Councilor Berino Mambo-o Sr., the newly elected representative of the indigenous people in the city council, just revealed that one of his pet resolutions is to try to bring back the self-worth of the Lumads, particularly those who come down from the hinterlands during the Yuletide season to experience a purely Christian tradition.
He is especially concerned about the practice of the caroling Lumads to wear their traditional costumes and instruments to play songs that depict their culture and way of life. “It’s like selling our culture whenever they would display it.”
This observation by the councilor, a datu representing the Ata tribe, is spot-on considering that some of these costumes are heirlooms, handed down through generations and only worn on special occasions or gatherings to distinguish one group from the other. Juxtapose the image of the Lumad dancing for a few coins to various tribes garbed in their full regalia showcasing their culture during the Kadayawan festivities and—call it pride or self-respect—you can readily see the difference.
More than belittling the tradition and culture of the Lumads, caroling contributes nothing toward understanding their plight. It can even be argued that the gratuitous exhibition only serves to perpetuate the perception of superiority of some lowlanders.
Maybe the good councilor can take it a few steps further and encourage the different tribes into staying put. The city government has already made it a point to bring Christmas to the indigenous residents living in the fringes so coming down is not only unnecessary but also exposes them to many risks. The City Social Services and Development Office already reported of Lumads being recruited into slave labor and even sexually trafficked while they were staying at various gymnasiums in the urban area.
With that said, we bid good luck to our new councilor. Just like what Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said, much is expected from Mr. Mambo-o being the first representative of the Lumads. We sure hope he can rise to the occasion.
