Lecture Notes: Dr. Alicia Magos and the Panay Bukidnon Culture

Introduction

• In 1988-1989, Dr. Alicia Magos explored Central Panay mountains for 10 days.
• Joined by NCIP Region 6 field personnel and later organized her own group in 1991-1992.

Purpose of Exploration

• Investigate Panayanon and Hala Woodland barangays.
• Verify presence and distribution of epic chanting in these areas.

Historical Context

• Interior inhabitants of Pascapis and Kalinog-Iloilo are descendants of mountain people from coastal areas before colonization.
• Various terms used to describe these mountain dwellers: Montes, Mundos, Sulod.

Identification of Ethnic Group

• All mountain dwellers in Central Panay referred to as "Panay Bukidnon."
• Terms like Halawudnon, Panayanon, Akyanon, and Iraynon relate to their geographical sources.

Bukidnon Lifestyle and Housing

• Living in "Minoro" (groups of houses) near rivers and creeks.
• Bukidnan houses: one-room, elevated on bamboo poles, made from bamboo and nipa.
• Common household tools include:
  • Duyan (cradle)
  • Lusong (mortar)
  • Sanduko (knife)
  • Tagad (digging tool)
  • Dawin (basket)
  • Tabungos (rice container)
  • Iwa (bolo)

Agriculture and Subsistence

• Focus on farming & gathering sustenance from the environment.
• Primary activities include:
  • Farming (Kainin)
  • Charcoal production
  • Trekking to markets with goods using "Tuang Tuangan" (bamboo pole).
• Crops cultivated: coffee, abaca, gabi, fruits, root crops (rice as staple).

Weaving and Crafting

• Weaving prevalent due to available bamboo and ratan.
• Products used in daily life and sold for additional income.

Traditional Hunting and Fishing Techniques

• Trapping wild animals using:
  • Balatik, Limbaong, Ligpit.
• Fishing methods include:
  • Pangunog (catching fish with cloth)
  • Taon (fish trap)
  • Diving with a Baslai (lance).

Spiritual Beliefs and Traditions

• Respect for spirits of nature remains significant.
• Reliance on Babaylanes (shamans) for healing and advice despite Western influences.

Epic Chanting and Oral Literature

• Evening gatherings often feature Sugidanon (epic chanting), telling tales of notable characters (Humadapnon, Labawdungun, etc.).
• Epics serve as entertainment, education, and cultural preservation.

Cultural Celebrations

• Hungaw: traditional weddings involving feasting and community participation.
• Notable figure: Federico Caballero Tuuhan, a Gamaba awardee for mastery of epics.

Education and Cultural Transmission

• Establishment of schools for teaching traditional skills (epic chanting, weaving, music) to children.
• Living traditions serve as informal education led by elders.

Musical Instruments

• Instruments taught include Gong, Kujapi, etc.
• Importance of preserving traditional music and dance (Binanog dance).

Preservation Efforts

• Dr. Magos has facilitated digital archiving of epics, translating into several languages.
• Continued invitation for scholars to research and contribute to the preservation of Bukidnon culture.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgment of the rich cultural heritage of the Panay Bukidnon.
• Emphasis on the legacy of Dr. Alicia Magos and Federico Caballero in preserving indigenous culture.