Village fiesta

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 28, 2008) – During festivities
Sarangani's villages are as peaceful and merry like this fiesta in
Lamlifew village Friday, September 26. (Photo by Bobby
Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Shy bride

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 28, 2008) – A shy bride and her groom face the community during the civil marriage of 40 Blaan couples officiated by Mayor Reynaldo Constantino in Lamlifew village's "Kasalan ng Bayan" Friday, September 26. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village welcome

Malungon, Sarangani (September 28, 2008) – Residents of Lamlifew village in Malungon welcome Governor Migs Dominguez as they celebrate Safkaan Festival (safkaan is a Blaan word which means "eat") Friday, September 26. Yacap party-list Rep. Carol Lopez is one of guests at Lamlifew where the School of Living Tradition (SLT) is based. SLT will open the Tribal Village Museum on October 27. (Photo by Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kasadyaan Festival

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2008) – Youth performers from barangay Domolok showcase their native Blaan attire Wednesday, September 10, at the 7th Kasadyaan Festival of Alabel, the province's capital town. The week-long Kasadyaan (merriment) festivity ended with different shows and celebrity guests and an anniversary program attended by Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, Gov. Migs Dominguez, Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Board Members, Alcantara Foundation executive director Cecile Dominguez and Councilor Alma Moreno, Secretary-General of Philippine Councilors League. (Bon-Bon Quiňo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lamlifew weavers

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 9, 2008) – Master weavers of the Tribal Women Association of Sitio Lamlifew in barangay Datal Tampal weave their own native Blaan clothes. Abaca is the main raw material and the colors black and red are taken from the roots of Kanalum and Lagu trees. It takes three to four months to weave a four-meter clothe. The weaver doesn't have any patterns to follow. The designs and patterns of their clothes are from their dreams. Sitio Lamlifew is launching their Tribal Village Museum on October 27, 2008. (Photo by Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan children

MALUNGON, Sarangani (September 9, 2008) – Michelle Solon, president of Sarangani Tourism Industry Association (SARTIA), mingles with Blaan children during the weekend in sitio Lamlifew, barangay Datal Tampal in Malungon. The rich culture and traditions are passed on to children in Lamlifew where the pilot School of Living Traditions has been established. (Photo by Bon-Bon Quiño/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Upland rice harvest

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 22, 2008) – Local women (background with baskets) harvest upland rice Friday, August 22, together with government workers under the Indigenous People's Development Program of Governor Migs Dominguez in sitio Lamlifew, barangay Datal Tampal in Malungon. The governor's special project in preserving the culture and tradition of indigenous people in Sarangani includes the planting of traditional rice varieties which not only give a high yield, but are also disease resistant, glutinous, and very tasty. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Living tradition

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 7, 2008) – Blaan pupils attend school in their traditional dress at Lamlifew Elementary School and sing the Sarangani provincial hymn Wednesday, August 6. Bantay Bata Foundation also donated an ETV (educational TV) set for the village school in sitio Lamlifew, barangay Datal Tampal. Barangay Captain Efraim Englis announced later that he and his council will appropriate P50,000 in support of preserving the Blaan customs and traditions in the predominantly Blaan village. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Donation

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 6, 200) - Maribeth Farnazo, program manager of the Indigenous People's Development Program under the office of Governor Migs Dominguez, is turning over an ETV (educational TV) set donated by Bantay Bata Foundation to the village thru barangay captain Datu Efraim Englis Wednesday, August 6, at Lamlifew Elementary School campus, sitio Lamlifew, in barangay Datal Tampal. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

TV show

MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 6, 2008) - Toto Terando of the Indigenous People's Development Program facilitates an ETV (educational TV) showing to pupils of Lamlifew Elementary School after the ceremonial turn-over Wednesday, August 6, at the school campus. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

My future

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 3, 2008) – My future, this Blaan boy seems to convey as he joins at least 350 volunteers at the tree-planting activity Saturday, August 2, at Calminda watershed area in collaboration with Smart Communications, Inc. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Private school in the highlands

By RUSSTUM G. PELIMA

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) – With high spirits of volunteerism and the heart to help poor schoolchildren, volunteer employees from Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), with its Read-to-be-Smart Adopt-a-School Program, had to climb a mountain with boxes of books and school bags.

Tired and exhausted at the middle of the all-uphill trek, the volunteers wondered how could they ever make their way back to their helpless vehicles in the afternoon.

But seeing the village schoolchildren of Falel Community Elementary School waving their hands and shouting at the other end of the Tamadang bridge to meet them, all their troubles went away.

They regained strength, and when they reached the school at the top of the mountain, the volunteers found more reasons to help the school community.

The children’s happy smiles were now obvious - for 13 years, it is first time assistance like this had reached them.

The school overlooks the town, the forested lowlands, beautiful greeneries of Kiamba rice fields, and the Celebes Sea.

But Falel Community School – a private school - bore pains and challenges of years in existence. It was originally established by the Santa Cruz Mission in 1995 but had forgotten it after a year. So United States’ Partners for First People funded the school with maximum of $500 per month for volunteer teachers and school supplies for the Tboli kids.

For all these and more of painfully providing nonetheless education to the children, is a mean friend and school head Juanito Sampan, who stood up for the school and recounted his meaningful years here.

“Parang imposible (It was almost impossible),” Sampan said. “Pero nagawa namin.”

The children had to walk two kilometers and a half to reach the school every day, some of them in bare foot. “Three years after we started, the school had actually no books. We just teach them reading and writing the best way we can,” the school head said.

“When Smart arrived, I know the parents and the children were very happy. I saw it in their faces. It’s the first time that help reaches our community,” Sampan added.

Haydee Bernabe and the Smart volunteer employees brought with them general references books and manuals for the teachers for Grades I to VI and story books for the Grade I pupils. A reading corner donated by Smart is furnished with a book shelf, reading table and stools too.

The land where the school was built was donated by now barangay captain Rudy Tagum. The school utilizes only two of the seven-hectare land donation.

The school has one main structure with three classrooms where teachers combine two grade levels in each room. A makeshift building made of kalakat (fixed bamboo stripes) is used for Grade I pupils.

It holds 82 village pupils. So the school head can’t help but smile seeing the children wearing their Read-to-be-Smart t-shirts and schoolbags in uniform, for the first time.

“It’s not surprising that some of these children cannot read. They were even amazed opening the picture books, see and touch with their own hands these books at the reading corner,” Sampan pointed out.

In July 22, at the turnover of Smart’s reading corner to nearby Badtasan Primary School, another Tboli community, Mayor Rom Falgui thanked Smart and said the local government is doing its best to upgrade and intensify the learning of children.

“Importante gyud kayo ang pagtudlo sa mga tao (It is really important that we should strengthen our human resources),” he said.

The local government, with Synergeia Foundation, launched the Comprehensive Learning Assistance and Support for Schoolers by Mayor Rom (CLASSROM) last July 4. CLASSROM aims to gain support for quality education from the community especially the parents.

“Education is one of our flagship programs and we have the commitment to help,” said Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, Smart Public Affairs Manager for Visayas and Mindanao.

Volunteer employees in General Santos City will have scheduled visits to conduct reading and story-telling sessions to the children.

“Poverty is not a hindrance to education,” Paredes stressed.

Kiamba National High School and Kiamba Central Elementary School are also recipients of Smart school program.

In Kiamba, Falel Community School has the lowest reading comprehension and the Badtasan Primary School has the lowest participation in terms of enrolment.

Next to the Blaan, the Tbolis are the second largest indigenous group in Sarangani.

Falel is part of Barangay Tamadang where the native term was taken from marang, an exotic fruit that once abundantly grew in the place. (RGP/Sarangani Information Office)

Uphill

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Tboli school children of Falel Community School smile as they bring with them story books donated by Smart. These children are used to hike 2.5 kilometers everyday to reach the school. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Story books

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 208) - Falel schoolchildren enjoy reading the story books donated by Smart at the school's reading corner. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Smart volunteers

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Smart volunteers led by Haydee Bernabe (left, seated) pose with Falel Community School children after receiving books donated by Smart Communications. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

School head

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - School head Juanito Sampan distributes books to Tboli pupils. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

From the top

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - Falel Community School is overlooking the green sceneries of Kiamba town, the lowland community, and the Celebes Sea. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Bridge to school

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 26, 2008) - School head Juanito Sampan leads Tboli pupils after they met Smart volunteers to carry their baggage at the Tamadang Bridge. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Reading corner

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) – Victoria Tagum mentors Grade I pupils in their new "reading corner" set up by Smart Communications. The upland school is a private institution ran by the Tboli of Falel Community Foundation with an operational cost of $500 dollars a month from the First People Foundation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New books

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) - Falel elementary pupils enjoy reading their new books Thursday, 17. Smart Communications donated a "reading corner" for Grade I pupils and text and reading books for Grade I to Grade VI. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Class picture

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 18, 2008) - Falel Elementary School pupils are joined by Smart Communications personnel headed by Haydee Bernabe (2nd from right, back row) for a class picture Thursday, July 17. The upland school at sitio Falel, barangay Tamadang, is a private school operated by the Tboli of Falel Community Foundation. It has an operational cost of $500 a month funded by First People Foundation. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Traditional dancer

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 2, 2008) – A traditional dancer performs during the business night Tuesday, July 1, in celebration of the Unified, Strong, Wealthy And Globally competitive (USWAG) Sarangani. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tabih weaver

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Tabih weaver Arsenia Vicente, 48, shows her mastery of weaving the tabih cloth made of abaca fiber at the Capitol lobby Tuesday, May 27. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Indigenous showcase

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Helen L. Lumbos, 38, keeps in touch with her family in the Malungon uplands as her group of women artists showcase indigenous handicraft at Capitol lobby Tuesday, May 27, to celebrate the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Heritage keeper

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2008) – Masinden Tumandan, 68, a Blaan master culture mat weaver from Upper Lasang, Sapu Masla, Malapatan weaves mats in keeping the tradition alive for future generations of the indigenous people and not for the monetary value the handicraft could bring in this showcase Tuesday, May 27, at the Capitol lobby in celebration of the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Heritage month

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez mingles with Capitol employees and the Blaan and Tboli tribal groups, the largest tribal groups in Sarangani, during the flag ceremony Monday, May 26, as the province celebrates May as the National Heritage Month. The theme for this year is "Philippine Epics" and the events are being held under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Kids with Gov.

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Tboli kids of Badtasan tribal dancers from Kiamba town usher Governor Migs Dominguez to the front row before the group makes a dance number during the flag raising ceremony Monday, May 26, at the Capitol. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Philippine epics

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – May is the National Heritage Month. The theme for this year is "Philippine Epics" and local events being held under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are celebrated by Capitol employees with Tboli kids from Badtasan village of Kiamba town. Different tribal groups join the flag raising ceremony Monday, May 26, at the Capitol. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tribal dancers

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 26, 2008) – Capitol employees enjoy watching and taking pictures as a group of young Tboli girls from barangay Badtasan, Kiamba town, performs at Capitol in celebration of the National Heritage Month. (Photo by Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Villagers pin hope in baskets

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - After months of perfecting their craft, members of Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) have sold out their first baskets to telecom giant Globe which initiated a nito and rattan weaving project in barangay Datal Anggas in December 2007.

"This is a dream come true. We now have a livelihood project for the people living in this remote barangay," said barangay chairman Caris Salimama in a press conference Tuesday (May 20).

SILA members sold 17 baskets to Globe which used it for corporate giveaways and displayed various products made of nito, rattan and bamboo at the press conference.

Jones Campos, head of Globe public relations, said that Globe is bent on helping communities develop entrepreneurial and livelihood skills across the country.

Sitio Ihan was a former rebel stronghold during the height of the communist movement.

At the village last December, 75 of its residents participated in a livelihood training of weaving baskets and other ornaments made of rattan and nito conducted by Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) program, Alcantara Foundation Inc., the Cottage Industries Training Center (CITC), and the provincial government. Ten of the trainees were former members of the New People's Army.

"The provincial government of Sarangani will help in linking their products to potential markets," said Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon.

Globe has also committed to buy some of SILA's products and even find a market for them.

"We want them not only to learn how to weave but also become entrepreneurs as well," said Fernando Esguerra of Globe's community relations office.

Esguerra, with representatives from ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation, Alcantara Foundation, Sarangani provincial government and CITC spent two nights and three days in Ihan last year.

"Their products will not only be sold but the story behind it will also be told," said Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation.

Globe had brought some of the weavers to Metro Manila for further enhancement of their skills.

"I realized in there (Metro Manila) that what we throw, burn and treat as garbage has value. The nito and rattan in our community will now be protected," said Salimama who added that they burn or cut rattan, bamboo and nito to give way to other crops.

"SILA has still a long way to go but they have partners who are willing to support them in this endeavor. We believe that with everyone's full cooperation, SILA would eventually reach its goal of becoming a fully-established woven handicrafts business," said Esguerra in a press statement.

"Hopefully, this genuine desire to progress from conflict and poverty would motivate others to follow suit and use what we have done in Datal Anggas as an inspiration," added Esguerra. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

Weaving

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (left), Alcantara Foundation Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez (right) and Mayor Corazon Grafilo of Alabel (2nd from right) learn how to weave a nito basket from members of Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) during a showcase of their products Tuesday, May 20. SILA members are creating handicraft made of rattan and nito through the program of Globe BridgeCom, Foundation Inc. and the provincial government of Sarangani. Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Products

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - Cecile Dominguez, executive director of Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (left) and Fernando Esguerra of Globe community relations office appreciate the various handicraft made by members of the Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA). Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Nito baskets

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) - Members of the Sitio Ihan Livelihood Association (SILA) show guests the process of making nito baskets during a showcase of their products Tuesday, May 20. SILA members are creating handicrafts made of bamboo, rattan and nito through the program of Globe BridgeCom, Alcantara Foundation, Inc. and the provincial government of Sarangani. Sitio Ihan in barangay Datal Anggas is a former stronghold of communist rebels. (Photo by Bobby Saya-ang/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Globe, gov't. & ex-rebs as weave partners

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – The Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) program has credited the efforts of the local government of Alabel for partnering with Globe in training former combatants to make a living.

Globe BridgeCom, the integrated corporate social responsibility program of Globe Telecom, has trained 40 residents of Sitio Ihan in basket-weaving.

The project kicked-off in October 2007 with Alcantara Foundation Inc. as Globe's local partner.

Sitio Ihan of Datal Anggas village is a former rebel-infested area. Scores of New People's Army rebels from Datal Anggas have pledged allegiance to the government.

In the plaque of appreciation awarded to the village, Globe conveyed its gratitude to Alabel for sharing in the "mission of transforming and enriching the lives of Filipinos thru corporate social responsibility program."

Globe said in the citation it would "continuously bridge hope to Filipinos by enhancing education, strengthening entrepreneurship and sustaining the environment."

Alcantara Foundation Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez said the project is "really to give opportunity to the residents of Sitio Ihan, Datal Anggas."
She said the opportunity that comes along with it is the message that "when there is peace, there is progress" which depicted the transformation of Sitio Ihan from a formerly rebel-held area. "Ang magandang nangyayari po dito sa Ihan ay nagpapakita na kung may kapayapaan ay may dumating na kalambuan. Sigurado kami na after this marami pang magagandang mangyayari at dumadating na progress sa ating bayan sa Datal Anggas kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan," Dominguez told barangay and municipal officials at Alabel's flag ceremony Monday (May 19).

The basket weaving project, according to Dominguez, is a long-term engagement that would not only provide new skills to the residents of Sitio Ihan but would also provide them experience and learning on entrepreneurship.

"It bridges a community towards greater opportunities and newer opportunities," She said.She said after ten of the 40 beneficiaries went to Manila for an intensive training last month, they are now back to Sitio Ihan to start developing their products.Dominguez said when their products are ready, the Alcantara Foundation will then start marketing their products outside the province. "Right now we're at skills perfecting component. When they have perfected their skills then we are ready to market their products," Dominguez added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)

Village people

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) - Blaan women, unmindful of the heat of the sun, witness the 20th foundation anniversary program of their barangay with some guests from the lowlands. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan youth

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – The Blaan youth entertains guests with their traditional dance during the 20th foundation anniversary program Wednesday, April 23, of barangay Datal Anggas. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Blaan performers

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – The Dakita dance group performs Wednesday, April 23, during the 20th foundation anniversary program of barangay Datal Anggas, once a village rarely reached by government services and provincial officials due to its difficult terrain and rebel influence. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Village token

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon each receive a token from barangay captain Caris Salimama (center) of Datal Anggas Wednesday, April 23, during their visit and in time for the barangay's 20th foundation anniversary. Also in Photo is Lt. Col. Manuel Sequitin, 66th Infantry Battalion commander. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Steve

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) - Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon encourages village residents to plant coffee as he assures them of a ready market. He also promised government's assistance in the fast and efficient delivery of their products to the market by assigning one all-weather truck in this far-flung village. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photo ops

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 24, 2008) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon are flanked by military and civilian officials with village people Wednesday, April 23, in a photo opportunity at barangay Datal Anggas, the capital town's most remote village. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cave yields breast-shaped potsherd

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – Archaeologists digging test pits inside a newly-discovered cave have found potsherds shaped like a woman's breast and a portion of an elbow, similar to anthropomorphic artifacts found in nearby Ayob Cave in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago.

The five-person team from the National Museum also recovered Wednesday (April 16) human and animal bones at the cave in sitio Sagel accidentally uncovered by quarry workers on April 5.

The team has taken soil samples to further study its alkalinity that could have affected the disintegration of the bones.

"We are digging two test pits, about 78 cm. and 20 cm. deep, but the flooring could still be two meters below," team leader Nida Cuevas said.

"What is there is an academic, cultural, scientific evidence at 'yung mga belief systems kung papaano ni-remember ang mga patay noong una."

Cuevas conducted an archaeological study on the gender signified by the artifacts of anthropomorphic secondary burial jars found in Ayob Cave. These jars are now exhibited at the National Museum.

Some significant features and identifications Cuevas found in the jars are the heads, breasts, teeth, and genitals.

Using ethnographic analogy of the natives in the Philippines and in other Southeast Asian countries, these features determine the gender of the person shaped in the burial jars, Cuevas said.

"Kayo lang dito sa Maitum ang meron magandang ganitong collection," said National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon.

"Religious beliefs and tradition. These are the aspects which we hope to discover that the evidence on the artifacts can provide," she added.

Ayob Cave is about 600 meters away from the newly-discovered cave and both are found on the same hillside in barangay Pinol. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Bones

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – A human or animal bone taken from a test pit inside Sagel Cave is examined by National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon during the second day of excavation Thursday, April 17. Two test pits have yielded potsherds similar to man-shaped artifacts found in another cave in barangay Pinol in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Breast

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – This part of a woman's breast is among the potsherds gathered Wednesday, April 16, from test pits inside Sagel Cave. Also among the potsherds are a portion of an elbow similar to anthropomorphic secondary burial jars found in Ayob Cave in barangay Pinol in 1991 which were carbon-dated to nearly 2000 years ago. (Photo by Elizabeth R. Palma Gil/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

CAve potsherds

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) - National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon lays down potsherds and human and animal bones collected Thursday, April 17, from test pits inside Sagel Cave. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Media briefing

MAITUM, Sarangani (April 18, 2008) – Reporters get a crash course on archaeology from National Museum researcher Alexandra de Leon at the Maitum town hall Thursday, April 17. De Leon, who will receive her MA in Archaeology degree from UP on April 27, is part of the five-person National Museum team doing a "preliminary study and assessment" of the newly-discovered cave in sitio Sagel, barangay Pinol. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Datu Damfel Banwe

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2008) – Wearing the traditional Blaan attire, boxing hero Manny Pacquiao becomes Datu Damfel Banwe' which means "a man to unite the people from distant places towards peace and prosperity." (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Conferment rites

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2008) – Blaan tribal elders confer WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao the rank of datu in Malungon Wednesday, March 26, at the municipal gymnasium. Partly hidden at left is Mayor Reynaldo Constantino. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

IPs confer Pacquiao rank of Datu

MALUNGON, Sarangani (March 27, 2008) – Elders of the indigenous people (IP) conferred world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao the rank of datu (tribal leader) as he returned home Wednesday (March 26) to a rousing welcome ceremony in Malungon where he chairs the municipal tourism council.

Pacquiao's title of Datu Damfel Banwe' means "a man with the power to unite the people from all places towards peace and prosperity".

The WBC super featherweight champion arrived at General Santos City airport in the morning.

Pacquiao was joined by South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio and General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. in a motorcade and press conference.

Shortly after, Malungon municipal officials in a motorcade led Pacquiao to the town where he received a hero's welcome at the jam-packed municipal gym.

"Ipinakita nya ang kahalagahan na walang imposible kapag tayo ay may pangarap at inspirasyon," Governor Migs Dominguez said in a welcome message.

Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said he had scheduled Pacquiao's grand welcome in Malungon even before the boxing champ's latest victory against Mexican Juan Manual Marquez.

Malungon is the only landlocked municipality in Sarangani. On its hinterlands are villages of indigenous peoples such as the Tagakaolos and the Blaans.

The province's School of Living Tradition (SLT) project has made the Blaans and the Tagakaolos preserve their heritage of tribal dress weaving and beads making which is also their source of income.

Pacquiao's conferment as datu is in accordance with the Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) or R.A. 8371, recognizing Pacquiao's respect among the country's IPs.

Late last year, Pacquiao joined Environment Secretary Lito Atienza in a reforestation drive in Sarangani's capital town Alabel to protect a watershed there. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Malong

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 16, 2008) – Women in Malapatan town keep their traditional arts alive with a malong-weaving project under their Rural Improvement Club. They prepare threads to weave and produce malong like the ones they are wearing. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Weaving

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 15, 2008) – A Blaan woman starts a weaving process (tabih). A dileh (knife), galana (dye) made up of yellow, green, violet and red, and a wooden stick (los) are used to treat the dried leaves of buli or romblon leaves. The traditional tabih, one of the three vanishing arts of weaving among the indigenous people, has been preserved in Sarangani through the School of Living Tradition project of Governor Migs Dominguez. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Romblon harvest

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (March 15, 2008) – A Blaan woman harvests romblon leaves (buli) in Upper Lasang where a School of Living Tradition for mat weaving was established by the provincial government. Romblon is found on many islands in the Western Pacific and grows in abundance by the seashore. A sustainable resource, the sword shaped leaves are harvested leaving the plant to grow new leaves for future use. Once dried, the leaves are traditionally woven into sleeping mats, market bags and other useful items. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Lamlunay: Nurturing a culture of business and tradition

Russtum G. Pelima

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 14, 2008) – The place was once a battleground deserted by Tboli villagers, their displaced families settling elsewhere in the lowlands driven by armed conflicts in the 70s.

But barangay Upo has not withered hope.

After a long time, the Tbolis decided to resettle, protect their forest, save their future and tradition, built their own business.

What they're sowing for nature has been bringing good fortune to barangay Upo's doorsteps.

The Lamlunay Research and Learning Center (LRLC) built at the foot of a forest gained recognition as one of the 19 finalists at the national Gawad Galing Pook last year.

In March 11, a team from United Nations World Food Program (WFP) conducted a project visit in Lamlunay for the Ylang-ylang and banana food-for-work program.

The Upo Valley Multi-purpose Cooperative (UVAMULCO) takes care of the community farmers' businesses. Started to operate in 2000 and now with 300 farmer members, UVAMULCO buys abaca, banana, coffee and corn from the farmers. It has enabled them easy market. This small barangay can produce 30 tons of bananas in a week.

LRLC now nurses 15,000 hills of rubber trees for free distribution to the farmers.

The center sits on land donated by the Kusin family to the barangay. It intends to showcase how its 97-hectare forest must be protected through reforestation.

Lamlunay is a coined Tboli term which means paradise-lam (into) and lunay (a tree), thus, "into the forest."

Among the indigenous peoples like the Tbolis, forest is a paradise, with all its natural beauty, serenity, and bounty.

At the heart of Lamlunay's mountain is a waterfalls. Basilio Kusin recounted to me how it got its name.

Once, a Tboli named Lumabag lived here. Being alone, he fed from fruit trees and hunting wild animals in the forest. Trying to catch a frog one day, Lumabag fell into the wild water and died there. From then on, the people called the waterfalls Ficong Lumabag (Lumabag Falls).

Just before lunch, young Tboli girls in colorful tribal dress performed a Tboli traditional dance.

Basilio and I seated under the canopies so he could continue telling me his stories-the origin of a nearby brook called Banlagil, and how the lunay tree in the midst of the forest has provided light to the village people-while playing the duwagay, a Tboli violin.

"You know," he whispered as he noticed my attention was caught by his instrument. "A Tboli plays the duwagay to court a girl. Soon, the girl would come out and flee from her mother's house to look where the tune comes from." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

UN official lauds Sarangani town's food program

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 13, 2008) – United Nations World Food Program (WFP) Country Director Guarnieri Valerie has commended the local government and community joint efforts in the implementation of food-for-work program.

During the site visit and validation at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center (LRLC) in barangay Upo Tuesday (Mar. 11), Valerie said the community models Mindanao in its Food for Education, Food for Work, Food for Hope and Food for Peace.

"It sounds that in here you embrace many of these principles," Valerie said.

"One of the reasons why we wanted to see your area is because the sort of the things you were doing in Sarangani and here in this municipality is exactly the sort of things that the World Food Program is trying to support in Mindanao."

Upo was driven by conflict between government and secessionist rebels in the 70s.

LRLC opened with an 11-hectare land donated by a Tboli family to the barangay and started to operate in 2000 with the local government beginning to conduct inter-agency trainings and seminars.

The center runs on a tripartite management of the municipal and provincial government, the barangay, and the community and serves to protect its 97-hectare forested area.

Lamlunay is a native coinage of lam (into) and lunay (tree), thus "into the forest." Lamlunay connotes a paradise among the Tbolis.

The center now nurses 15,000 rubber seedlings to be distributed to community farmers for free.

In return, Upo Valley Multi-purpose Cooperative (UVAMULCO) buys farmers' products in the area such as abaca, coffee and banana.

UVAMULCO has 300 coop members who farm their own lands. Among the barangay's eight sitios, Antam produces the biggest, with eight tons of banana per week.

Valerie lauds in particular the participation of women in the implementation of the Ylang-ylang and banana projects, and the barangay community in maintaining peace and order.

LRLC was one of the 19 national finalists for the Gawad Galing Pook 2007.

"This is our perfect example of a cultural minority that is able to succeed not because of government, but really because the community bonded together and decided that they wanted to move on forward," Governor Migs Dominguez said.

The UN team also visited the Gawad Kalinga eco-village in barangay Mabay in Maitum; the skills training and weaving project of rebel returnees in Sitio Ihan, Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel; and the School of Living Tradition in Lamlifew, Malungon. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Mango

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 14, 2008) – A caretaker inspects mango seedlings at the Lamlunay Research and Learning Center (LRLC) in barangay Upo, a finalist in the recent Gawad Galing Pook national awards on outstanding local governance programs. LRLC in Maitum is a 108-hectare facility that maintains nurseries of fruit trees and other crops and distributes seedlings to barangays. LRLC demo farms use sloping agricultural land technology. Diversified farming systems are also maintained in the center. Through LRLC, a brainchild of the late Mayor George Yabes, the average family income in barangay Upo has continuously increased. (Photo by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Tboli violin

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 12, 2008) – Basilio Kusin plays a Duwagay, a Tboli violin made of lunay tree and a copper coil used as string. A Tboli male plays the Duwagay in courtship. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

UN World Food Program

MAITUM, Sarangani (March 12, 2008) – Governor Migs Dominguez welcomes residents and guests from the United Nations World Food Program led by Country Director Guarnieri Valerie (2nd from right) on Tuesday (Mar. 11) at Lamlunay Research and Learning Center, a finalist in the recent Gawad Galing Pook national awards. It is one of Sarangani's outstanding local governance programs on farm learning that helped increase the average family income in the barangay. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)