Post-conflict Cotabato community
showcases cultural heritage in the
Kadayawan 2005 celebration
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 (thursday)

Kidapawan City - Ilian Indigenous Women’s Association (IIWA) of Barangay Ilian, Matalam, Cotabato, a post conflict community, celebrates with other tribes through a display of cultural presentation in Davao’s Kulintangan at Agongan sa Kadayawan on August 18-20, 2005.

The IIWA members recalled how they were deprived of the opportunity to learn and practice their cultural heritage because of the protracted conflict that beset their homeland. All their possessions including those musical instruments were destroyed or left behind when armed conflict erupted. That gift of identity has fallen in danger of being obliterated and forgotten.

For more than two decades, the surging passion to play the music lingered until one day they decided to revive their traditions. This had its root when a group of young Kulintang players paid a visit to the area. They were even more encouraged to pass on the tradition they learned from their forefathers to the younger generation.

They thought that playing the kulintang and other Maguindanaon musical instruments would remain to be a dream.

With pride and sheer delight they said that the age-old tradition of their people has now been passed on to them and to the younger generation.

In fact, they are bringing with them their children who have learned the skills day after day of practice.

Their children are now part of Davao’s Kadayawan festival through dancing and playing those instruments. They took pride on how they have stood for peace and as they celebrate with others this festivity they are even encouraged to continue building social cohesion among them.(MinLand/jmo)