IN celebration of the 26th Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997, a special ritual called "Alumo-Alumoha" was held on October 16 at the Oro Kalandang Center in Barangay Dansolihon.
These were the statements made by City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff Shiela Lumbatan on Monday.
"The purpose of the ritual was to promote peace among the Higaonon tribes from the 16 barangays," said Lumbatan.
One of the leaders of the ritual was a group of indigenous people from the municipality of Claveria, known as "Mamacila."
During the event, a pig and several chickens were slaughtered as part of the ritual.
Lumbatan said the 16 barangays included in the event were Bayanga, Besigan, Cugman, Dansolihon, F.S. Catanico, Lumbia, Mambuaya, Pagalungan, Pigsag-an, San Simon, Tablon, Tagpangi, Taglimao, Tignapoloan, Tuburan, and Tumpagon.
Aside from the ritual, various activities such as plays, poster making, and cultural dances were also organized for entertainment, according to Lumbatan.
She said that among the participants were the Head of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Department's Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Section, Myrna Replagao, and the Head of the Oro Kalandang Center, Norhidaya Hadji Sarip.
The event was attended by members of the police, military, Baylan (indigenous priests), Datu (tribal chiefs), Bae (tribal princesses), and others.
The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Department's IPs Section, led by Indigenous People Sector Focal Person Nena 'Bae Rose' Lumandong, organized the event.
It was supported by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, SAMDHANA Institute, the Cagayan de Oro Police Office, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other organizations.
"The month of October is recognized as "National Indigenous Peoples Month" in the Philippines, which is why the event was held during this month," Lumbatan stressed.
