Mandaya Tribe in Manurigao celebrates Founding Anniversary

The Mandaya Tribe residing in the upland community in Barangay Manurigao, New Bataan, one of the farthest barangays in Davao de Oro, celebrated its two-day 15th founding anniversary on July 14 and 15, 2022.

Villagers from the eight Sitios opened the first day with resonating cheers and yells as they participated in the tribal games such as busog, sumpitan, kadang, bagudan, lyul’lot, and ball games in the Al’law ng Tipanod and Kabataan activity.

Barangay Captain Marcos M. Lino said in an interview that the annual celebration showcases the Mandaya’s diverse culture, customs, and traditions through dances, tribal songs, and rituals. It also signifies how firm and unrivaled the tribe is as one community despite difficulties from the past two years brought by the pandemic.

“Gikalipay namo nga sa amoang pagselebrar sa ika-15th anniversary nakigduyog kanamo ang mga opisyales og bisita gikan sa regional, provincial ug municipal aron ipakita ang ilang pagsuporta sa among tribo. Dili lang kini kapistahan aron ipakita ang panaghiusa apan, hulagway kini sa gugma ug kusog sa mga Tribong Mandaya”, Lino said.

He added that the celebration is part of thanksgiving to their “Magbabaya” for all the blessings and developments poured into their community from the local and national government.

Through the government programs, from once a haven place of communist insurgency, Barangay Manurigao is now a progressive and peaceful community.

Capping off the celebration is the Hiyas ng Barangay Manurigao, an activity initiated by the teachers of the Department of Education (DepEd), and participated by the youth of the community.

Present during the anniversary were Governor Dorothy Gonzaga represented by Board Member Albert Camana together with Julius Mabini of Regional NCIP as the guest speaker, Mayor Gerald Ford Balbin, PNP personnel, Tribal Leaders, and Chieftains, and barangay officials. (R.Hortizano, Photos by Jonie Cadiz and PCRO New Bataan)