Indigenous culture showcased in Manila

By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — To showcase the country’s varied, unique and attractive indigenous cultures, traditions and products, the Hibla Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines was launched at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Hibla Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines is also a highlight of the Manila FAME Design and Lifestyle Event 2012, which has been on display since Oct. 17 on the 2nd Floor of the SMX Convention Center.

It is being endorsed by Senator Loren Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities.

“This event will expose the several traditions of School of Living Traditions (SLTs) in the country. It will exhibit the Ivatan and Gaddang traditional weaving, Antique abaca/bariw mat weaving, Iraya Mangyan traditional nito basketry, Hanunuo Mangyan weaving, Panay Bukidnonpanubok embroidery, Subanen pulaw weaving, Ekam Maguindanao mat weaving, Ata Talaingod liyang weaving, T’Boli tinalak weaving and B’laanmewel weaving,” said Legarda.

She said the exhibition is realized in connection with the celebration of the Indigenous Peoples' (IP)’ Month this October.

The exhibition aims to tell the stories of indigenous communities through the intricate processes of weaving that were passed on by their ancestors. It also reveals the passion for learning, creating, and educating of master weavers and culture bearers of different indigenous groups.

“Weaving is not merely a pastime or a livelihood activity because each thread signifies the values of diligence, patience, hard work, and love for culture that these indigenous communities continue to embrace and live by,” said the senator.

Legarda has supported the development of cultural villages of the Ata-Talaingod, Mandaya, B’laan, and Bagobo Tagabawa in various activities of their SLTs, which teach the young generation the traditional arts, crafts, music and practices of the village.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Bauko in Mountain Province has recently chosen its Indigenous Peoples (IP) representative in legislative bodies of the local government units, the first to do so in the province.

Thomas Tanggacan of Barangay Lagawa took his oath as the IP representative in the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) before NCIP Cordillera regional director Sancho S. Buquing last September 28, said Tomas Tawagen of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Tawagen said of the 22 barangays of this municipality, 18 have chosen their IP representatives in the Sangguniang Barangay.

They selected Tanggacan as IP representative in the municipal council.