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Friday, March 29, 2024

Festival of the ‘first people’

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Sarangani recently celebrated the 17th MunaTo Festival to mark the province’s 27th founding day.

Festival of the ‘first people’
The 17th MunaTo Festival of the province of Sarangani features a number of cultural and entertaining performances and activities such as (in photo) the ADUSAY (Awit Dula Sayaw) competition. 

The festival is derived from the B’laan word MunaTo the native term for “first people,” the indigenous natives that first inhabited the province. 

The three-day festivities on Nov. 28-30 kicked off with the MunaTo Run, Employees Day, Flowerhorn and Betafish Show, and the Municipal Village which showcased the local produce, cuisine, souvenirs, and tourist attractions of its seven municipalities.

The Craft Conference and Exhibition with Cultural Presentations, on the other hand, displayed the intricate hand-weaving tradition of the lumad tribes such as B’laan, Tagakaolo, T’boli, as well as Moro communities such as the Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Tausug.

Festival of the ‘first people’
Indigenous Peoples weavers showcase their skills at Sarangani MunaTo Festival.

Weaving demonstrations showcased the B’laan Mabal Tabih fabric, the crown jewel of Sarangani’s cultural resources which is woven at the Lamlifew School of Living Traditions in Malungon.

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The fest also put the spotlight on the work of Bai Estelita Bantilan, a B’laan igem (mat) weaver of Malapatan, who was accorded the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) through the National Commission on Culture and the Arts earlier this year.

Fringe events included the Pearl of Sarangani pageant which selected the province’s ambassadresses of goodwill and tourism, MunaTo Youth Day, Week of Peace, Indigenous Peoples Day, Jesus Reigns, and Tribal Sports. 

Festival of the ‘first people’
Fyu Kura parade of well-dressed horses. 

Sarangani has the unique the distinction of being one of the country’s youngest provinces and at the same time, one of the oldest. It was created in 1992 from South Cotabato’s coastal towns, and dates back to the Metal Age based on the anthropomorphic burial jars unearthed in the caves in Maitum town. Now on display at the National Museum, the jars are described as “exceptional archaeological assemblage and unparalleled in Southeast Asia.”

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