The Gong, an indigenous musical instrument in many parts of the Philippines, is immensely significant to the culture of the Tuwali tribe in Nueva Vizcaya. Its sound depicts meaning as its beats jive with the tribe’s dance.
Malabing Barangay Captain Cesar Pumihic, a Tuwali tribe member, was in high spirits as 35 of the tribe’s youth finished an eight-day training on native dance and gong beating held early this month. This was facilitated by the Ifugao Intangible Heritage and Performing Arts Society (IHPAS).
He attributes the success of the training to the recent partnership project dubbed “Indigenous People’s Culture Revitalization Program,” a corporate social responsibility initiative of the Didipio Mine to preserve the heritage and culture of the IPs and Indigenous cultural communities of Kasibu town in Cagayan Valley.
Pumihic recalled their difficulty finding gong beaters during cultural events and occasions because many of the younger generations no longer have the skills to play the traditional instrument.
“We thank you, (Didipio Mine). This is also for my fellow members of the indigenous peoples, so that we will not lose our culture. This is a huge relief for our people, [especially] the children, to learn to perform during our traditional occasions,” he said.
The Indigenous People’s Culture Revitalization Program (IPCRP), which began in 2022, has already produced graduates, including children, youth, and residents of the upland barangays Didipio, Alimit, and Capisaan in Kasibu.
Barangay Malabing is the first recipient of the native dance and gong beating training outside of the Didipio Mine’s Social Development and Management Program area.
Earlier in June this year, the Didipio Mine, together with the Local Government Unit of Malabing, forged a Memorandum of Agreement under the Mine’s IP Culture Revitalization Program.
The MOA was signed by lawyer Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. President and General Manager for External Affairs and Social Performance, Malabing Barangay Captain Cesar Pumihic, and witnessed by Malabing IP Mandatory Representative Ruben Dulnuan.
Didipio Mine originally established the program to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of the indigenous communities in the area.
Under the IPCRP, community members will be taught ethnic dances and songs and the beating of gongs and other instruments of the Tuwali, Ayangan, Ibaloi, and Kalanguya IP groups.
“We are happy that we are now included in the IPCRP. This will ensure the revival and transfer of our cultural and traditional practices to our upcoming generations,” Pumihic, the Malabing Barangay Captain, said. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)
