Mayor pushes protection of indigenous people
Calinog Mayor Salvador Divinagracia Jr. called on the public to help preserve the culture and traditions of the Panay Bukidnon in this fast changing times.
Divinagracia considers the indigenous people as "potential of the town" in terms of culture and tradition.
Calinog, a central town in Iloilo has indigenous people called Halawudnon. They came from three far-flung barangays of the town namely Agcalaga, Garangan and Masaroy. Their culture is different from the lowlanders. They have established their own identity and they have their own way of life.
Calinog hosted an activity Friday dubbed as Panubok 2, a binanog dance and costume embroidery exhibit, workshop and competition among the Panay Bukidnons from Calinog and Tapaz, Capiz.
Panubok, which means embroidery, was first held two years ago in Tapaz, Capiz. It showcases the indigenous people's love and skills for embroidery. They made supa (traditional costume) and panyo (scarf) in front of spectators.
Panubok 2 gave the indigenous people the chance to show their binanog dance, a dance which manifests actions and movements of binanog, a species of hawk or dapay. The dance is coupled with rhythmic sounds produced from bamboo sticks and gongs.
It also served as venue for the older members of the indigenous people and children too in letting lowlanders hear their epic chanting.
Divinagracia said indigenous people’s culture and traditions bring us back to the ancient times when they live on upland areas and feed themselves with what is available in their community. Yet, they live in number of years, some even reached 100 years old.
Indigenous people have an eye for art and heart for epic chanting. The binanog dances they perform in different occasions have made them distinct from other indigenous people. Both older men and women clad in supa and scarf dance gracefully, said Divinagracia.
Older members of the indigenous community also adorn their bodies with tattoos such as stars, moon and sun. They also make musical instruments from bamboo such as tulali or flute.
Divinagracia said the municipal government has been very supportive of any plans in keeping the traditions and culture of the indigenous people.
The mayor said they are determined in helping the indigenous people and same time want to protect them.
The support extended by the municipal government in holding the Panubok 2 is a manifestation of their full support to the Halawudnons in keeping up with their traditions, said Divinagracia.