Gov. Solon supports Blaan cultural masters

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 17, 2014) – Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon joins Blaan cultural masters from the Lamlifew Village Museum based in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon during the opening of a four-day “Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit at SM Mall on October 13 where the Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” are showcased until October 16. They are organized as Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association manifesting the role of Blaan women in upholding the identity of the tribe thru crafts. Sarangani Province thru its Sulong Tribu program with the support of the Department of Tourism Region XII aspires that the province will be named as Tabih Capital in Southern Mindanao. The activity is a support to the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month this October. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 17, 2014) – Emi Englis, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and Leonardo "Bing" Cariño pose during the opening of a four-day “Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit at SM Mall on October 13 where the Blaan indigenous fabric called “Tabih” from Lamlifew Village Museum based in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon are showcased until October 16. Bing Cariño as team leader and Englis with Arjho Cariño-Turner, Helen Lumbos and Toto Tirando served as curators of this heritage material with the only two living keepers of the tradition, Fu Yabing Dulo and Fu Gusiye Buan. Sarangani Province thru its Sulong Tribu program with the support of the Department of Tourism Region XII aspires that the province will be named as Tabih Capital in Southern Mindanao. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Blaan master weavers present work at SM City

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon pays attention to Blaan master weavers Yabing Caturan Masalon Dulo, 94, and Gusiye Buan, 84, from Lamlifew Village in Barangay Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani during the opening of exhibit of "Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" at SM City starting Monday, October 13. The Department of Tourism Region 12 supported the Lamlifew Village Museum under the Sulong Tribu component of Sulong Sarangani program. The exhibit runs until October 16. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Officials open "Mabal Blaan: Weaving the Threads of Heritage" exhibit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (October 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme left) leads the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the exhibit"Mabal Blaan:Weaving the Threads of Heritage" and showcasing the Lamlifew Village Museum Monday, October 13, at SM City Events Center. The governor is assisted by her wife Michelle Solon (2nd from left), chair of the Regional Tourism Council. Also in photo are Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao (2nd from right), City Councilor Shandee Llido (extreme right), Dir. Yahya Senti (3rd from left) of the Department of Labor and Employment Region 12 and Dir. Arturo Valero (3rd from right) of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 12. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan presents Lumad Pasundayag

GLAN, Sarangani (October 3, 2014) - Indigenous People (IP) and Muslim group of Glan welcome Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon during the "Lumad Pasundayag," one of the activities of the town’s October 8 centennial foundation anniversary Wednesday, October 1. “Lumad Pasundayag” or Indigenous Exhibit was attended by numerous IP groups in the municipality, like the Blaan, Tboli and Mandaya, including Muslims and Indonesians who inhabited the place for decades already. The exhibit showcased each group’s unique presentations and culture. Gov. Solon with Mayor Tata Yap pronounced that "our programs are for all, no prejudice in Sarangani. We will give what is due to the people of Sarangani.” (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Blaan artist plays at School of Living Tradition

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 18, 2014) – A woman in Lamlifew Village Museum and School of Living Tradition at Barangay Datal Tampal plays an indigenous musical instrument during the visit of travel photographer George Tapan with the Sulong Tribu on September 14. The world-renowned Filipino travel photographer Tapan visited Malungon town to document the indigenous culture and textiles. Tapan had visited the IP village in 2005. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Travel fotog tours Lamlifew with Sulong Tribu

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 18, 2014) — The world-famous and award-winning Filipino travel photographer George Tapan visits Malungon on September 14 with the Sulong Tribu to document the indigenous culture and textiles of the Blaan in Lamlifew Village Museum and School of Living Tradition at Barangay Datal Tampal. Tapan had visited the IP village in 2005. Earlier, he conducted a photography workshop entitled “Secrets of the Master II” in General Santos City as part of the Tuna Festival where photographers over the country attended the workshop and joined the actual capturing of city’s events for his mentoring session. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani tri-people unite for peace and progress

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 15, 2014) - "Dwata samsagen di gamu, ta dini gamu di lamfufung gu (The Lord is always with you, and you are always here in my heart)," Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon tells a member of the tribe during the 1st Indigenous People's Day of Alabel town’s anniversary on September 12. Gov. Solon and the rest of the officials are grateful for the continued unity of the tri-people in Sarangani - the Lumads, Muslims and Christians – for peace and progress. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Alabel celebrates 1st Indigenous Peoples’ Day

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 12, 2014) - Tribal chieftains from the 13 barangays of the municipality welcome Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon in the 1st Indigenous Peoples’ Day as part of the celebration of Alabel’s 43rd Foundation Anniversary and 13th Kasadyaan Festival Friday, September 12, in front of the municipal hall. The IP Day was conducted by the Sulong Tribu component of the Sulong Sarangani convergence program of Gov. Solon. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal dancers perform at Kasadyaan Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 12, 2014) - Vice Mayor Vic Paul Salarda (2^nd from left) learns and dances with the tribal dancers grooving to the beat of the tribal singers in the 1st Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Alabel as part of the celebration of its 43rd Foundation Anniversary and 13th Kasadyaan Festival Friday, September 12. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Villagers welcome Cherry Mobile, Hearts and Brains Inc. services

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 12, 2014) – Residents of Sitio Safya in Barangay Poblacion flock at their community church to avail of the two-day medical mission offered by Cherry Mobile, a cellular phone company, Tuesday, September 9. Cherry Mobile partnered with the Hearts and Brains, Inc. (HABI), Sulong Sarangani program of the provincial government, and the law enforcement agencies. Sitio Safya is inhabited by Blaans and can be accessed only by foot for about 7-8 hours by non-residents. Aside from medical services, Cherry Mobile is on the process of a community consultation for the proposed construction of several dormitories called Bahay Tuluyan for elementary pupils in Sitio Kiahe, Barangay Kinam. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Dr. Cagape, Cherry Mobile bring E-txt Mo Kay Doc to remote village

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 11, 2014) – Dr. Roel Cagape of the Hearts and Brains, Inc. (HABI) and a recipient of the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino award distributes the manual for E-txt Mo Kay Doc for its E-Health Center project during the two-day medical mission sponsored by Cherry Mobile, a cellular phone company, at Sitio Safya, Barangay Poblacion Tuesday, September 9. Sitio Safya is inhabited by Blaans and can be accessed only by foot for about 7-8 hours by non-residents. Aside from medical services, Cherry Mobile is in the process of a community consultation for the proposed construction of several dormitories called Bahay Tuluyan for elementary pupils in Sitio Kiahe, Barangay Kinam. The Sulong Sarangani convergence program of Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, in partnership with Cong. Manny Pacquiao and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, is grateful for this partnership and welcomes other NGOs to join the poverty alleviation and access-to-basic-services program. Sulong Sarangani’s thrust is to converge knowledge and resources of both public and private sectors. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Cherry Mobile brings medical mission to remote village

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (September 11, 2014) – Cherry Mobile’s Corporate Social Responsibility manager Leah Lopez shares to the residents of Sitio Safya, Barangay Poblacion how she is delighted to reach their far-flung community bringing with her the help of their company in partnership with the Hearts and Brains, Inc. (HABI) and Sulong Sarangani program during the two-day medical mission sponsored by Cherry Mobile in the area Tuesday, September 9. According to Lopez, it was her first time to experience climbing mountains and crossing rivers to extend community assistance. Cherry Mobile went back to Sarangani Province after its successful “Be Cool in School” project last June, with the office of Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon and partner law enforcement agencies, giving school supplies to students in remote public schools. This time they are focusing on medical program and school dormitory construction in the indigenous people communities of the province. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Blaan chieftain is new city councilor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) – Blaan chieftain Mario U. Empal (center) takes his oath of office Tuesday, July 22, before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as the 13th city councilor being the Indigenous People’s (IP) representative to the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP). After so many years, it is only now that the IP representation in the SP has finally been realized. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera welcomes IP Representative to city council

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2014) - After decades of waiting, the indigenous community here in the city finally got a representative in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

On the afternoon of Tuesday (July 22) at the City Hall lobby, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera made good on his promise to provide a voice for members of the Indigenous People (IP) in the city.

Blaan chieftain Mario Empal took his oath as the official IP Representative of General Santos City in front of the mayor, city councilors, LGU-GSC employees, and different IP groups.

“I am thankful that Mayor Rivera had pushed for an IP representation in SP. We asked this for a very long time and it was only now that this was realized—when Mayor Rivera is already the mayor of the city,” Empal said.

Representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) also witnessed and certified the legality of putting Kagawad Empal in one of the seats of SP.

According to the DILG, Section 16 of RA 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 says that the State shall ensure that all Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and IPs must be given a mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.

The DILG ascertained that there was no irregularity in naming Empal as the IP representative and as the 13th city councilor of the 17th SP.

This thrust of Mayor Rivera is also supported by the SP through Ordinance No. 8 authored by City Councilor Rosalita Nunez.

The ordinance outlines the need for an IP representative in the city, as well its functions and responsibilities.

In the said ordinance, Empal will have a three-year term which officially started on the day of his induction.

“I am happy that for how many years and administrations, we finally have an IP representative in the SP that will push the welfare and rights of our IP constituents,” Mayor Rivera said.

“But aside from that, I also expect Councilor Empal to also help in resolving the problems that affect the city, such as of the poverty incidence. Since he is in the SP already, improving the lives of every General should also be his utmost priority,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera is also hoping that the next IP representative would come from other indigenous tribes here in Gensan.

Councilor Empal assured the city mayor that he will do his role to be the voice of his fellow IPs and ICCs. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Weavers showcase Blaan craft

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (June 21, 2014) - Blaan women showcase their mat weaving skills at the municipal grounds as Malapatan stages its annual Pakaradyan Festival. Pakaradyan means festivities which also features the richness of the culture of Malapatan. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lang Dulay, a Tboli cultural icon

Please visit this blog on an article featuring Lang Dulay, http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/08/lang-dulay-philippines-national-living.html

An article on Lamlifew

A Little Museum by a River, Among the Hills and Fields is a very good article featuring the Blaan culture as shared by the Blaan indigenous peoples group of Lamlifew, Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Blaan and nothing else

 I am half-blood Blaan and am proud of it. My Mother is a Blaan from Pomololok and my Father is one of those early settler's family of Gensan belonging to the Ilocano and Waray descendants.

My tribe's correct spelling is Blaan, NOT B'laan and definitely NOT Bilaan...the two most common words we read from publications and You Tube postings. To all my flanek Blaan, please let us start using the proper name of our tribe in every way we refer to our tribe so that we will not be mad when non-tribal folks are calling us differently just because they could not pronounce it properly. If we wanted other people to respect us, let us first show respect to our own identity...that is as basic as our tribal name. Think about yourself? Do you wanted your own name to be mis-spelled all the time? Well, just some thoughts to ponder upon.

My folks in Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato

Blaan Traditional Upland Rice Resource Management in Kihan

ABSTRACT

 TURNER, JOSEPHINE C.University of the Philippines Open University. March 2008. Blaan Traditional Upland Rice Resource Management: Implications to Household Food Security and Cultural Survival in Brgy. Kihan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

Major Adviser: Maria Helen F. Dayo, PhD.

The Blaan indigenous peoples group of Brgy. Kihan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province had been growing diverse traditional upland rice varieties. However, there was no research done on their traditional upland rice resource management in relation to their household food security and cultural practices. The study attempted to attain the following objectives: (1) to make an inventory of the remaining traditional upland rice varieties grown by the Blaan tribe in Brgy. Kihan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, (2) to document the rituals, belief systems, and other cultural practices associated with traditional rice varieties, (3) to identify the lowland influences that modified Kihan’s traditional upland rice farming practices, and (4) to determine the impact of a dwindling traditional rice resource on household food security and the survival of the Blaan rice culture.

Multiple methodologies such as the participatory rural appraisal technique, survey questionnaire translated into Visayan dialect, focused group discussions, mapping, community meetings and immersion in the upland rice farming communities were used in the conduct of the research. Data validation was also done with the Barangay Council, Tribal Chieftains, Sitio leaders, survey respondents and other residents in Brgy. Kihan.

 A total of 42 key farmer respondents surveyed onsite revealed that there are 108 varieties based on the Blaan farmers’ characterization. They have indigenous system of rice classification known as Mlal fali (short growing) and Laweh fali (long growing) varieties. Of the 108 varieties identified, only 46 varieties were collected and documented. The respondents also identified that there are 62 varieties that are diminishing and some 47 rare varieties are no longer found in their Barangay.

Blaan devotion to cultural ritual is closely tied to their traditional upland rice agriculture. Cultural rituals associated with their rice culture are distinct in each stage of the agricultural cycle as evidenced by different rituals that include mabah, bot tne, nlaban fali, tuke fali, pandoman, amgawe, and damsu.

Lowland influences that modified Kihan’s traditional upland rice farming practices include introduction of cash economy and paid labor, adoption of introduced hybrid rice varieties by some farmers, more farmers shifting to cash crops compounding future upland rice genetic losses, non-practice of rituals with shift to cash crops, and increased use of synthetic fertilizers. The change of mindset of the Blaan upland rice farmers affects their sense of volunteerism. Some of the lowland influences have resulted in hunger, more poverty and indebtedness of the farmer to the financier or a middleman.

            Traditional upland rice resource management in Brgy. Kihan is characterized by subsistence farming. However, current scenario of dwindling upland rice resource posed threat to their economic and cultural survival. With few varieties available and the impact of lowland influences, Blaan farmers realized that they have smaller upland rice farms and smaller rice harvest that is not enough to sustain the growing family members coping for household food security which affects the sustenance of their cultural practices.

Traditional agricultural system in Kihan

The traditional agricultural system in Kihan is characterized primarily by subsistence farming. Production is geared towards food security and other basic needs rather than market forces. The place is poorly integrated to commercial markets due to its inaccessibility and the lack of road networks to link the far flung Sitios to commercial markets. Barangay Kihan is predominantly inhabited by the Blaan indigenous peoples group. The Blaan devotion to cultural ritual is closely tied to their traditional upland rice agricultural system. The study focused into the inventory of the different upland rice varieties, understanding of their traditional knowledge on upland rice farming system, understanding socio-cultural pressures that contributed to the loss of rare upland rice varieties and the advocacy for in situ conservation of their precious upland rice varieties.

View of Sitio Banlas, the farthest community with the most farmers growing upland rice

Rice farms in yellow patches viewed from Sitio Limbunga

View of Sitio Amlitos with corn area and irrigated lowland rice

 Upland rice is a key to recovering biodiversity as a fundamental dimension of household food security among ICCs. Upland rice farming is considered as a household affair among the Blaan tribe of Brgy. Kihan. They own their land as inheritance from their parents and most farms are dominated by male farmers. Study revealed that most of the farmers are within the age range of 26-45 who had been farming for over 16 years. Respondents said that farm preparation for upland rice planting is from March to May. This farm activity synchronization is practiced for cultural pest management, thus, dispersing the pest infestation if ever they occur. The timing is also necessary for the Bayanihan system or sahul so that farmers can commit to help in another farmers’ farm. Considering their terrain as rolling to steep mountainous farms, most farmers use hand hoe to cultivate the soil. They also use dibble stick to make holes for the upland rice. These implements are efficiently used for minimum tillage in steep sloped farms. Others with not so rolling farms use draft animals like carabaos, horses, and cow in land preparation and harrowing. Blaan farmers return all farm wastes like animal manure (e.g. carabao, cow, horses, chicken), crop residues and rice straws to bring back productivity of the soil during fallow period.

Dibble stick used for planting rice during the ritual called Lamgi
                                                                                                                    
2005 Upland rice research team (MSU-Science Department lead by Dr. James Namocatcat
and Professor Florence Lasalita-Zapico, Indigenous Peoples Development Program
                             staff and volunteers)with Barangay Kihan Officials and community members                                  

High genetic diversity of traditional upland rice in Kihan

Upland rice patches of Sitio Katnog, Kihan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province

 

 

The survey and semi-structured interviews among the 42 upland rice farmers with indicated that there is high genetic diversity of traditional upland rice (108 varieties) identified in Barangay Kihan, a significant indicator of traditional agricultural system. They traditionally classified their upland rice varieties as Mlal fali (short growing) and Laweh fali (long growing). This indigenous system of rice classification is based on farmers’ characterization. Among the 108 varieties, three varieties were favored by most of the farmers to be planted are larangan (79%) as it can be planted all year round, fitam kwat (64%) due to its high yield and manabang (55%). The seeds they have at present are handed down from their forefathers, some from the Barangay Council and Government program like UDP existing in the area, some are from barter and labor exchange to other farmers. Choice of particular variety either for food or for seed banking is based on reasons related to palatability (nutritious) and fragrance, high yielding, resistance to pests and insects, drought resistance, storability and fast growing varieties. On farm conservation of local varieties is an existing strategy for food security among the Blaan tribe. It is also a potential strategy for genetic conservation in Brgy. Kihan because varieties those farmers manage continue to evolve in response to natural and human selections. The evidence of many Kihan farmers’ selections in rice field indicates continuing process of maintaining rice varieties that specifically fit their own needs and local conditions. Moreover, respondents revealed that the diversity of other crops (57 species) categorized into vegetables, root crops and fruits in upland rice farms served different purposes. Most crops are used for household consumption especially the root crops, some are believed to be alternate hosts for pests, some for medicinal value, some to prevent soil erosion. Some are cash crops that are sold to the local market. The incorporation of wild resources and high diversity of other crops in their upland rice farms formed a livelihood strategy among the Blaan farmers. 

Click HERE for other traditional upland rice varieties photos.Photos of the different varieties were taken by Cocoy A. Sexcion.