A one-hour jeepney ride from Aklan province capital town of Kalibo, then a two-hour “habal-habal” (motorcycle) ride and a seems-like a forever 15-minute bamboo raft ride crossing a portion of the Aklan River will get you to Barangay Oyang, the third farthest barangay in the Municipality of Libacao.
That is the extent for the members of the indigenous people Akeanon Bukidnon to have to traverse to reach the capital town of Kalibo. Imagine the extent the community and the government have to bear bringing construction materials to build the two-storey tribal hall that now epitomizes hope for the tribe that indeed dreams can be cemented and built into visions of once elusive reality.
For how many years, they just conducted their meetings, assemblies at homes, under the tree or just simply cover the open structure with tarpaulins to protect them from sunlight or rain – not having a conducive place for gatherings, until the rise of the P5-million, two-storey tribal hall aptly called ‘Baeay Tiripunan’ (House of Gathering).
Indeed, this year, that dream turned into reality. On June 25, 2024, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Region VI in partnership with the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPPRU) officially turned over the Two-Storey Tribal Hall to the Akeanon Bukidnon of Oyang. This is the first ever Tribal Hall in the Municipality of Libacao.
The Akeanon Bukidnon community was indeed so grateful as they gathered full-force at the ceremony carrying with them their happy faces as they achieved something so valuable, they will cherish for a lifetime.
NCIP VI Regional Director Atty. Princess May C. Alcarde-Oral personally graced the ceremony and expressed happiness for the successful completion of the project and the turnover of a two-storey tribal hall to the community to finally serve its purpose to be the venue for the promotion of peace and harmony.
“Ako naga laom nga inyo tipigan kag gamiton sa insakto ang proyekto nga Balay Tiripunan. Ini mangin lugar sang inyo pagtipon, pag settle ka conflict, pag hinun-anon kag mangin opisina sang aton Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) ukon ang aton mga gina tahod nga kamal-aman,” Atty Princess pleaded.
(I am hoping that you will take good care and properly use this ‘Balay Tiripunan”. May this be a venue for your meetings, assemblies, and for settlement of conflict and will use this as the official office of our Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and our respected elders.)
Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Arnie Z. Dolinog expressed his gratitude to the NCIP and the different government agencies in taking good care of those who belong to the IPs.
“Mabahor guid nga bagay dayang Tribal Hall kanamun dahil dati trapal eang nga napa-eaypay nagamit namun mag-pulong2, makara hay may manami ag safety du kami nga paga-tipunan. Dayang proyekto hay maging legasiya gd para sa tanan nga mga pumoeyo sa dayang komunidad,” tribal leader Arnie said.
(This Tribal Hall has a huge impact on us. Before we just use tarp in our briefings, meetings and now, this is very safe and convenient. This project will serve as a legacy for us in this community.)
In response to RD Oral’s request, Tribe Leader Arnie assured that the facility will be taken care of and will be used for the benefit of the community and will be a venue for all the gatherings, events, and programs of the government.
Mark Anthony Dolinog, son of IPMR Arnie, the turnover ceremony marked as a momentous occasion for the community, as the fruit of their efforts and their dream of having this facility finally came true.
“My heart is also full seeing how this project came about at kung paano eto nagsimula at natapos. I am incredibly honored to have contributed a role in this journey from the very beginning,” Mark Anthony said.
(My heart is also full seeing how this project went through and how it started and ended. I am incredibly honored to have contributed a role in this journey from the very beginning,”
Groundbreaking the dream
The two-storey tribal hall started with just a vision for the community according to Mark Anthony.
“It was pandemic time when Romulo del Rosario of OPAPRU (formerly OPAPP) went to Agbatuan (sition in Barangay Oyang) together with the TESDA personnel since we have ongoing skills training program that time in the said community,” he narrated.
During that activity, del Rosario also conducted a community needs assessment, as the people gathered at the Tribal Chieftain’s house.
The construction of the tribal hall came up as one of proposed priority projects.
“The NCIP called me asking if we can submit a project proposal outlining the need and potential impact of having a dedicated tribal hall for our community and the program of works to utilize a fund intended for the construction of the project,which I comply. From there, it was a collaborative effort of meetings, coordinations and a lot of hard work,” Mark explained as he thanked Engr. Peter Orbista of LGU Libacao and Fredd Sherwin Panim for helping them in the conduct of the survey, lay-out up to the final preparation of Program of Works.
Cementing the foundation
Mark thanked and commended the government for being true to its vision of no Filipino will be left behind, including his tribe. The people of Oyang have felt the government’s project despite the distance and the difficult terrain of the barangay.
“If OPPAPRU and NCIP did not reach out to us, we will not even know that there is such project. Mabahoe guid ro amon nga pagpasaeamat sa aton nga gobyerno,”Mark said.
(If OPPAPRU and NCIP did not reach out to us, we would not even know that there is such a project. We really are grateful to our government.)
Part of the requirements of the project is there should have a registered people’s organization and Mark organized one which made way for the approval of the project fund.
On August 26, 2022, the community broke ground for the two-storey building leading to the construction of the hall until it finished on March 31, 2024.
Building visions
“Our Indigenous People have long desired a gathering spot where we could gather to honor our customs, tell our tales, and pass them on to new generations, resolve conflicting issues, talk about the plans for the community. With the combined efforts and tenacity of our community, this dream, which started out as a simple wish, has developed into a reality,” Mark shared.
For the people of Oyang, the hall is more than just a structure. It is the realization of a long-cherished desire for a venue for events, cultural activities, various programs of the government, and the preservation of their rich history.
“This tribal hall is a symbol of the tenacity, unity, and the spirit of our Indigenous People—it is more than simply a building. It will act as a focal point for community events, educational initiatives, and cultural activities, strengthening our ties to one another and to our traditions,” Mark mused. (EAD-SQP/PIA-Aklan)
