Bukidnon’s Kadingilan marks 55th year by honoring indigenous roots
KADINGILAN, Bukidnon — Before the bustling parades and modern festivities filled the streets of Kadingilan, the municipality marked the opening of its 55th founding anniversary on Saturday, August 8, with the sacred Pamuhat ritual, a profound gesture of reverence to Indigenous Peoples (IP) tradition and spiritual thanksgiving ahead of its culmination on August 16.Centering on the theme “Celebrating Our Legacy, Empowering Our People, Building Our Future,” the 55th Araw ng Kadingilan formally commenced with the Pamuhat, an ancestral ceremony performed by tribal leaders (Baylan) to pay homage to the town’s spiritual guardians and seek blessings for the weeklong festivities.Following the ancestral rites, the community gathered for a solemn Thanksgiving Mass co-officiated by Rev. Fr. Bonnie Cabaya and Fr. Cris Aninloy, the very first IP priest in Bukidnon.
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In his homily, Aninloy reflected on Kadingilan’s deep roots, emphasizing the cultural resonance of “Kadingilan Ato Ni” (Kadingilan Is Ours) and reminding residents that this heritage should forever be cherished in the hearts of every Kadingilanon.Mayor Jerry Canoy, Jr. joined tribal elders, representatives from all 17 barangays, and partner government agencies in leading the dual opening ceremonies.“As we open the 55th Araw ng Kadingilan, we look back with deep gratitude to our roots,” Canoy said.“Offering the ritual Pamuhat alongside our thanksgiving Mass reminds us that our progress stands on the foundation laid by our Manobo and Talaandig ancestors and guided by divine providence,” he added.The mayor noted that true progress “means honoring the culture of our indigenous brothers and sisters while moving forward as one united community across all 17 barangays.”The municipality’s identity remains deeply tied to the Manobo and Talaandig indigenous communities, the original guardians of Kadingilan’s rolling hills and fertile lands.
READ: Crowds brave heat for Kaamulan FestivalHistorically reliant on traditional agriculture and oral traditions, these ethnic IP groups have preserved a way of life centered on communal unity (Tanggub) and a spiritual connection to nature.Throughout the weeklong celebration leading up to the August 16 grand culmination, the town features a packed lineup of events including a civic-military parade, boxing bouts, a drum and lyre competition, live band performances, and a grand fireworks display to wrap up another year of the town’s founding anniversary. /coa
