Memories were spread across the archipelago in a time before we were made to submit before a colonial power. These memories make up our native history—one filled with gods, our ways of life, values, and the like. Once we were placed under colonial rule, the masters exercised their powers to make us into willing subjects. It is true that colonial rule by the Spaniards gave us clues into the formation of a national consciousness that we are Filipinos. It was further enhanced by the presence of the Americans and Japanese, but as always, there is a chopping off of memories once power is exerted (rather forcefully) upon a subject. But we already had resistance fighters who were bent on preserving our nativity. They are among the gatekeepers of our memory– our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Last October marked National Indigenous People’s Month, and to add robust and authentic flavor to the observation which was made possible through Presidential Proclamation 1906, the Dayaw Festival was made and it is happening this November 27 to 29 in Malolos, Bulacan. There will be performances and rituals. The waft of traditional food will fill the air. Children and the young at heart will be playing their hearts out with traditional games. Other activities include an arts and crafts exhibit, cultural tours, and forums.
Reports have shown that indigenous groups make up one-third of the poorest people in the world. Facing discrimination and prejudice, violations of human rights happen here and there. Add limited access to health services and education and you have a picture of the struggles that these groups face. Here in the country they are constantly greeted by feelings of exclusion. They are displaced as their ancestral lands are taken away from them. This displacement also results to a slow disappearing act of their traditions. It is disturbing to think that their identity, as well their very existence will be nothing but a page or a paragraph to be found in our history books in the near future.
Activities like the Dayaw Festival enable us to have a background of their condition, their plight, and what we could do to help. For their history is also our history. Our lives are intertwined and our experiences flow through the veins of our archipelago. Many times we have been duped and made to forget. But now that we are here and we are conscious, let us not be forgetful. If we will not help them in their preservation, we happen to throw away a piece of ourselves—our Identity— into the abyss of willing surrender and forgetfulness.
***
Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www.mangotours.com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.
