Youth in Agusan Sur joins Tribalympics at Naliyagan Festival
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In time with this year’s Naliyagan Festival celebration in the province of Agusan del Sur, the indigenous peoples (IP) youth actively participated in the conduct of Tribalympics, highlighting ethnic games or traditional sports and recreational activities which have been passed down through generations in the IP communities.
Representatives from different tribal communities in the province featured spear throwing, fire tug of war, kadang, Camote hunting, cock rumble tribal dances and other cultural competitions that showcased their heritage and skills.
Mario L. Campos, an IP youth who joined and witnessed how his peers enjoyed the games, stressed that through physical activities and traditional sports, the tribalympics promote physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork, steering youth away from harmful behaviors and promoting wellness.
“By participating or organizing Tribalympics events, young people learn leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, boosting their self-confidence and civic involvement,” he said.
“This also creates a platform for intergenerational learning, where youth can interact with elders, learn tribal languages, and understand ancestral wisdom in a fun, engaging way,” added Campos.
Philip Anthony M. Ocquiola, IP youth focal of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Agusan del Sur, said that ethnic games reflect the customs, values, and way of life of the IPs. “Showcasing them helps prevent these traditions from being lost to time,” he said.
We call on everyone—government agencies, schools, youth groups, media, and the private sector—to rally behind the Tribalympics as a platform for preserving Indigenous culture, promoting unity, and empowering our IP communities. Join us in making the Tribalympics not just an event, but a movement to honor, protect, and celebrate the rich traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Agusan del Sur and beyond!,” expressed Ocquiola.
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur headed by Governor Santiago Cane Jr. emphasized that the Tribalympics aimed to promote cultural preservation, unity and pride among the indigenous people while entertaining festivalgoers and raising awareness on ancestral traditions.
The Tribalympics is a culturally significant event that plays a vital role in preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich heritage of IPs, especially in areas like Agusan del Sur.
It is more than a sporting event—it’s a cultural celebration and advocacy platform that empowers IP communities, preserves ancestral traditions, and promotes intercultural harmony. (JPG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PPIO Agusan del Sur)
