Soil art showcases Bukidnon heritage

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Bukidnon’s rich cultural identity took center stage during the Kaamulan Festival 2026 as artists gathered for the first-ever “Hulagway sa Yuta: Soil Painting Competition” held at the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts inside the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Barangay Laguitas here.

The competition, which featured both professional and amateur artists, highlighted soil painting—an indigenous art form that uses natural soil and water as primary materials to depict stories of Bukidnon’s heritage, particularly its seven tribes.

Organized in partnership with the Bukidnon Local Artists Kulektib, Inc. (BuLAK), the event drew admiration for the detailed and expressive artworks created entirely from natural elements.

Artists showcased scenes reflecting culture, tradition, and identity unique to the province.

Adding significance to the event, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri donated a soil painting titled “Mother and Child” by artist Salima Saway to the province. 

Zubiri said he acquired the artwork more than two decades ago when he was still congressman of Bukidnon.

He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting soil painting as part of the province’s cultural heritage, especially among the youth. 

The donated artwork is now on display at the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts for public viewing.

The awarding ceremony for the competition was held on March 21, with the event carrying the theme “Hulagway sa Yuta: Celebrating Bukidnon’s Seven Tribes through Soil Art.”

Local officials and organizers expressed hope that the initiative would further strengthen appreciation for indigenous art and inspire future generations of Bukidnon artists. /gsg