i-Storya: BALAY TURUN-AN: Transforming Crisis into Opportunities

(by CONRADO G. JIMENEZ, ALS Mobile Teacher, District of Tapaz East)

In November 25, 2019, more than a dozen cultural masters of the Indigenous Panay Bukidnon convened in a small village within the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz. The town was once referred to as the ancestral homeland of Panay Bukidnon. The cultural masters, a mixture of highly respected men and women in their community, stood with dignity, confidence, honor, and pride. Finely dressed in their gaudy traditional attire, they were there to witness the launching of the newly completed “Balay Turun-an” —- an Abode for Community Learning or Home of Indigenous Knowledge. The significant event was organized by the Officials of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples in the Province and the head teacher for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program of the Tapaz East Division of Capiz. More than twenty (20) young and adult learners of the Panay Bukidnon Cultural Community also joined their respected cultural masters in that ceremonious gathering.

The performance of an indigenous ritual by the elders sanctified the ceremonial launching of the newly-constructed learning center for the IP-ALS learners. The building was envisioned as the venue for the cultural masters and culture bearers to interact and revitalize their indigenous knowledge and practices on weaving and embroidery, as well as in learning other elements of the intangible cultural heritage of the Panay Bukidnon.

Balay Turun-an is considered as a concrete symbol and milestone in the collective journey of Panay Bukidnon in Tapaz toward building a sustainable cultural community. The community shall comprise caring and sharing members who collectively nurture their beautiful traditions and rich heritage, and are enjoying a social order free from want or fear.

But months after that fateful launching, the impact of the global Pandemic caused by COVID-19 slowly crept in the municipality. The pandemic has gravely affected the lives and livelihood of the peace-loving and socially-cohesive Panay Bukidnon. Health protocols necessarily subjected the members of the community to observe physical distancing, as well as restricted the IP cultural organization to resume their regular activities. With the concomitant travel restrictions, the pandemic ushered in problems and difficulties. People, especially members of Panay Bukidnon, had limited access to food, goods, and other essential services. They were likewise deprived of availing grants, investments and other opportunities which previously augmented their household incomes. Worse, the indigenous community was thrusted into using digital platforms for rehearsals and other creative processes as they prioritized ensuring the safety of traditional artists and cultural workers against COVID-19. The pandemic did not only rob them of a steady source of income, it also exposed them to risks.

But the same cultural masters and IP learners who braved the perilous terrains for that November-inauguration of Balay Turun-an are the same valiant men and women who gathered to make a plan. They decided they cannot let COVID-19 cripple them without a fight. The elders and the adults assessed their situation, reflected on what strategies to employ, and decided to move forward. They agreed not to cower at the dreadful virus but instead, to rise above the challenges as one community! Armed by their indigenous spirits, their will to survive has been fortified. Their indefatigable spirits once again soared high and led them to reaffirm their identity as indigenous people.

Equipped with their Indigenous Knowledge and driven by the powerful spirit of a socially-cohesive IP community, the Panay Bukidnon ALS learners, guided by their cultural masters, began to strategize ways of cushioning the impact of the pandemic. The ALS implementers of Tapaz East assisted by the Tapaz Professionals Indigenous Peoples Association(TPIPA), collaborated with the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) of Capiz in building a new social enterprise model. They delved into the production of face masks embroidered with designs of Panay Bukidnon cultural motifs and patterns. Together, they up-skilled their capacity to develop new cultural products and become more adapted to the extraordinary situation. They embarked on a new social enterprise. They mastered the improvement of their productive capabilities. They advanced their roles as culture bearers. They partnered with individuals and institutions to tap a substantial share in the market. They strived to develop marketing strategies, increased their generated sales, as well as expanded their market reach and eventually enhanced their profitability.

Their initiative led to a more strengthened IP organization amidst the disruption brought about by the pandemic. It has also propelled more intensified collaborations between the IP Organization and the various assisting public and private institutional partners. Initially, CAPIZ TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS OFFICE (CTAO) provided them a capital of PhP30,000 and TPIA donated PhP5,000. After two months, their capital increased to Php60,000.00. Undeniably, the self-help group’s social enterprise aided the pandemic-stricken lives of Panay Bukidnon and augmented the incomes of the culture-bearers engaged in the Balay Turun-an.

This is the pandemic story of Panay Bukidnon culture bearers. This is also the story of the Professional Panay Bukidnon ALS teacher, who engendered a deep sense of oneness with the community and helped them advance a new community-based social enterprise in the time of COVID.

Perhaps, it will take a while before the ebb of this pandemic will recede. But for Panay Bukidnon and their Balay Turun-an, they will endure. Afterall, “Balay Turun-an” as an Abode for Community Learning, belongs to the resilient, the indefatigable, the artistic, and the united men and women of Panay Bukidnon.

THE MASTERPIECES OF PANAY BUKIDNON: Each of these handicrafts are majestic works of art that bears the Panay Bukidnon' talent, craftsmanship, and ingenuity: