QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—The rains poured hard in this town last week, but it did not dampen the excitement and joy of the tribal folk of Barangay Runruno as they witnessed the launching of a cultural preservation program for its villagers at the multi-purpose hall here.
Young and old folk from the Bugkalot, Kankanaey, Ifugao, Kalanguya, and Ibaloi tribes rubbed elbows as they gazed on their traditional garments, working tools, and kitchen utensils, among others, in a mini-exhibit that marked the launching of the program dubbed “Lahi Ko, Yaman Ko” (My Race, My Wealth).
Initiated by the Community and Social Development Department of FCF Minerals Corp. and the barangay council of Runruno, the program kicked off with the mini-exhibit and cultural competition of native songs and dances of the indigenous people.
FCF Minerals operates the gold and molybdenum mine project in Runruno.
The mini-exhibit alone showcased 60 pieces of artifacts and handicrafts gathered from the community by FCF employees—food pots, plates, antique mats, baskets, bags, male and female garments, head dresses, and hunting tools such as axes and butcher’s knives. About one-third of the items were considered family heirlooms.
These will be placed inside the proposed Runruno Cultural Heritage Museum managed by the FCF’s CSDD-Alternative Learning System coordinators.
The “Lahi Lo, Yaman Ko” program advocates the protection, promotion, and preservation of the migrant tribal folk’s diverse cultural and traditional heritage.
“It aims to educate the future generation and to actively involve the whole community in strengthening their cultural ties and identities and forge peace and harmony toward the development of their respective barangays,” said Agnes Rosales, CSDD manager.
She said the program is also anchored on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2010-21, which “promotes the protection and respect of socio-cultural values” as one of the six areas of creditable expenses for the development of host and neighboring communities covered by mining projects.
FCF also assists Runruno’s villagers with other programs, projects and activities through their corporate social responsibility program. These are rolled out through scholarships, free medical services, livelihood ventures, alternative learning systems, and infrastructure projects, among others.
“Cultural preservation comes hand in hand with our infrastructure development so that we can ensure the socio-cultural empowerment of our communities,” Rosales said.
She said the project serves as the contribution and support of the mining firm to the multi-sectoral efforts of the provincial government here, to preserve and pass on the rich culture of Nueva Vizcaya tribes to its young generation.
The provincial government, for one, has started the Indigenous People’s Summer Workshop since 2014, which aims to teach young IPs on the basic moves of their native dances and proper singing of their ethnic songs.
This is managed by elders and tribal leaders of various tribes in the province through the supervision of the officials of the Department of Education.
This is a yearly activity which is participated by young IPs of Bugkalot, Isinai, Gaddang, Kalanguya, Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Iwak, and Ifugao, among others.
