In an effort to feature Mindanao's cultural artisans, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davao Gulf in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Region XI together with JCI Manila and JCI Mandaue, conducted a two-day cultural trade fair dubbed as YAKAP KATUTUBO: Showcasing the Philippine Culture Bearer Artisans on July 8-9, 2022 at Sotogrande Davao Hotel in Davao City.
YAKAP KATUTUBO is an ongoing program that leverages JCI Davao Gulf’s continuous efforts in addressing issues on equity, discrimination, and dispersion of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as the most authentic way of cultural heritage preservation.
It is also an initiative to promote the Philippine Cultural Bearer Artisans projects is a valuable form of grassroots development for the IPs simultaneously serving economic and social goals.
The two-day event showcased the Cultural Bearer Artisans from General Santos City, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. The display of cultural products such as the T’nalak fabrics and clothings from the Tboli communities, tribal attires and accessories from the Blaans, and the handicrafts from the Manobos and Blaans proved that the Indigenous Cultural Communities have a variety of world class products to offer.
The highlight of the Yakap Katutubo was the seminar and workshops for our Artisans on how to manage and sustain their Small-Medium Enterprise conducted by the Department of Tourism Region XI office. The workshop intended to develop opportunity to create a more sustainable entrepreneurship for our IP communities.
“This initiative is a jumpstart for a stronger collaboration among the IPs, the national agencies such as the NCIP, DOT, and other private and non-government organizations such as JCI Davao Gulf to develop sustainable entrepreneurial skills for the IPs,” Bae Jennifer Sibug-Las, NCIP Commissioner for Central Mindanao during the opening of ceremony of the Yakap Katutubo.
Speaking to the guests JCI Davao Gulf President, Arthur Warren Zata said that “Building sustainable solutions for the IP communities is a long and challenging journey to take. But through collaboration, and continuous education on cultural preservation we are certain that we will be able to keep our cultural heritage alive in the next generations to come.”
Yakap Katutubo was attended by the National Board of JCI Philippines and from different JCI local organization presidents from different parts of the country.,
The prime mover of the event, JCI Davao Gulf is a leadership organization that empowers young people to create positive change from the southernmost-tip of the country.
Yakap Katutubo is the first of three events under the 22BC: Business Summit, a tripartite project of JCI Manila, JCI Mandaue, and JCI Davao Gulf. It is supported by JCI Quezon City Diamante and sponsored by Sotogrande Davao Hotel, Sta. Lucia Land, Maya Philippines, and Sogo Hotel.
