The government is “going back to the roots” to counter the growing threats of violent extremism and further foster peace in local communities in Mindanao.
In a press conference here on Thursday for the launching of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite said they are looking at the island’s rich indigenous culture and traditions as a potent tool to sustain the ongoing peace efforts on the island.
He noted that the proper understanding of local cultures can help change the mindset of vulnerable youths, especially among Moros, from getting lured into ideologies that promote violence and extremism.
Clavite acknowledged that a number of Mindanaoan youths had been easily recruited to join groups with terror leanings due to lack of education and wrong influences.
“But we can change that by making our young people understand who they are, where they came from, and how we, Mindanaoans, traditionally co-existed peacefully in the past,” he said.
Clavite said they are trying to achieve such goal by showcasing Mindanao’s indigenous culture and traditions through Kalinaw Kultura.
PIA, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, launched the initiative at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center here.
The event was the fourth stop in Mindanao after its earlier launching in the cities of Iligan, Butuan and Zamboanga.
At least five authentic cultural groups representing the Maguindanao, T'boli, B’laan and Manobo tribes showcased their cultures and traditions through rituals, songs and dances.
It was highlighted by a performance from Mindanaoan artist Bayang Barrios, who belongs to the Manobo tribe of Agusan del Sur province.
As part of the event, a delegation from the PIA and NCCA visited a cultural village of the T'boli tribe in Barangay Lemsnolon, T'boli town.
Through Kalinaw Kultura, Clavite said they are also hoping to help change the negative image of Mindanao as a “land of conflict.”
“This is an opportunity for us to show the other side of Mindanao, the peaceful and beautiful Mindanao,” he said.
Armin Hautea, regional director of DOT-12, said the event is a huge boost to their continuing efforts to promote Region 12 or Soccsksargen as a top cultural destination in the country.
He said it complements the agency’s initiatives to “show the real image of Mindanao” through tourism and culture.
John Axl Palisoc, NCCA culture and arts officer, said the event further empowers the Lumad or indigenous peoples of the area.
He said it also encourages the local tribal communities to exert more efforts in preserving their cultures and traditions.
“It gives them a sense of pride of who and what they are. That they are no longer marginalized but part of the mainstream society,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050030
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