BUTUAN CITY -- Through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga and the National Museum Eastern-Northern Mindanao Regional Museum in Butuan City, students from various colleges and universities learned about the rich culture and tradition of the Manobo tribe and how IP women weaved baskets as part of their livelihood.

Participating students got more interested in weaving as women IPs demonstrated every step until they finished creating various designs of baskets and bags.

Bae Mila Leorna, Bae Cleofe Austral, and Bae Leonida Rebollo, served as representatives of the Manobo tribe from Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 092 Puting Bato of Cabadbaran City.

As a Manobo herself, Juvy Ann Leorna was delighted to see her peers being able to learn how to properly weave baskets during the demonstration.

She is proud that the Manobo tribe was given the chance to share their weaving skills to other people and eventually earn extra income. 

“As an IP youth, it is important to preserve the rich culture and tradition of our tribe,” said Leorna.

“This activity is relevant because this will help me learn how to weave baskets,” shared Sofronio Cabillo, a resident from Cabadbaran City.

Meanwhile, Dr. Randy Rosas, Development Management Officer V and acting chief of administrative and finance of NCIP Caraga also called on the general public to be culture-sensitive. He stressed that the IP community continues to impart valuable contributions to nation-building.

“I am hoping that misappropriation, misinterpretation, and insult to the indigenous people will be prevented,” Rosas said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)