PEACEBUILDERS.  Xavier Ateneo Education and Development Communication students pose with Datu Hapitan, Monalisa Pangan (XU Campus Ministry), Phyllis Bernadenne Sumatra (XU School of Education), and Georgia Cordero (XU-SOE). Photo by Georgia Cordero. 

"Tsada kayo nga naa silay adbokasiya nga mag tanom ug mga kahoy ug alagaan ang balay nga makabenepisyo dili kang sila pero ang uban pod," Reina Balacuit, a Xavier Ateneo Education student, shared her reflection of the cultural exposure and immersion in Barangay Dansolihon in Cagayan de Oro on August 21. 

(It is so nice that their advocacies are on planting trees and taking care of their homes not just for them, but for others as well.)

Balacuit was among the participants of the said immersion from the three classes of Peace Education composed of students taking Education and Development Communication courses.

The event was aimed at deepening the students’ consciousness on the Lumad culture, particularly that of the Higaonon tribe, and on peacebuilding. It served as an avenue for the students to be aware of the struggles of one of the tribes of the Philippines and to contribute on how to address their needs.

PANAMPULOT. Part of the ritual where the participants have to get a piece of the offering (chicken) and eat it as a sign of communion. Photo by Edchelle Rellama.

Through the partnership of the School of Education, Arrupe Educational Center, and the Xavier University Campus Ministry (represented by formator Monalisa Pangan), the cultural exposure and immersion allowed the students to observe and participate in the rituals of the Higaonon tribe.

In one session, Datu Fidel “Untong” Bisoy and Datu Lito “Hapitan” Nakalaban narrated the history of the rituals and the early stories of the tribe until the present practices, and how they adapt to the present issues arising in their families, environment, and the government.

The participants shared their take from the experience of being with the Higaonon tribe.

Xavier Ateneo student Jetron Lilay, a Higaonon from Gingoog City, reflected that his identity should be given importance, must be cultivated, and despite the discriminations and differences associated with their image as Lumads, must be accepted.

Lalyn Demiar appreciated the sentiment of Datu Untong and Datu Hapitan that the land they reside in Dansolihon is a land that they did not buy from Magbabaya (Supreme Creator), rather it is a land with which they were blessed. Thus, they will cultivate and take care of it, emphasizing that the tribe will continue to do initiatives to counter climate change.∎

REPRESENTATION. The core facilitators pose for a group picture after the sharing of reflections. Photo by Georgia Cordero.