by James Martin A Ambat

LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON— American Corner CdeO successfully implemented its cultural exchange and community outreach project at the Talaandig Ancestral Territory in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, on 1 December 2023. The event is part of the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace and the Xavier University Festival Days 2023.

Photo opportunity after Fr Ismael Jose III V Gonzaga-Chan, SJ, JD, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, gave a blessing to the team before leaving for Lantapan, Bukidnon

With the theme, “The Strength of the Community is the Path to Genuine Peace and Progress”, this cultural exchange program is in coordination with the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) under the directorship of Mr Nestor M Banuag Jr, Central Student Government (CSG), United Arts and Sciences Student Council (UNITASS), Ateneo Diplomatic Corps (ADC), Mr Nalandangan Mabantog L Saway, and Abbey Transfiguration through Dom Martin Hizon Gomez, OSB. This outreach project has two-way objectives: for the participants to strengthen and deepen their understanding of the culture of Talaandig and at the same time, to engage with the Talaandig youth by providing them leadership skills and empowering them as part of our society. The event was attended by more than 200 participants both from the Talaandig and Xavier Ateneo.

A Pose at the Talaandig Tribe School of Living Traditions

The Talaandig is one of the indigenous groups in the province of Bukidnon with its population roughly estimated to be at about 100,000 people or more. One of the important aspects of their belief system is the belief of the existence of the supreme being, Magbabaya, and spirits who guard and protect nature. As part of the cultural immersion, Xavier Ateneo participants took part in the rituals led by Victorino “Datu Mingketay” Saway together with other cultural masters.

Dom Martin Gomez, OSB shared in his message to the participants that this immersion is an instrument for two different cultures to interact and pointed out that despite differences, there is a commonality. Datu Mingketay, in his talk, emphasized the importance of understanding our identity. As in his words, “to be a leader is to understand who you are '' and whatever one does should tie back to his identity. Moreover, Mr Nestor Banuag Jr expressed his gratitude to the whole community for embracing and welcoming the Xavier Ateneo delegation warmly.

In a breakout session, Aduna Saway, a teacher in the Talaandig School of Living Traditions cited the value of achieving dreams. Another spotlight of the event highlights Adelfa Kinuyog as she shares her expertise about the tribe's culture and history to the Talaandig children. The preservation of cultural heritage is being challenged by modernization as it contributes to cultural erosion. Part of the efforts in preserving the cultural heritage is directed to honing its future generations.

Several cultural performances were also witnessed by the participants such as the chant performance by Bai Florena Saway. Dugso, a sacred ritual dance, was performed by some of the Baylan cultural masters.

Dr Estrella C Cabudoy, the American Corner coordinator, and Mr Rule P Redondo, the director of XU Libraries, closed the program emphasizing that this is not the end of the organization and university’s relationship with the Talaandig community; both expressed their hope for continued partnership in the future.