Mythologies of the Umayamnon Tribe

These Indigenous peoples dwell along the watershed of Umayam River in the Mountains of Pantaron in the Eastern side of the province of Bukidnon. They are fair in complexion five feet or above in height. Their eyes are set closed enough to each other with an average height of nose bridge. They are proud and reserved people. They chew betel nut very frequently and their teeth are filed to uniform length which are mostly blackened. Purposes for making the teeth black are two namely: for medicinal purposes and for decoration. The black dye that they used to blacken the teeth means one distinction of being a human (who knows how to dye his teeth black) for according to them only monkeys have white teeth. Umayamnon are excellent makers of bead jewelry like the necklaces called ginakit and inboy, beautiful beaded men’s bag called suning and unisex beaded bracelets called binuklad. The Umayamnon traces their kinds bilaterally, that is the blood relations of both father and mother are esteemed as close relatives. Reciprocal roles are expected from them like helping raise a ransom or a bride price, sharing games or catch for the day or participating in a communal field clearing the kagsakum.

With the belief that indigenous people’s knowledge, and practices can help to save the planet from the impact of climate change, this story reflects solutions from the Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe of the Philippines. Despite contributing insignificantly to the global issue of climate change, the aftershocks of a changing climate have wreaked havoc on this community. Nevertheless, climate change is not the sole obstacle for the community; deforestation and biodiversity loss have also emerged as significant threats. This has led to consequences in cultural aspects, youth’s lives, and livelihoods. With the help of the UNDP-Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), Adaptation Fund, and the European Union, the members of this community could engage in and dedicate themselves to safeguarding their environment. Their community-led project focuses on solutions like climate change adaptation and mitigation, such as planting bamboo and cacao trees. Both species are climate resilient as they prevent soil erosion; restore soil, and help regenerate the denuded forest. This project has allowed them to sustain their livelihoods as well as safeguard the well-being of future generations – affirms Datu Laaw (Fernando Damaso), tribal leader, of the Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe of the Philippines. This name was inspired by the significant challenges that the community faced during the grant period. One of the major challenges that the community faced during the implementation of the project was a delay in fund transfer due to a sudden change of international bank policies in the Philippines. In addition to funding challenges, the community encountered flooding and landslides during the project period. Although some plants suffered damage, the community had proactively prepared themselves to address the situation by securing extra planting materials for replanting. To help in the solution process and generate sustainable income for the Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe, the community planted 10 hectares of giant bamboo and 10 hectares of cacao along the banks as a way of green cover along the second largest river system in the Philippines, the Pulangi River. All of the planting materials were collected from a reliable nursery for this project to meet the project’s timeline. The COE entrusted the management of this massive plantation to the different tribal leaders to be in charge of their respective management areas.

The Kaamulan Pageant is a cultural celebration of the seven indigenous tribal teams in Bukidnon: the Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Tigwahanon, and Bukidnon. These tribes have their very own distinctive cultures, traditions, and rituals, that are showcased in the course of the pageant. The pageant permits these tribes to unite and have fun their shared heritage. The Kaamulan Pageant is a gathering of Bukidnon tribespeople for a objective. It could imply a datuship ritual, a marriage ceremony, a thanksgiving pageant throughout harvest time, a peace pact, or all of those put collectively. The pageant is a technique to protect and promote the indigenous tradition of Bukidnon. Guests can witness conventional dances, music, and rituals in the course of the pageant, such because the pangampo and pamalas. The phrase “Kaamulan” is derived from the Binukid phrase “amul,” which suggests “to assemble.” The pageant is a celebration of the tribes’ legendary tales, historic rituals, ethnic music, and conventional dances. The pageant can be a technique to showcase the wealthy cultural heritage of Bukidnon and promote tourism within the area. The pageant has been hailed as probably the most genuine pageant within the Philippines, and it’s a technique to protect and promote the indigenous tradition of Bukidnon. The Kaamulan Pageant is a vital occasion for the folks of Bukidnon, because it celebrates their shared heritage and promotes their distinctive tradition. The pageant is a technique to protect and promote Bukidnon’s indigenous tradition and showcase the area’s wealthy cultural heritage. The pageant is a must-see for anybody desirous about genuine indigenous tradition and traditions. The Kaamulan Pageant is an annual celebration held in Malaybalay Metropolis, Bukidnon, Philippines. The pageant usually runs from the second half of February to March 10, the anniversary date of the muse of Bukidnon as a province in 1917. Guests can anticipate a month-long celebration of historical past and tradition, with a full line-up of indigenous video games, commerce festivals, horse exhibits, dance and music clinics, and extra. The pageant’s spotlight is the “Laga Ta Bukidnon” or the Ethnic Conflict Dance Competitors, the place completely different tribes showcase their conventional dances and costumes.

In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, the impacts of climate change are becoming clearer and clearer by the day. The area has two difficult rainy and dry seasons and strong winds yearly. In recent years, however, farmers have reported longer periods of drought and heavier rains. Jemuel Perino has himself noticed the changes. For example, his community has struggled with erosion in the last few years. Climate change, however, is not their only challenge – deforestation and biodiversity loss have also emerged as key threats with devastating implications for culture, youth, and livelihoods. As Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Bukidnon Umayamnon tribe, Jemuel is not sitting back. He coordinates a locally-led project under the community-based organisation Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe Kapu-unan To mga Datu (BUKDA) that helps reduce the impacts of climate change while restoring nature, and generating sustainable income for Indigenous peoples. "The project aims to tackle deforestation and pollution by promoting the planting of bamboo and cocoa by local farmers in Mindanao. Specifically, the project aims to train people on cultivating, harvesting, and marketing those two products. We have 1,442 members and all of them, through their respective Clan Leaders, as represented in the Council of Elders, will benefit from the income of the plantations," explains Jemuel.

Jemuel Perino has himself noticed the changes. For example, his community has struggled with erosion in the last few years. Climate change, however, is not their only challenge – deforestation and biodiversity loss have also emerged as key threats with devastating implications for culture, youth, and livelihoods. As Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Bukidnon Umayamnon tribe, Jemuel is not sitting back. He coordinates a locally-led project under the community-based organisation Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe Kapu-unan To mga Datu (BUKDA) that helps reduce the impacts of climate change while restoring nature, and generating sustainable income for Indigenous peoples. "The project aims to tackle deforestation and pollution by promoting the planting of bamboo and cocoa by local farmers in Mindanao. Specifically, the project aims to train people on cultivating, harvesting, and marketing those two products. We have 1,442 members and all of them, through their respective Clan Leaders, as represented in the Council of Elders, will benefit from the income of the plantations," explains Jemuel. The small but impactful project is focused on an intensive reforestation plan, aiming to plant 20 hectares of vegetation as green cover along the Pulangi River. "In the Philippines, most of our forest lands and headwaters fall within the Ancestral Domains of the various Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples,” explains Jemuel. “There is a real need for the world to fully recognize their important contributions in conserving the environment that benefits the entire population."