'Land of Dreamweavers' South Cotabato hosts IP month fest, 'Dayaw 2024'

MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), together with the municipalities of Lake Sebu and T'boli, successfully held "Dayaw 2024," the National Indigenous Peoples Festival celebration in South Cotabato.

"The month of October is a national celebration dedicated to honor IPs (indigenous peoples) across the archipelago, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1906 series of 2009 for the cultural preservation of the arts and practices of IPs thereby combating the risk of being forgotten," said NCIP commissioner Reden Ulo, himself a native T'boli.

With the theme "Katutubong Filipino: Pagtibayin ang Tagumpay 2030," the three-day assembly saw workshops, visits to GaMaBa (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) learning centers, and several performances.

"We should thrust IPs further into the spotlight and recognize our beginnings, as well as create more awareness for our country and its people, finding patriotism in our hearts. This is Dayaw's 16th year celebration and it has left a lasting impact not only to all of us, but also in fulfilling the agenda set by the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dayaw is also an appreciation and respect to our culture bearers.

"The 1,700 municipalities around the Philippines are mandated by law to do their cultural mapping, to be used as reference and not just as data. I'd love to see the day when culture dignifies the life of all, not just IPs. All projects of government depend on culture because it makes us who we are.

"You'll never go wrong if you know your culture. Your biggest investment is your culture, so capitalize on it because it's free," said NCCA Executive Director Eric Cerrudo.

Some of the GaMaBa centers the media, including Philstar.com, visited included Barangay Lamdalag, where Barbara Kefeo Ofong taught Tinalak weaving. The revered weaver adorned the walls with woven curtains that served as dividers between rooms, in the same manner the Japanese use their paper panels.

"It is so nice to see the different costumes of the different tribal communities from all over the country. It is also a befitting occasion to honor all our