreams Possible” educational tour Thursday, July 23. The children went down from the mountains and crossed rivers to see the city for the first time. Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) and the Alcantara Foundation sponsored the tour to inspire the
children to finish their studies. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION
OFFICE)

Wharf visit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2009) – Indigenous pupils of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools pose with their teachers Leo Lecita and Reynald Daliba at the General Santos City wharf as part of their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” Friday, July 24. Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) and the Alcantara Foundation sponsored the tour to inspire the children to finish their
studies. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

FEATURE: Making little dreams possible

By Russtum G. Pelima, MA Ed


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 27, 2009) – It’s a day in the city that these kids would never forget through all their lives.


Just a few weeks ago, volunteers from the Provincial Governor’s Office and staff of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) braved bad weather and trails to Kiangkos, New Canaan and Banlibato Elementary Schools. They climbed up the mountains of Pag-asa in Alabel town for eight hours to reach the schools, crossing a river 25 times.


Then the volunteers brought along workbooks from QUEST for the school children. Now, with their parents’ consent, the team brought the kids to the city -- the sight of flickering lights they and the barangay’s upland community can see only at night.


Excitement, joy and happiness painted the innocent children’s faces. There were 30 of them, all in Grade VI, of the New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools whom Annalie Edday, QUEST program manager, identified and promised to show them the lowlands for the first time.


“Making Little Dreams Possible” is more than an educational tour.


“We want them to see their dreams coming true by experiencing the world (place) they longed to see from afar, a life they would want to enjoy after finishing school,” Edday said.


This is the first time these children would see tall buildings, moving cars, schools where pupils wear uniforms, ships and airplanes, sleep in a concrete house, enter a mall, eat at advertised food chains they heard from the radio.


Kiangkos is 2,149 feet above sea level. Being unreachable by any transportation other than horses, Kiangkos and New Canaan have no electricity hence there’s not one TV set in the community.


On their tour last week, the Southern Philippines Power Corporation provided them with P8,000 shopping money while the Holiday Bus Company provided them free ride for a day.


“Bahala na gutom ug kapoy basta makakita mi ug syudad (We’re tired and hungry but we don’t mind just to see the city),” pupil Michelle Palawan sighed.


At first I thought these kids were just too excited to see the city to walk for eight hours, but I was wrong. For I discovered later that they were more interested about something else - going to school and finish their studies.


Teacher Leo Lecita said his pupils Leah Mayo, Ariel Martin, Wenie Mayo, Jenesa Lagalkan, Analyn Padayag, and Adelyn Mayo had never been absent from school since June. Most of these kids walk an hour everyday from home to school in bare foot or worn-out slippers.


Families of the 200 pupils in Kiangkos and 384 from New Canaan live through corn farming and hunting. They must rent a horse to bring their products to the barangay site for P150 per trip.


“Making Little Dreams Possible’s aim is to really inspire them to finish their studies,” Alcantara Foundation (AF) executive director Cecile Dominguez said. AF initiated and organized technological transfer of QUEST from Synergeia Foundation and find linkages from the private sector to help parents, community, and the local government work for better education of their children.


At the Bombo Radyo station, they greeted their parents and the community in Kiangkos and New Canaan on air. Transistor radio is the only means of communication there.


Lecita, one of the three teachers assigned in Kiangkos, thanked sponsors QUEST and the Alcantara Foundation for the children’s once-in-a-lifetime tour in the city.


“After ten years of teaching, it’s the first time that I see my pupils very happy,” he said.


“Murag dili na ko muuli pero kinahanglan nako maghuman ug eskwela ug mubalik ko diri aron mag trabaho para matabangan nako akong parents (I feel like I’m not going home, but I have to finish my studies and come back here soon to work in order to help my parents),” Analyn Mayo, a 16-year old Grade VI pupil said.


It is quite surprising but all pupils gave me the same answer while talking to them at the end of the day.


Funny how these children were amazed seeing crushed ice at the fish port given to them by a quality controller. They tasted the crushed iced as they laughed at themselves.


For the volunteers and the sponsors, enjoying by themselves the gain of giving, will surely never forget the word of thanks and appreciation the children left them in handwritten letters. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Assistance to lumad pupils

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program manager Annalie Edday, with Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez, receives a check from Southern Philippines Power Corporation human resource manager Joel Aton as “shopping money” for the indigenous school children of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools on their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” Thursday, July 23. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rocky road to a little dream

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Pupils of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools, with volunteers and staff of Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) walk for eight hours Thursday, July 23, heading to General Santos City on their “Making Little Dreams Possible” tour. For the first time, the 30 Grade VI Blaan school children saw a city - tall buildings, moving cars, malls, an airport and a wharf - where in their community up the mountains, they can see only the flickering city lights at night. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

QUEST with pupils

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – QUEST program manager Annalie Edday (center) enjoys an afternoon chat with pupils of Kiangkos Primary School on arrival at the school Wednesday, July 22, after an eight-hour trek following mountain trails and river crossings. The Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted an educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” to 30 lumad school children from New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools to General Santos City’s airport, wharf, seaport, malls, schools, Sarangani Capitol building and other big infrastructures. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Making little dreams possible

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Indigenous children of the Blaan tribe pose with their tarp for their “Making Little Dreams Possible” educational tour Thursday, July 23, sponsored by QUEST and Alcantara Foundation. The tour aims to show to the children modern life to inspire them to finish school and help their community. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lumad pupils at "Quest Waterfalls"

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Lumad pupils pause at a waterfalls they named “QUEST Waterfalls” with Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) program manager Annalie Edday before going down to General Santos City for their “Making Little Dreams Possible” tour sponsored by QUEST and Alcantara Foundation. 30 Blaan children visited the city for the first time. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Crossing river to city

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Grade VI pupils of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools cross a river and walk for eight hours Thursday, July 23, during their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” sponsored by the Alcantara Foundation. A few weeks ago, volunteers from the provincial government and staff of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) went up the mountains to visit the schools, bringing along workbooks for the lumad school children. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village dancers

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2009) – Upper Lasang Elementary School dancers in their Blaan traditional costume perform to win the dance competition during the celebration of Sapu Masla 60th foundation anniversary and 4h Kanduli Festival Friday, July 17. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor's message

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2009) – Governor Migs Dominguez gives his inspirational message Friday, July 17, to the Muslim and Blaan community of Sapu Masla as they celebrate their 60th Foundation Anniversary. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Community celebrates Kanduli Festival for peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (July 17, 2009) – On its 60th Foundation Anniversary today, barangay Sapu Masla celebrated unity among its indigenous Blaan and Muslim residents.



Barangay council member Edwin Tumandan called on his Blaan tribe to shun banditry in the mountains. Instead, he urged them to join the government in propelling progress for their community.



“Though we are late in time, we have to wake up and go away from our evils ways. Let’s join hands towards development,” Tumandan said.



Tumandan said dialogues are effective ways of addressing the needs of the tribal community.



Blaans are highlanders. Traditionally, they do farming and hunt wild animals for food.



The barangay also celebrated its 4th Kanduli Festival. Kanduli is a Maguindanao term for thanksgiving. It is the Muslim’s traditional practice of asking more blessing through a gathering to partake food.



Nur Aminulla from Sulu, a retired principal of the Mama Nawa Elementary School here, had been teaching at the school from 1972 to 2006 and he brought up a family here.



“The Kanduli Festival is our way of promoting peace in our community,” Aminulla said.



For government officials, the community needs more assistance in education to help alleviate their standard of living.



Through the provincial government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide 10 computer sets for the school. Many of Malapatan’s remote barangays have been recipients of USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) projects.



Governor Migs Dominguez said the provincial government will provide 250 additional teachers all over the province to address the need for more teachers among its far-flung schools like Mama Nawa.



“The way to peace is the Golden Rule that is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves,” Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon told residents.



Sapu Masla had been a place of banditry and a battleground between government forces and outlaws some decades ago.



Four years ago, a suspect for a rape case here showed up to Moro Islamic Liberation Front Kumander Buhar who turned over the suspect to the Philippine National Police and local officials. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal parade

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Blaan elders bang their gongs as they join the parade for the Lamlifew Elementary School as it celebrates its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1. Within the village is the elementary school, a school of living tradition and living museum for the Blaan traditional weaving and beads making. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School head

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Lamlifew Elementary School head Romeo Bogador shows parents and school children some beads for the beads making class launched during the school’s foundation anniversary celebration Wednesday, July 1, to be integrated in their Makabayan subject. The province’s indigenous people development program initiated the integration of the school of living tradition like beads making which includes honorarium for the cultural masters. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

QUEST project manager

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Analie Edday, QUEST’s (Quality Education for Sarangani Today) program manager, with teary eyes, explains to parents and pupils how she struggled to finish her studies who, in her days, promised “not be a vegetable seller all my life”. During the day, Lamlifew Elementary School holds its 13th foundation anniversary yet celebrates it for the first time with lunch together with the rest of the Blaan community in the village. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Float parade

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Carted carabaos were ornamented as floats during the parade Wednesday, July 1, as Lamlifew Elementary School celebrates its 13the foundation anniversary with the search for Miss Lamlifew Elementary School in the afternoon. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bluan river

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Village pupils from the Lamlifew Elementary School cross the Bluan river believed to have sprung up from a natural spring where a dog named Kay-kay drank and has caused the water to run and made the river. During the day, the school holds its 13th foundation anniversary yet celebrates it for the first time. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

As the tribe learns, the river speaks in Lamlifew

By Russtum G. Pelima, Ma. Ed.

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Not too many of us, lowlanders,
known to have been bearers of education for the lumads of Mindanao a
few decades ago, have as much love for education as severally an
indigenous people’s community here find their place of freedom.

In a village some five kilometers from the highway, the road to
Lamlifew wants wear. Yet somehow, the Lamlifew Elementary School had
shown what it takes to win education and break the bondage of poverty.
Patience bore the village 14 professionals which numbers most of the
young professionals in the whole of barangay Datal Tampal.

Celebrating for the first time the school’s foundation anniversary
Wednesday (July 1), now on its 13th as an elementary school (but 27th,
to include its first 14 years as a primary school), teachers and the
community reminisce their forbearing past with joy.

By lunch, they, together with the pupils, have a buffet of two litson
baboy, chicken dishes, and other native delicacies. Yesterday,
community volunteers fixed the road to the school including putting
planks against river Bluan for familiar guests like us.

For the first time, the village has a float parade: 13 beautiful
lasses will compete for Little Miss Lamlifew in the afternoon.

The floats are ornamented with wild, familiar flowers that grew by the
riverbanks and the school grounds, with three most handsome carabaos
because they, too, were ornamented.

The floats are actually the karo (carts) used by the villagers for
many purposes. Today, they are going to cross the river to finish the
parade and reach the school.

The school program includes telling the school’s history. Evelyn Caya,
recalling how the school started, said it’s the villagers’ search for
freedom from want and thirst for education that made the school exist.

For one, the native-grown Florencia Bago, now teaching Grades V and VI
as combined classes (because of lack of teachers) was once a school
volunteer teacher. From 1987-1989, Ma’am Flor received P10 from each
parent. That made up her salary for the whole school year.

Flor tells dreams of her late father made her come back to the village
and help the community by teaching at the school again.

In 2007, school head Marilyn Falsario led parents and pupils to a
food-for-school program by raising poultry and backyard vegetables.
Parents cook for the children’s lunch while the provincial government
afforded them rice.

I believe, scores of these teachers were then “called” to give the
community what they need. Evelyn Caya herself, now a dentist, grew
here, finished her elementary at the school like her husband, Ireneo,
who is now a school cluster head.

Sarangani last year launched the Quality Education for Sarangani Today
(QUEST) project, a brainchild of Synergeia Foundation. Lamlifew
Elementary School is a recipient of its free-workbook distribution for
primary pupils all over the province.

“When I was a child like you, I used to gather kangkong leaves from
the ponds and sell them from house to house for my baon, just to get
back home with the same number of bunches because it would always
rain,” Analie Edday, with teary eyes, recounted in front of children
and parents.

“That day, I made a promise to myself: I shall never be a vegetable
seller all my life!”

Edday, a pure-blooded Blaan, is now QUEST’s program manager.

There must be more to the need for education among the villagers of
Lamlifew, having seen the place myself.

Obviously, it’s one reason why new school head Romeo Bogador doubted
the school’s child-friendly slogan after having realized the danger
among kids crossing the river just a few steps away from the
classrooms especially during heavy rains.

Bogador humbly asks local officials for the construction of a
footbridge to put away their fear.

The school event also launches a beads making class.

Beads making is one of Blaan’s traditional practices. They use them as
body ornaments. Manager Beth Farnazo of the province’s indigenous
people development program initiated the integration of the school of
living tradition to the school’s Makabayan regular curriculum. The
program includes honorarium for the cultural masters in beads making.

Truth is many of them are masters of their own old craft. Herminia
Lacna, a Blaan grand, has preserved the folktales of her tribe by word
of mouth.

For the elderly woman, as the tribe learns, the river speaks in Lamlifew:

“Long time ago,” Herminia narrates, “there was no river here. But a
dog named Kay-kay got thirsty and tried to dig a water spring at the
place called Datal Barak where a mysterious jackfruit seed grew and
has died. Kay-kay drank from the spring and as the dog dug deeper,
more water flowed from the spring that keeps the river running until
now.” (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Young Blaan beauties

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – In a unique float parade by crossing the Bluan river, young girls competing for the search for Miss Lamlifew Elementary School smile as they approach the rive bank where the school is just a few steps away. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School lunch

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Community volunteers roast two pigs for lunch as the Lamlifew Elementary School celebrates its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lamlifew pupils

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – School children of the Lamlifew Elementary School show their smile with their tribal dress at the school’s 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1 with the theme, “Let’s join hands together to uplift the better future of our school children”. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Field demonstration

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Lamlifew Elementary School pupils in tribal dress perform a field demonstration during the school’s 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1, at the school ground. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan lasses

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 2, 2009) – Young Blaan girls get by the flowers at the school ground of Lamlifew Elementary School during its 13th foundation anniversary Wednesday, July 1, at the center of the village. The school was founded in 1982 and became a primary school during the first 14 years as the villagers thirst for education. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)