Panay Bukidnon Culture

Summary

In the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Alicia Margos, along with research assistants and local guides, explored the mountains of Central Panay, Philippines, to study the indigenous Bukidnon people. These expeditions aimed to document epic chanting traditions, verify the presence of ancestral mountain communities, and understand their way of life. The Bukidnon, descendants of mountain dwellers, live sustainably through farming, hunting, weaving, and charcoal-making. Their culture is preserved through epic chants, crafts, and rituals, with efforts to digitize and preserve these traditions for future generations, spearheaded by Dr. Margos and local leaders like Federico Caballero.

Takeaways

• 🌄 The research by Dr. Alicia Margos focused on exploring the mountains of Central Panay with the NCIP Region 6 personnel in the early 1980s.
• 👥 In 1991 and 1992, Dr. Margos organized her own research group to study the Panay Bukidnon, with the support of UPV Iloilo research assistants and local guides.
• 📜 The purpose of these expeditions was to gather information about the Panay Bukidnon's epic chanting traditions and verify their presence in interior areas.
• 👩‍👧‍👧 Dr. Margos documented the lives of 84-year-old women chanters and others who were descendants of mountain people in Iloilo, tracing their origins to coastal migration due to colonization.
• 🏞️ The Panay Bukidnon communities were observed living in bamboo houses and relying on farming, fishing, and weaving for their livelihood.
• 🍚 Farming activities included cultivating Visayan rice varieties and root crops, while weaving with bamboo and rattan was a common practice to augment their income.
• 🪕 Panay Bukidnon culture features unique tools, traditional techniques, and practices for hunting and gathering food from rivers and forests.
• 🎶 Epic chanting is central to Panay Bukidnon culture, with stories of mythical characters serving as both entertainment and teaching tools for younger generations.
• 🏆 Federico Caballero, a master of epic chanting, was awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) award in 2004 for his work in preserving the tradition.
• 📚 Dr. Margos has digitized and published the Panay Bukidnon epics with the University of the Philippines, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future generations.

Q & A

Who explored the mountains of central Panay in 1980 and 1989, and who accompanied her?

Dr. Alicia Margos explored the mountains of central Panay, accompanied by NCIP Region Six field personnel.

What was the purpose of Dr. Margos’ 1991 and 1992 expeditions to the mountains of central Panay?

The purpose of the expeditions was to explore the Panayan and Holo Woodland barangays, and to verify the presence and distribution of epic chanting in these areas.

What are some of the names historically used to refer to the mountain people of interior Panay?

The mountain people were historically referred to by names such as 'Montes' by Johanna, 'Mundos' by Aldama, and 'Solured' by Johanna.

How do the Bukidnon of Panay sustain themselves in their environment?

The Bukidnon sustain themselves through farming rice, planting root crops, making charcoal, and weaving. They also trap wild animals and fish using traditional methods.

What are some traditional tools and items found in Bukidnon households?

Traditional tools include the 'santoku' (knife), 'musong' (mortar and pestle), and 'target' (bamboo or wood tool for digging). They also use traps for hunting and tools like the 'bores' for transporting rice.

How do the Bukidnon preserve their culture through epic chanting?

Epic chanting, or 'Sugidanon,' is a way for the Bukidnon to preserve their cultural heritage. These chants tell stories about their ancestors, mythical characters, and important historical events.

Who is Federico Caballero, and why is he significant?

Federico Caballero is a National Living Treasure (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) recognized for his mastery of ten epic chants or 'Sugidanon.' He is from a family of chanters and played a key role in preserving Bukidnon epics.

What steps have been taken to preserve and popularize the epics of Panay Bukidnon?

Efforts include the digitization of epic chants, transcriptions, translations into multiple languages, and the creation of e-books and hard copies. Dr. Margos also facilitated the establishment of the School for Living Traditions (SLT) to teach these skills.

What role does the School for Living Traditions play in the preservation of Bukidnon culture?

The SLT helps pass down cultural knowledge by teaching children epic chanting, weaving, dancing, and playing traditional musical instruments. Elders serve as teachers to preserve these skills for future generations.

What are some traditional Bukidnon dances, and what do they symbolize?

Traditional dances like the 'Binanog' and 'Eaglehawk' dance symbolize Bukidnon heritage. The dances are inspired by ancient ancestors who were good dancers, and performers wear traditional attire made from ancient coins and intricate embroidery.