by MEL VELEZ
QUEZON, Bukidnon – Sunggod Ta Kamanga, a unique festival of custom and tradition of the Manobo tribes, the original settlers of this town marks another milestone in cultural history after successfully showcasing its 3 day ethnic activities and presentations.
It is an annual gathering where different rituals depicted by Manobos (Pulanguihon), impresses the uniqueness of their culture that has been fully recognized by Local Government Unit (LGU) of Quezon.
Sunggod Ta Kama is listed in by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as among the country’s must see festivals.
Mayor Gregorio Lloren Gue who’s behind the creation of tribal federations in Quezon and adopted as Datu Makapukaw, threw his all out support for the 3-day series of activities.
He vowed to continue the festival for the preservation and welfare of the lumads.
He encouraged the Manobo parents to send
their children to school for educational upliftment.
Gue has established an elementary school in Apyao, Barangay Butong, where majority of residents are Manobos.
He announced the ongoing construction of 8 high school classrooms as extension in the same area in collaboration with LGU Quezon and private institutional group, where millions of pesos have been poured for educational program.
Gue’s and scholarship program for the lumads with monthly cash allowance is a continuing and growing project.
Education is a great factor to achieve the young people’s dream, specially the lumads, Gue said.
Central Mindanao University (CMU) Physiology, Sociology and Anthropology students along with their professors make documentations, in line with this year’s festival theme: Preservation, Recognition and Promotion of Manobo Culture and Tradition.
