Presidential Order 1906 was signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declaring October as “National Indigenous People’s Month”, a period of celebrating the country’s unique people, their rich culture, and traditions. Different ethnic groups from the whole country gather to bridge the gap between their cultural differences by showcasing their ancient old rituals, songs, and dances.
Republic Act 7356 likewise mandates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts to spearhead the yearly festivities. For this year’s Indigenous Peoples Festival celebration, NCCA partnered with the Provincial Government of Capiz to host the event.
Held last October 2-6, 2009 at the Roxas City Villareal Gym, the venue was transformed into a cultural stage where tribes from north to south converged for this annual event. The sound of the Jew’s harps, kulintangs, and the agungs reverberated from the walls. The floors vibrated with the stomping of the bare feet of the Gaddangs, the Kankana-eys, and the Ifugaos, in tune with every beat. And every silence following a ritual, forged a stronger brotherhood, a deeper understanding that each group is not any different from the other.
Aside from the cultural shows, Capizenos, media people, and foreigners were treated to exhibits set up by the different tribes, such as showcases of traditional houses and cultural products. Some of the tribes even sold their products—bags, food, woven scarves, and shirts—much to the delight of the delegates.
Dungog festival was also an event that reconnected me with the culture and traditions that are purely and uniquely Filipino. I was unaware that there were other ethnic groups in our country, most of them almost forgotten.
The festival opened my eyes to the diversity of Philippine culture. Indigenous Peoples Month also reminded me that I belong to one of the ethnic groups. Yes, I am proudly Ibanag! Although I don’t speak the language and have zero knowledge of our traditions, I couldn’t help but celebrate with the indigenous people. Every song and dance performed made me prouder as a Filipino and as an Ibanag.
And so to the efforts of the NCCA to propagate and preserve the traditions of our ethnic groups, and to the future Indigenous Peoples Month festivities, Mabuhay!
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Tags: different tribes, festival celebration, peoples festival, philippine culture