19 Subanon students finish traditional music course in South RP

Subanon students who graduated Saturday, August 14, 2010 from two-month summer classes on traditional music and culture. (Contributed photo)

PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 15, 2010) – At least 19 indigenous students have graduated Saturday from a two-month summer class on the Subanen music in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines.

Funded by National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Pikhumpongan Dlibon Subanen, Inc., a non-government organization, started the summer classes on the Subanen music through the School of Living Tradition project.

The students graduated at the Provincial Capitol in Pagadian City where Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Pepito Degamo, representing Governor Antonio Cerilles, graced the occasion.

The purpose of this project is to restore and promote the traditional craftsmanship of Subanen in the province. The PDSI promotes the Subanen music and oral tradition in the province.

Every anniversary celebration of the province, Subanen cultural show is a part of the Megayon Festival activities.

The organization is targeting Subanen children from parents who migrated to Pagadian City to conserve their cultural heritage while they live under a dominant culture.

To serve that vision, a school of living tradition on native songs, dances and musical instruments was launched at PDSI compound in Napolan village in May.
Victoria Cajandig, the PDSI executive officer and SLT coordinator, said they are hoping the Subanen community will recognize their effort and join them to save their dying culture.

“Our objective is to train young maters of Subanen traditional songs, dances and musical instruments that will then serve as trainers and promoters in the future,” said Cajandig.

Cajandig said the NCCA provided 200,000 thousand pesos for the project.

Bae Labi Marjorie Paulin, PDSI chairperson, said their organization is committed to help promote the cultural heritage of Subanen and contemplated on the integration of the subject in the public school curriculum.

The students who completed the two months training on cultural subjects are Angel Faith Cathag, Jeorgiea Faith Cathag, Joycebell Dayondon, Frincess Dayondon, Criz Ryshell Derama, Adrienne Natalie Ebillo, Mary joy Huminis, Hannah Kristine Paragas, Apple Tabayag, Jemaica Dayuhan, Keineth Cajandig, Xavier Cajandig, Christian Jeorge Cathag, Kenny Ren Ebillo, Janilan Hatad, Nielboy Mangilay, Chris Jethro Paragas, Christian Louise Paragas and Mark Doin Tomabao. (Becky de Asis and Tony Bayamban)