Josseth A. Malida, PhD, a proud Blaan educator, stands at the forefront of preserving her Blaan tribe’s cultural heritage through the Cultural Heritage Learning Center (CHLC) that she initiated at the Landan National High School in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
A first of its kind in the Philippines, the CHLC has inspired other Blaan communities to emulate.
“Education is a lifeline, especially for preserving the culture of the Blaan,” said Malida in an interview with PIA SarGen’s radio program i-INFORM Mo via DXDX RPN General Santos.
A dedicated teacher, Malida is also the CHLC coordinator, whose academic journey is as inspiring as her advocacy.
From earning her bachelor’s degree in Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) at Bukidnon State University to completing her doctorate at Mindanao State University in 2020, she demonstrates unwavering commitment to learning and cultural preservation.
Malida credits the Department of Education’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) Education Program that was established through Department Order No. 62 in 2011, as a key enabler for CHLC.
“This program encourages schools in Indigenous Cultural Communities to integrate the culture and practices of Indigenous Peoples into the curriculum, making education culturally responsive and empowering,” she said.
The CHLC focuses on transferring traditional skills from Blaan elders to the younger generation.
“Our journey started even before the CHLC program was formalized,” Malida recalled.
In 2012, the school partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to conduct its first skills transfer initiative, led by National Artist and GAMABA awardee Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo.
Eleven students successfully completed training in Blaan tabih weaving under her mentorship – a testament to the program’s potential.
“The designs are intricate, dreamed by the artisans and guided by Fu Ralu, the Blaan goddess of abaca. However, weaving is a challenging craft that requires months of dedication. Despite these difficulties, it’s a crucial aspect of preserving our tangible heritage,” Malida said, describing the weaving’s significance.
From that time on, weaving remains a cornerstone of the CHLC’s efforts alongside other skills development initiatives.
Beyond weaving
The CHLC has expanded its repertoire to include beadwork, embroidery, and the crafting of traditional musical instruments like the faglung, a two-stringed boat lute.
The center also taught students to create handicrafts and play instruments, preserving the intangible heritage of the Blaan alongside the tangible.
The impact of these efforts is evident. Malida proudly noted that products such as beaded earrings and accessories have gained popularity among buyers.
“During the turnover of our CHLC building, all our products sold out,” she shared.
While the center is yet to participate in national exhibits, it continues to serve as a hub for on-site sales and orders.
Challenges and resilience
Malida acknowledged the challenges faced by the CHLC, including limited skilled weavers, raw materials, and labor-intensive weaving, but she remains optimistic despite these obstacles.
“We emphasize the significance of our cultural heritage and the legacy of Fu Yabing to inspire our students and community,” she said.
CHLC’s efforts have gained a renewed appreciation for the Blaan culture.
“When I returned to our community in 2003, cultural practices were fading. Today, we see a revival, not just in South Cotabato but also in General Santos City and Sarangani Province. Many, including our Tboli brothers, are now producing their arts and crafts with pride,” she said.
Inspiring other tribes
The CHLC’s pioneering work is a model for other Indigenous communities.
“Many come to our school to benchmark how we implement the program,” Malida said.
She shared that she expects other tribes will be inspired to preserve their own heritage, recognizing the transformative power of education.
As the Blaan community continues to weave its legacy, Malida’s vision remains clear: “Through education and cultural appreciation, we can empower Indigenous Peoples to embrace their identity with confidence and pride.”
According to her, the Cultural Heritage Learning Center is more than an initiative; it is a lifeline for a culture striving to thrive in the modern world. (HJPF-PIA SarGen)
