Xavier Science Foundation Inc. Deputy Director, Thieza Verdijo and project staff, Tat Gualberto joined the small delegation that was out to commune with the tribe and with nature during the 6th Seliley Te Keretungan or annual ritual celebration of the Mt. Kalatungan View Deck on March 14, 2020. XSF, Inc., a local partner of Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) surrounding the Kalatungan landscape and a member of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), was invited by the tourism officer of the Municipality of Pangantucan, Ms. Lea Madelo Apal who spearheaded the celebration.
Different stakeholders of the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKRNP) were also present- DENR Mt. Kalatungan Protected Area Superintendent, Mr. Benedicto Golosino; Punong Barangay of Mendis, Hon. Victor Clerigo; sitio leader and Bantay sa Yutang Kabilin of Sitio Migtulod, Valencia City, Datu Ruen Tumana, staff of the Pangantucan tourism office, and the Mt. Kalatungan tour guides and porters of Barangay Mendis joined in the event.
The past six (6) years since the view deck’s foundation, the tribal community has been constantly paying tribute through a community ritual. “Our elders foretold that a structure will rise on this path to our sacred forests. It will shelter people from different places as they come together at the foot of Mt. Kalatungan”, Datu Erio Inahan of the Manobo tribe in Brgy. Mendis, Pangantucan and president of the Kalatungan Mandum Tribal Community (KMTC) narrated the mystical history of the Mt. Kalatungan view deck.
Mt. Kalatungan is a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and known as the 5th highest mountain in the country. The steep trail to the view deck gave a preview of Mt. Kalatungan’s rich vegetation. The crystal-clear waters of the Muleta River flowing from the mountain’s landmark waterfalls enticed passersby for a cool dip. The view of Lake Napalit and the expanse of the Bukidnon province was a treat for the eyes of tired hikers.
After almost two hours of walking through cogon grasses and blossoming coffee trees, the delegation finally arrived at the view deck. It was mid-morning, but the space was already packed with people. Men, women, children and the elderly were busy preparing food, fetching water and setting up the Bangkaso or altar for the Seliley. Right after the community lunch, a brief program was conducted. The essence of the program was the expression of gratitude for the gift of nature that brought about cultural identity, livelihood through eco-tourism and community solidarity. Among the program highlights was the Manobo ritualist Datu Isidro Guinamay’s performance of the sung epic called Ulaging. The children and the youth were challenged to preserve their cultural identity as Manobos of Mt. Kalatungan, and to fulfill their responsibilities as forest stewards.
The ritual proper soon followed. A bell was rung to summon the guardian spirits, and prayers were offered by the elders and ritualists. The community then joined in for the Panampulot (feasting or partaking of food together with the spirits). As the sun sank into the horizon, the delegation set camp to spend the night in the mountain. Everyone gathered around the fire. Stories about tribal origins and the plight of indigenous peoples were shared over cups of coffee. XSF had the opportunity to get to know the community and explore areas for possible partnerships with KMTC to further its mission in bringing inclusive development through collaborative engagements particularly in protecting the sacred forests of Mt. Kalatungan.
More photos here:
