Stewards of cultural heritage: Tribes of Caraga unite in first-ever ‘Panagkitaay’
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a vibrant tapestry of tradition and unity, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Butuan, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, unveiled the inaugural ‘Panagkitaay’—a historic convergence where the diverse voices of Caraga’s indigenous communities met, mingled, and celebrated their shared heritage.
Held as part of the celebrations for the National Museums and Galleries Month and National Indigenous Peoples Month, the event brought together representatives from five of the six recognized tribes in Caraga. Participants traveled from various provinces, with some coming from remote villages to take part in the historic gathering.
‘Panagkitaay’ (meeting) served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region’s IP groups and to strengthen their connection with the national museum. The event emphasized the shared mission of preserving Caraga’s traditions and identity through collaboration and education.
Eunice M. Plaza, head of NMP Butuan, delivered a lecture titled ‘Ila-ilahon ta! (Let’s get to know it!)’ to introduce the museum’s role in cultural preservation. “Kung aduna tay mga bisita nga muari sa atong rehiyon nga gusto makaila kung kinsa ta diri sa Caraga, dalha ninyo sila sa atong museyo. (If we have visitors coming into our region who want to learn more about us here in Caraga, bring them to our museum),” Plaza said.
“Sulod sa museyo, makit-an nato ang mga sinuotan, tradisyon, panginabuhi, ug uban pang mga butang mahitungod sa atong kultura nga mao’y naghulma kung kinsa kita. (Here, they will see the olden garments, get a glimpse of our traditions and way of life, and explore various artifacts that reflect our culture and identity),” she added.
An open forum followed the lecture, where IP leaders expressed their support for the museum’s initiatives. Some participants even pledged to donate traditional items for future exhibits, further enriching the museum’s collection.
The gathering also featured artistic performances, including traditional dances and songs in native dialects, allowing tribes to share their unique customs while celebrating their common goal: to preserve and promote their heritage for future generations.
“Ang among mga koleksyon diri sulod sa museyo gamay lamang kini nga bahin sa inyong mabungahong kultura ug kabilinggan nga inyong adlaw-adlaw nga gipuy-an. (Our collection displayed here in the museum is just a small portion of the rich cultural heritage that you so abundantly carry),” expressed Alven B. Magdua, museum researcher and information officer of NMP Butuan.
Hawudon Samuel B. Behing, municipal chieftain and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, delivered a heartfelt message to his fellow IP community members, emphasizing the vital need to preserve their cultural traditions while remaining adaptable to the changes that future generations may face.
“Ang atong kultura dili lamang limitado sa pagtiniil ug sa pagtuo nga kita mga IP dili kamao mag-Binisaya. Buhi ang atong kultura ug naga-adjust kita sa mga pagbag-o sa panahon. Mao nang atong siguruhon nga mapadayon nato ang atong mga tradisyon kaniadto hantod karon. Mapasalamaton pud mi niani nga aktibidad. Kay pinaagi ani nagka-ilaila kami mga nagka-lainlaing tribo diri sa Caraga. (Our culture is not limited to just walking on barefoot and not being able to speak the widely-used ‘Bisaya’ dialect. Our culture is alive and evolving. We must connect our traditions from the past to the present time. We are also very thankful for this platform where we were able to meet our fellow Caraganons from the different tribes).”
He further pointed out that as time goes on and tribal elders grow older, passing down cultural traditions to the next generation must go beyond being a simple practice—it should be regarded as a solemn duty to ensure their heritage endures beyond their lifetime.
“Atong permanenteng gipadumduman atong mga kabatan-onan nga IP nga wala sila nag-inusara. Kay ana-a ang tibuok komunidad sa IP naga-uban sa ila. (We always remind our IP youth that wherever they go, they are not alone. They have the entire IP community who are always at their back),” Behing manifested.
Before the program’s culmination, Attorney Fritzie Lynne C. Sumando, regional legal officer of NCIP Caraga expressed her profound gratitude to all the participants from the five tribes of the region who, despite short notice, did not hesitate to take part in the event despite the distance.
“Nalipay ug mapasalamaton ko nga pinaagi sa atong mga kaigsuonang IP, nagpadayong buhi ang atong kultura ug mga tradisyon (I am happy and grateful to see that our culture is kept alive in our respective IP communities),” said Sumando.
“Kami sa NCIP nalipay kaayo nga makita nga mas aktibo na ang atong sektor sa mga IP sa mga kalihukan sa komunidad diin aduna na tay IP youth nga usa na karon ka-Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson. Ug aduna na usab kitay mga IPMR nga muserbisyo aron pagpadayon sa atong adbokasiya sa atong tagsa-tagsa na mga komunidad (We at NCIP are also happy to witness more representation from the IP sector—we have with us here a member of the IP youth who is now an SK chairperson. We now also have our designated IPMRs who serve as the advocates of our respective IP communities).”
After the program, participants were given a guided tour of the National Museum to deepen their appreciation for its role in cultural preservation and to witness firsthand how their traditions and heritage are honored and showcased within its galleries. Each tribe returned home with smiles on their faces and hearts full of cherished memories—of being seen, celebrated, and reminded of the vital role they play in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the region. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
