Dhassig at Himugso

Himugso 2018 is a weeklong activity organized by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro to commemorate the 120^th Philippine Independence Day (June 12) and Cagayan de Oro’s 68^th Charter Day (June 15). Cagayan de Oro has gone a long way and is a very progressive city.

In 2014, Cagayan de Oro was named one of the Emerging Global Cities of Tomorrow by the United Nations Human Settlements Program, Cagayan de Oro has also been recognized by the National Competitiveness Council as one of the Top 2 Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines for the past two years and was named as one of the finalists for the 2014 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.

Dhassig is a world music fusion band that incorporates the Indigenous musical instrument of the Northern Mindanao hill tribes. Sharing the bands original music composition that shares about the message of freedom, peace and love, the band gives tribute to the value of being a Filipino. The beat of the indigenous drums gives a rhythmic melody that pounds on the heart of the listeners and touch the identity within us as easterners.

The rhythm of the kubing or the bamboo jaws harp sent a melodic message of a unique Filipino sound and mixed with the guitar to produce a harmonious song edible for the contemporary ears.  Dhassig Band performed last June 15, 2018 During the Himugso weeklong activity held at the Kiosko Kagawasan at Dvsoria Park, Cagayan de Oro City.

The open concert which started at 6pm was participated by the City Hall Band and the JR Borja City Hospital Band. Crowds from all over just gathered and sit down at the park’s benches and chill with the music.

Activities like these are very much appreciated, hoping that the local government of Cagayan de Oro will support music or art at the parks. Music and the arts is a subtle tool to give education among the people about patriotism and other advocacies.

Cagayan de Oro has no shortage of musicians and artists but it lack avenues for expressions. The art sector of the city is longing forward for freedom to get recognized. In many major cities all over the world, Local Governments are giving recognition to local talents and as a result a boost of tourism influx developed.

Parks are turned into creative hubs where people will go to take pictures and appreciate local talents. The Local Government should invest on local talents for these will be the champions of the community that will bring pride for the people.  The local artists still struggle for its subtle quest for artistic freedom. Salamat SAMMAKAMI and Mr. Manuel Velez Peralta Jr. for inviting Dhassig band at the Himugso celebration.

(The author is a member of the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro and Chairman of Dire Husi Initiatives, Inc. national winner of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization or TAYO. For comments please email at direhusi.rhyan@gmail.com)