Summary
Highlights
The Tagbanua, one of the largest tribal groups in the Philippines, celebrate a special festival where hundreds of villagers gather in traditional costumes to showcase their culture. Although elders like Maria continue to perform traditional dances, many young members are losing interest, prompting the festival to also serve as a way to attract the younger generation.
The Philippines has the Indigenous People's Rights Act to protect cultural integrity, land rights, and self-directed development. Lawmakers proposed a special department for indigenous people to further strengthen these rights. In Palawan, local authorities have established the Palawan Heritage Center and a created Arts Workshop to preserve the culture of various indigenous groups like the Tagbanua and Batak. The government also provides assistance through local associations and dedicated programs.
Not all young people are disengaged from their culture; a group of young cultural dancers performs traditional dances locally and internationally. Performer Am Le explains their process of visiting tribes for days or weeks to learn and modify indigenous dances for stage performances while preserving the original essence.
Despite preservation efforts, many tribal groups continue to face challenges. Indigenous groups have complained about being excluded from President Aquino's reports and constantly facing attacks in their struggle for self-determination and territorial defense. A group of indigenous people marched 350 km to protest a free port and processing zone encroaching on their ancestral land. Tribal leader Ruben Koham emphasizes the struggles of the Tagbanua tribe and calls for increased support from the media.