Usec. Sarabia vows promotion of indigenous culture
Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Security and Political Affairs Salvador Sarabia Jr. pledged to help in the promotion of the rich culture of the indigenous people inhabited in the three far-flung barangays in the town of Calinog.
The indigenous people have a "unique and distinct culture." It will open a window for its tourism industry. Its culture is indigenous based on the anthropological study. It is not a mixed culture. In countries like New Zealand and Australia, one of their attractions is its rich culture, he said.
The indigenous people live in three far-flung barangays in Calinog, namely, Garangan, Masaroy and Agcalaga. They are known for their "binanog" dance, "panubok" (embroidery) and "suguidanon" (chanting). Binanog dance is a courtship dance of binanog bird.
The natives have innate skills in embroidery. They have colorful embroidery patterns that show heavenly bodies like stars and sun. Birds, fish and insects are also included in some of their creations.
In last Wednesday's Indigenous People Day held in the covered gym of the town, Sarabia said he will look for possible means for the tourism department to assist in all the undertakings that will benefit the members of the Panay Bukidnon and the community.
Funding support from the concerned agency, marketing and organization of the group is a must to advance the plan in promoting the culture of indigenous people in Calinog. Marketing and organization is important in the promotion of the project, said Sarabia.
Though the secretary is moving for the opening of the opportunity for the indigenous people, yet he wants the community to preserve their rich culture even with the influx of tourists. They should be "socially prepared with the entry of tourists." They must be educated in preserving their culture. They must show appreciation of their culture.
Sarabia said the culture of Panay Bukidnons is distinct from those indigenous people who are from Luzon and Mindanao. Preserving the culture of the indigenous people in Calinog for the test of time is something to be appreciated. "I am thankful that Mayor Divinagracia has exerted effort," he said.
For more than a decade, the existence of the IP's in Calinog was not recognized by the municipal government. However, recently the Sangguniang Bayan approved a resolution declaring October 29 as the IP day. Sarabia wants a bigger and colorful celebration next year to recognize the existence of the IP.
The secretary has scheduled a meeting with Calinog Mayor Salvador Divinagracia, National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Department of Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta to map out the future tourism plan.
There is a greater chance for the indigenous people to be included in the Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Eco-Tourism (GREET) program of the tourism department. It is a community-based tourism program, said Director Trompeta.
GREET provides a capital for deserving groups or individuals with feasible business proposals in the eco-tourism.
Trompeta is confident that the proposed plan to include the IP culture in the GREET program will gather support from the selection committee of the tourism department in the national office. There are recipients in the GREET program that caters only in making tourism promotional materials.
The IP's could embark in so-called "cultural tourism." They can promote their culture by selling their products. They can also bring their products at the Iloilo Producers Association (IPA) for consignment basis.
Trompeta admitted that showcasing the indigenous culture for tourism purposes has its own setback. It is not a remote possibility that the natives will adapt the ways of the visiting tourists. "Tourists are cannibals of culture."
However, the director said the indigenous culture of the Panay Bukidnons should be retained and maintained with the proper guidance from all the stakeholders.