by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Not only was the Dayaw Festival a celebration of culture of different indigenous people in the country, it also became a center for business opportunities.
Aside from the display of talents and traditions held in the Malolos Capitol Compund last November 27 to 29, also exhibited were the well known products of various tribes which added color to the festivity.
The Dayaw Tiangge or an arts and crafts bazaar has been put up inside the Bulacan Capitol gymnasium where visitors can buy products made by the indigenous people.
Handicrafts and colorful products from the Ati of Guimaras, T’boli and Yakan of Mindanao, and other indigenous groups from Cebu and Aklan were available for sale.
The pouch bags embedded with genuine shells as well as bangles were the money-spinner for the indigenous group from Cebu. Aside from the products’ attracting color, what makes them as bestsellers is its cheap price.
Helena Caneso, a representative all the way from Cebu said that their group had gone to several events, often at seminars, and their products were really profitable.
“Naiimbitahan kami sa iba’t-ibang events, usually sa seminars. Ang last na pinuntahan namin ay Pangasinan. Marami naman kaming nabebenta, at ‘yong pouch bags talaga ang mabili, kahit dito sa Dayaw,” she said.
The T’boli is the group in the bazaar with the most number of on sale products. According to Bernadette Ofang, the president of the Klowil Kem Libun (Life of Women) organization, their group had numerous salable products because different organizations also put up stalls in the bazaar, though the products are all from their tribe in South Cotabato.
The organization she is heading, which was founded in 2004 only started to sell their products in the festival of the indigenous people last year, where the celebration was held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Ofang said the previous celebration also yielded high sales.
Their bestseller in this year’s celebration is the T'nalak made from abaca, although Ofang disclosed it is quite expensive. Alongside were charms, bracelets and key chains, which were in much cheaper prices.
“Mahal talaga ang tinalak, lalo na kung first class ang bibilhin at per roll. Kaya ginawa naming per meter ang bentahan. Marami naman ang tumangkilik. Pati mga small items like bracelets and keychains mabili rin,” she said.
The profit obtained from the selling of products, according to Ofang, is divided among the members of their organization. Back in South Cotabato, production of handicrafts is the main source of livelihood among the T’boli women.
Ofang was also glad to share that in their stay in Malolos for the celebration of the Dayaw festival, she can consider their products to have good sales in the market.
“Nakakatuwa kasi malaki ang potensyal ng mga products namin sa market,” she said.
Dayaw festival, the 8th annual gathering of the indigenous people, was themed this year as “Katutubong Pamumuhay, Halawan ng Aral sa Buhay”. It was pioneered by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) together with the provincial government of Bulacan.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo An estimate of more or less 500 representatives from 47 different indigenous groups from all around the Philippines once again gathered in the celebration of the colorful Dayaw Festival held in the historical city of Malolos, Bulacan last November 27-29.
Dayaw festival, the 8th annual gathering of the indigenous people of the country, is held in connection with the celebration of the national month of the indigenous people every October.
This year’s event which was themed “Katutubong Pamumuhay, Halawan ng Aral sa Buhay” was pioneered by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) together with the provincial government of Bulacan.
Hundreds of representatives from different provinces participated in the event, as they shared culture and belief, exposed ethnic talents and rituals and showcased handicrafts and cuisines, in the Sining sa Hapag-Kainan (a food festival and cooking demo), Katutubong Laro (demonstration of traditional games and sports), Kwentuhan sa Sari-Sari Store (an informal forum), and Dayaw Tiangge (an arts and crafts sale).
Mike Abad, the Cluster Head of the Iranon, Maranao and Maguindanao tribe from Maguindanao province, and a participant of the Indigenous People Festival for eight years, believes that the main goal of the annual event is to unite the ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, and to appreciate and understand each other’s culture.
“Ang Dayaw kasi, ang layunin nito unang-una ay ang pagkakaisa ng mga ethno-linguistic groups ng Pilipinas. Napakaraming tribo sa bansa, at sa pamamagitan ng Dayaw, nakikita natin ang kultura ng bawat tribo sa buong Pilipinas, at na-a-appreciate natin ‘yong kanilang ginagawa, at kung saan naman eh nirerespeto natin ang bawat kultura ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
In addition, Abad also said that the festival is a successful way of achieving peace and unity among the Filipinos. “Kapag nagkakaintindihan tayong lahat, nagkakaroon ng kapayapaan. ‘Yon naman ang pinakabuod ng pagdiriwang na ito, ‘yong kapayapaan ng mga Pilipino,” he continued.
However, there is an indigenous group who had gotten into the event for the first time- the Yakan Tribe from Basilan. Rowena Salahuddin, one of the tribe’s delegates, said, “Actually first time ng tribe namin sa Dayaw Festival, dahil ‘yong cluster head namin dati hindi siya active, kaya wala masyadong koneksyon. ”
“Dito sa event na ito, nakikita namin na maganda pala talaga na may ganito kasi nagkakaroon ng understanding sa bawat kultura ng mga katutubo. Nakakapag-share kami sa karamihan kung ano ang klase ng pamumuhay namin,” Salahuddin continued, pointing out the benefits of the festival.
Mildred Enriquez, a Tourism student of Bulacan State University (BulSU) and a volunteer staff of Dayaw Festival believes that this kind of event should be looked up to by the Filipinos, “Maganda ‘yong ganito lalo na para sa’ting mga Tagalog para mabigyang pansin naman natin at ma-realize kung gaano ka-rich ang kultura natin, lalo na ‘yong mga katutubo. Ang ganda, kasi napagsama-sama nila lahat ng grupo sa Pilipinas at sana maraming naka-appreciate at natuto.”
The chief objective of the three-day celebration is to establish camaraderie among the different ethnic groups in the country as well as to unite and educate the Filipinos who misjudge the way of living of the indigenous people.
by Dahren Sta. Ana Tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Dayaw 2012: Indigenous Peoples’ Festival ang isang eksebisyon kung saan ipinakita ang mga kasuotan, palamuti, kagamitang pang-tahanan, kagamitang pang-hanapbuhay at pang-espiritwal ng mga katutubo sa bansa.
Ito ay isinagawa sa Gat Blas Ople Building sa Malolos, Bulacan na bukas mula alas-otso ng umaga hanggang alas-singko ng hapon, Nobyembre 27-29.Sa ginawang eksebisyon, tampok ang mga likhang sining ng mga ‘‘master craftsmen’’ na mula pa sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa.
Ilan sa mga kasuotan na itinampok sa eksebisyon ay ang Bado (damit pambabae ng mga Mandaya), Albong Sleh (damit pambabae ng B’laan, Malunggon Sarangani), Vest (B’laan, Srangani), Inabel (damit pang-ibaba ng mga kababaihan ng Bagobo), Umpak (damit pangitaas ng Bagobo), Inaw’l (Iranon, Sultan Kudarat). Pinakita rin ang iba’t-ibang produkto na gawa ng mga katutubo katulad ng basket (Bheban, Subanen), duyo o wooden ware (Ibaloi, Benguet), kayabang basket (Carao Bokod, Benguet), bag (Ati Aklan at Ilocos Sur), rattan bag (Subanen), rain stick (Palawan) at Vest na yari sa banig (Laminusan, Tawi-tawi). Ang mga materyales na ginamit sa paggawa mga produkto na nabanggit ay abaca, pina at kawayan.Tinampok rin ang mga palamuti na kwintas, singsing at ticcos na gawa ng mga taga Binakit at sinturon, scarf at bracelet naman sa mga taga Panubok. Mayroon ding palamuti at kagamitan na pang-tahanan katulad ng langsay o wall décor ng mga taga Kaagan Davao del Sur, Tipo o banig ng Jama Mapu, Palawan, kumot ng mga taga-Bukidnon, placemat ng mga taga-Higanon at banig ng mga taga-Samar.Ang lahat ng mga produkto na itinampok sa eksebisyon ay kasalukuyan pa ring ginagamit ng mga katutubo kung saan ito ay patunay na kahit ilang mananakop ang dumating sa bansa, hindi pa rin nabubura ang nakagawian nilang kultura at pamumuhay.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo PLARIDEL, Bulacan - A 24-year-old independent political aspirant filed his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) last October 4, at the municipal’s office here.
Rhandy “Mando” Marcelo, the youngest of all the 25 candidates for the councilor post, chose to submit his application on the date October 4, the feast of St. Francis, and the time 3:00 pm, the time of the Lord. He was the only one who submitted application for that day, and was accompanied by his family and friends, including a lyre band.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate chose to run independently for candidates under the other political parties are his family’s friends and acquaintances.
“Naglakas-loob akong mag-independent na lang kahit mahirap kasi mga kaibigan namin sila, kilala na namin. Iniiwasan na ‘yong samaan ng loob. Saka isang araw lang naman ang eleksyon. Pagkatapos no’n ayaw kong masabihan na may kinampihan ako,” said Rhandy.
Rhandy isn’t new to the political scene. He had grew up with a father as the barangay captain of Parulan and his uncle the barangay captain of Banga II (both in Plaridel) and had gain knowledge and became exposed on how political affairs run, especially on the legislative.
Aside from this, he had also served as a leader and president to numerous youth organizations and church activities, in which he had developed his governance and communication skills.
He had been a little board member of Bulacan, became the president of the student government in his high school alma mater at Bintog, Plaridel, represented the town in the National Leadership Training, all in 2005. At present, he is the president of the Squad Kapanalig, a group of Catholic youth in the town.
As a leader and an active church member, Rhandy became well aware of the needs of the people, especially his co-Plaridelenos.
If ever he will be elected, a number of his programs will be focused on social welfare which includes charitable activities in which he had already done as the Committee Organizer of Plaridel Parish’s housing project; more health services and benefits in which he had already gained knowledge of as a Nursing graduate; and privileges for the Senior Citizens.
In addition, he also said that he will be the negotiator between the government and ordinary citizens if there are suggested ideas which are possible to become ordinances.
Rhandy disclosed that it isn’t easy to run as an independent candidate. Though he believes he has the capability to serve, his main problem is the financial assistance, especially in the campaign which will start on March 29.
“’Yon ang natutunan ko sa Commission on Service. Least option palagi ang budget, titignan muna ang goal. Kung gusto mo naman talaga tumulong ‘di ba, kahit hindi man tayo mayaman,” he said.
But since he had gained a lot of friends, and his family as well, many have shown their support to the aspiring councilor.
“May mga nag-alok na tumulong. May gagawa na ng jingle ko and mayroon nang mag-su-sponsor ng mga flyers at tarpaulin para sa’kin,” he added.
Though not blessed with great financial status, Rhandy believes that money is not always the way to win, but the principles and knowledge he upholds.
“Ang pinaka-pinanghahawakan natin ay pakikisama, dahil wala namang maipapakitang yaman,” he ended.
by Isabelle dela Cruz Hagonoy, Bulacan - A new Parish Priest has been inaugurated.
It was not an ordinary Sunday mass for the people of San Pedro, Hagonoy, Bulacan yesterday as it was also the day when a new Parish priest for their church was installed.
Bishop Jose Oliveros together with Mosignor Lon Balagtas (Sta. Ana Parish, Hagonoy), Fr. Prospero Tenorio (Paombong), Fr. Rey Rivera (Calumpit), Fr. Efren Basco ( Sta. Elena, Hagonoy), Fr. Eric Cruz (Malolos) and Fr. Norberto Ventura ( San Miguel,) led last evening's mass.
Fr. Sammuel Sunga was the first and former Parish priest of Ina ng Laging Saklolo who served for 14 years in the church.This year, Fr. Sunga’s term had ended and was replaced by Fr. Norberto Ventura.
Last July 29, Fr. Ventura arrived in San Pedro, Hagonoy. He was formerly the Parish priest of Kabanal-banalang Puso ni Hesus in the town of San Miguel, also in Bulacan, for 12 years.
Before the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Oliveros blessed Fr. Norberto Ventura as part of the installation as the new and second Parish priest of Ina ng Laging Saklolo in barangay San Pedro.
Fr. Ventura answered with the Apostles’s Creed as he accepted the responsibilities such as administrative, financial and spiritual to the community he had been assigned.
Rev. Fr. Norberto delivered his thanksgiving message to all the people who attended the mass celebration.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo City of Malolos, Bulacan – The simple yet weeklong celebration of the Singkaban Fiesta 2012 which will occur on September 8-15 is all set.
The celebration of the festivity for this year will be simpler compared to last year due to the devastation brought by the Southwest Monsoon last August. From 10 million, the budget was cut to 2.5 million.
“Dahil po sa nakaraang trahedya na humagupit sa Bulacan, and selebrasyon po ng Singkaban ngayong taon ay payak, pero pananatilihin nating masaya,” said Michael Fermin, a Board Member and Provincial Committee on Education and Tourism Officer.
With this year’s theme “Lalawigang Huwaran ang Pamahalaan, Tahanan ng Dakilang Lahi, Sentro ng Kasaysayan ng Bansa – BULACAN, sa daigdig ay ibandila!”, the Provincial Government of Bulacan prepared for various events including the display of the province’s history and culture, as well as specialties on food, fashion and handicraft.
One of the highlights of the festival is the celebration of the 114th anniversary of the Malolos Congress which will be held on September 15, the last day of the festival at the Barasoain Church. The said event will be attended by two cabinet secretaries.
Though the celebration will start on September 8, the formal opening of the festivity will be on September 10, and will be aired on GMA7’s morning show Unang Hirit.
The events on September 8 are the Gawad Kalinga Barangay wherein chosen barangay officials will be rewarded for their exemplary service at the Capitol Gymnasium, and the Reyna ng Bulacan (Greet and Meet) wherein the candidates will be introduced at Robinson’s Pulilan. On September 9 will be the pre-pageant of the Reyna ng Bulacan which will happen at the Hiyas Pavilion.
The formal opening of the Singkaban Fiesta will be on September 10 at the Capitol Ground. The Kumpetisyong Bayan ng Singkaban or KBS Rewaynd Finals is on September 11 at the Hiyas Pavilion. The El Pueblo Soberano 200 and Reyna ng Bulacan Coronation Night will be held at the Capitol Gymnasium on September 13.
The Barong Bulakenyo Fashion Show will be on September 14 at the Hiyas Pavilion. The 114th commemoration of the Malolos Congress will be at the Barasoain Church; Graduate Education Association of Chapter Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (GEACCUP) Regional Assembly at the Capitol Gymnasium and Gawad Dangal ng Lipi at the Hiyas Pavilion, will occur on the last day of the celebration, September 15.
Aside from those, other events are the Trade Exhibit, Lakan Sining Exhibit, Dakilang Bulakenyo Series: Eusebio “Maestrong Sebio” Roque and the Kakarong Show. All will take place at the Capitol building.
-with reports from John paul Marquez
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo The rescue and relief operations in Bulacan province improved, particularly during the surge of the powerful Southwest Monsoon (Hanging Habagat) on the second week of August 2012, a Provincial Special Operations Officer said yesterday.
The Southwest Monsoon was already being monitored on July 23 to 30 when tropical storm Ferdie entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It was being observed even before it gained strength from International storm Haiku on August 7.
“July 23 pa lang binabantayan na ang Habagat, no’ng pumasok ang bagyong Ferdie,” said Bulacan Special Operations Officer Raul Agustin.
The number of municipalities affected by the monsoon rains and floods were 23, thus, Bulacan was declared under a state of calamity. The 23 towns were affected by flash flood, back flooding and immense dam releases.
A faster response and rescue was said to be done during the disaster by the Bulacan Rescue Teams, Local Government Unit Response Teams, Rescue 117, and the Philippine National Police. Military trucks, rubber boats and motor boats were dispatched and used in the rescue, coming from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and District II Congressman Pedro Pancho.
On August 12 to 15, massive relief operations took place in the whole province as ordered by Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, wherein a total of 216,000 packs of goods were provided to critically-affected residents.
by Isabelle dela Cruz BULACAN - After a year, the terror of Typhoon Pedring recurred in the town of Hagonoy, leaving several barangay severely flooded.
The rarity happened on August 7, continuing until friday of that week, when the Southwest Monsoon (Hanging habagat) brought a great downpour of rain leaving Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and other areas near NCR flooded and under a state of calamity.
Four out of four residents of Hagonoy said that they had experienced higher level of floods during Typhoon Pedring rather than Southwest Monsoon, but the monsoon caused more damage to them. They suggested that the best solution to preventsevere inundation is to have self-discipline in disposing waste materials.
“Nagdulot ng malaking kaabalahan sa isang tulad ko na ang hanapbuhay ay sa construction. Naantala ang aking trabaho dahil sa pagbaha na umabot hanggang baywang sa kalsada, hanggang tuhod sa bakuran at bukong-bukong sa loob ng bahay. Mas malalim 'yong tubig baha noong nakaraang Bagyong Pedring. 'Yong nakapagpalala sa baha ay 'yong mga basura na nagkalat sa kapaligiran na nagpapabara sa mga kanal. Solusyon dito ay kailangan tayo mismo mag-ayos ng basura natin at matataas na daanan. May mga tumulong naman sa amin at nagbigay ng relief goods,” said Rustico Santos, 54, from Abulalas, Hagonoy.
Carmelita Bernardo, a 52-year-old church volunteer from San Pedro, Hagonoy said, “Hanggang baywang ang baha sa amin, mas malalim 'yong baha noong Pedring pero mas malaki ang pinsalang naidulot ng hanging habagat kasi mas marami ang apektadong tao. Sa aking pagninilay ang kalamidad na ito ay dala ng pag-abuso ng mga tao sa ating kalikasan. Mahalin at pangalagaan natin ang biyayang sa pamamagitan ng hindi pagpapalit nito sa matataas na building o subdivision. Mas maraming tumulong noong bagyong Pedring kaysa sa pananalanta ng hanging habagat.”
“Malaking pinsala po sa bawat tahanan, lunsod at lalawigan ang dinulot ng habagat na nagdala ng baha na umaabot sa lalim na binti sa bakuran namin at lagpas tuhod sa kalsada. Lubog halos buong bakuran dito sa Abulalas at San Pedro. Mas malaki tubig nung Bagyong Pedring pero maraming namahagi ng relief goods subalit ngayon sa habagat wala po kaming natanggap na anuman. Perwisyo ito sa mga mag-aaral , palaisdaan at bayan bayan. Siguro magandang solusyon ay malinis na kapaligiran, dapat buo ang mga kanal upang mabilis ang paghupa ng tubig baha. Una sa lahat magdasal tayong lahat sa Diyos at magkaisa,” said Felipe Sarmiento, 48, a construction worker and one-year resident of Abulalas Hagonoy, Bulacan.
“Mahirap dahil hindi makatuyo ng mga damit tapos hanggang sa kalsada may tubig. Naapektuhan din kami ng Pedring mas malalim nga 'yon kaysa sa habagat pero mas naging perwisyo ang hanging habagta dahil sa matagal na pag-ulan at pagbaha. Mayroon namang tumulong sa amin pero kailangan may ticket ka para makatanggap ka ng tulong. Siguro ang pinakamabuting solusyon ay ang pag-iwas sa pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ilog o sapa,” said Maria Santiago, 47, a house wife and nine-year resident of Abulalas Hagonoy Bulacan.
by Deliza Maye Fernandez BALAGTAS, BULACAN-- Patay ang maglololo matapos silang literal na tadtarin ng mga saksak noong Agosto 16 ng madaling araw, sa St.Francis Village ng Burol 2nd.
Kinilala ang mga biktima na sina Rodrigo Sta. Ana, 77-anyos, nagtamo ng siyam na saksak; ang anak nitong si Christina Sta. Ana, 42-anyos, may 22 na saksak; ang mga apong sina Corrine Joy Sta. Ana, 12-anyos na may 45 na saksak at si Christian Sta. Ana, 10-anyos at may apat na saksak at bali sa braso. Sinasabing ang tubo, screw driver at kitchen knife ang ginamit sa pamamaslang sa mga ito.
Ayon ka Police Chief Inspector, Alfonso Cruz ng Balagtas, pagnanakaw ang nakikitang motibo ng mga suspek dito. Bagama’t walang forced entry, nalimas naman ang mahigit P100,000 na galing sa nagbayad sa kanila sa negosyo nilang Ricemill. Ang pangunahing suspek ay ang mga kamag-anak at mga pahinante nito. Pinaniniwalaan namang nasa impluwensiya ng droga ang mga suspek sa nangyaring insidente.
Samantala, naghihinagpis naman ang isa pang apong si Mark Roque matapos makitang nakahandusay ang kanyang mga kamag-anak sa bahay. Animo’y nailigtas siya ng kanyang pagsilong muna bago tuluyang umuwi dahil sa lakas ng ulan. Sigaw niya ngayon ang katarungan para sa pamilya niya.
“Sana kinuha na lang nila 'yong pera, di na lang sana pinatay. Sana sumuko na sila kahit wag nang ibalik yung pera,” ani Roque.
Nangako naman ang mga pulis na magkakaroon ito ng hustisya lalo’t malakas ang sinasabi ng mga ebidensya at kanilang pag-iimbestiga na kakilala ng mga biktima ang mga suspek.
by Deliza Maye Fernandez Bulacan-- Improper disposal of garbage is the major environmental problem in Balagtas, according to the town's Environmental Officer.
In the recent monsoon rains that made the municipality sank in flood, some part of it has broken the history of Ondoy making the area flooded for the first time. Other barangays had not encountered the high-level of floods before, unlike what the monsoon rains had brought.
“Hindi naman binabaha ng gano'n kagrabe ‘tong Balagtas eh. Usually, binabaha lang naman tayo ‘pag nagpapalabas ng tubig 'yong mga dams nang sabay-sabay’” said Reynaldo Miranda, the encironmental officer of Balagtas.
The initial response of the government with these environmental problem is the segregation of garbage and proper waste disposal. The biodegradable wastes especially the ones that are coming from the market will be set for the compost and will be used for planting the 1,600 seedlings of trees given by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The non-biodegradable wastes will be put on Material Recovery Facilities in which the garbage will be divided according to its kind such as papers, plastic and others that can be recycled and sold.
Meanwhile, the implementation of the No-plastic ordinance has been set in the municipality. “Inuunti-unti natin ‘yan kasi hindi pa masunod ng tao kasi nasanay na tayo sa paggamit ng plastic, marami ang matitigas ang ulo,” said Miranda.
Reconstructing the roads and renovating other facilities are some of the responses of the government in Balagtas. Miranda assured that people in the said municipality may look forward that the flood they had encountered by the Monsoon rains will never happen again. But still, he assured that if the municipality will experience another environmental problem, they will always be there to respond as instant as possible.
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