Help brought to Manobos in Surigao del Sur

Manobo Daniel Tacbas felt that the art of his native group, making accessories made of beads, was disappearing.

That observation prompted Tacbas to encourage teammates to revive the art that dates back to their ancestors.

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This is the practice of “response” or making necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories using beads.

It was used by the Manobo on various occasions with him-he symbolizes. Large necklaces, for example, are for women, while there are also accessories just for maidens.

There is also legwear to prevent varicose veins and a headdress for the datu.

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Tacbas now teaches art to Manobo youth.

“Tinuturo ko… in particular ‘yong traditional design,” he said.

Tacbas was also grateful for the inclusion of beading in the curriculum of the Department of Education in 2007.

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They are also supported by their tourism office to sell beadworks and provide a livelihood to the Manobo.

Help brought to Manobo people in Surigao del Sur

“Kultura talaga is one tourism product that we believe… Kailangan natin din silang suportahan, ‘yong mga nabibigay na trainings from the government, just to improve para sa kanilang livelihood,” said Mek Chan, tourism officer at Surigao del Sur.

But when the pandemic began last year, Manobo production was hampered due to the lack of beads still being bought in Davao and Butuan.

In an interview on Teleradyo’s “Good Job” program, Tacbas said that the pandemic has also paved the way for a return to tradition.

“Itong pandemyang ito, ito’y isang malaking hamon sa amin kung saan kami kukuha ng mga abaloryo o beads. Nakapanguha po kami ng mga buto mula sa kagubatan, of course, sa community namin, na maaaring gawing artwork,” said Tacbas.

“Gusto namin ‘yong mga indigenous materials, ‘yong local materials, maging world class ang obra,” he said.

Tacbas said to his fellow Manobo, “‘Wag nating talikuran ang ating kultura. ‘Wag nating limutin ang ating tradisyon kasi sa panahon ng pandemya, kahit na po walang pandemya, maaari na po nating mapagkakakitaan.”

“Hindi naman sa ibinebenta natin ang ating kultura, kundi para maipalaganap hindi lang sa buong bansa kundi sa buong mundo na ang mga Manobo sa Mindanao ay may ganitong kultura,” he said.

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