LGU Koronadal commemorates the First Kasalan Nang Tribu
The City of Koronadal joined the Indigenous community in the celebration for its Silver Anniversary with the theme: 25 Years Fulfilling the Indigenous Peoples Rights and Bridging the Gaps through ICCs/IPs Convergence with Partners Stakeholders to Ensure Economic Sustainability and Security in the Ancestral Domains,” at Bong Gumne De Muhon, Sitio Datal Fitak, Brgy. Assumption, City of Koronadal on October 25.
The Philippine observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month in October aims to support and raise awareness of indigenous cultural communities. That way, more Filipinos will be aware of the numerous contributions made by National Indigenous Peoples in their place.
The traditional “Kasalan nang Tribu,” where twenty-five (25) couples were married in the traditional Blaan wedding officiated by the Solemnizing Officer or fulong in the Blaan tribe in the person of Barangay Captain Sagin Monday, which was given effect through the signature in the legal document by City Mayor Atty. Eliordo Ogena, was one of the highlights of the Month-long celebration.
“This is the first ever Kasalang Tribu in our City, I thank the people behind this celebration, Counselor Antonio Abing Congratulations and Congratulations to the newlyweds, I hope that the foundation of your marriage will put you for a lifetime” Mayor Ogena accentuated in his message.
Kasalang Tribu is a response to the national campaign of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples “Kasalang Tribu – Irehistro”.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ (NCIP) goal is to institutionalize Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) civil registration. “Kailangang po ma-institutionalize ang listahan ng mga IP para sa kanilang birth, death at marriage records at kailangan silang bigyan ng kapangyarihan para sa kanilang legal na karapatan, through this they can finally have their legal documents so that they can easily apply benefits from the government”, according to Atty. Adolf Ryan Lantion, Legal Hearing Officer, NCIP Region XII.
The Traditional Blaan Wedding
The bride was fully clothed in hand woven upper garment colorful Blaan attire. She was adorned with accessories, placed with a beaded headdress comb or swat, embellished with beaded belt surrounded in her hips with bells tinkling around when she moves, anklet, earrings, necklaces and bracelets and hangs a kumot of malong on her shoulders. Whilst, the groom wears a traditional embroidered upper garment, wraps a tubaw on the head, hangs a kumot or malong on his shoulders. The couple has to sit on the pillows surrounded with parents, relatives and witnesses.
Normally, the wedding ceremony would be held in the bride’s home, but because it was a Kasalang tribu, the ceremony was held in the Tribal House, where Bong Fulong assisted.
In Blaan tribe 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐔𝐇 (𝑾𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) is a Blaan cultural heritage of great significance, it is a process of how wedding preparations and ceremonies were done in the past and is still being practiced in the present. It is a living link to the past and an integral part of the identity of our community. The lesson of being true to oneself and at the same time keeping one’s own culture is paramount to pass on knowledge, traditions, stories, and history through generations.
The Traditional Blaan Ceremony
The ceremony begins with the fulong giving the couple advices on marriage such as not to argue with the in-laws, brothers and sister in-laws; should not mention the real name of the brother and sister in-laws, just call them “Bayaw” – In Blaan language, it’s a sign of respect. After some advices, comes with the tradition, the fulong feeds the bride and the groom with the betel chew (chicken and rice) to tie their union.
Following the ceremony, the Blaan men and women danced gracefully to the tempo of the Blaan guitar, gongs, and bamboo flute in the traditional Maral Dance.
When the ceremony ends, City Mayor Eliordo Ogena welcomes the newlyweds in the feast, “this is a way to strengthen the ties between us and the IP community, there culture, traditions and life. We should respect each other for us to be one” Mayor Ogena said.
In addition, the couples received a cake sponsored by the City Mayor and a lovely wine to commemorate their love for one another.
City Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hon. Antonio Abing gave big thanks to the partner offices, the Local Civil Registrar, the Commission on Population (POPCOM), the NCIP XII, the Provincial IPMR and his team. “It is a celebration of our culture and heritage, we should embrace our culture for the future generation”. The councilor also is very grateful to the people who supported, to the city councilors, Atty. Adolf Ryan Lantion of NCIP 12- Hearing Officer, representative of Provincial IPMR and PhilHealth Region 12.