Sen. Legarda presents documentary on indigenous culture

September 30, 2015

The first episode of “Dayaw,” a six-part documentary on indigenous peoples and culture, airs today at 6 p.m. on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC). It is being presented in celebration of October as National Indigenous Peoples’ Month.

“Dayaw” is a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and ANC, supported by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

“The promotion of our indigenous culture is an advocacy close to my heart. We have to learn and relearn our traditions and love our heritage. Through this documentary series, I hope that Filipinos will appreciate our indigenous communities and embrace our unique culture and tradition,” Legarda said.

“This series is important in nation building as it provides better understanding of our identity and we get to explore our different communities. It focuses on the commonalities that bind us,” she added.

“Dayaw,” hosted by Legarda, aims to educate and inspire Filipinos on the protection and preservation of the cultural and artistic treasures of the Philippines.

In each episode, Legarda explores the facets that bind Filipino indigenous peoples, whether it is their respect for nature, the inspiration they draw from it, the survival methods they have learned and how these have eventually enhanced and enriched their lives.

In tonight’s episode, “Dayaw” will show how IPs, particularly of Palawan and Ifugao, value the forest and the environment, and how this respect for nature has led to the judicious use of natural resources.

The second episode will feature the Hudhud Chants of Ifugao, the Darangen of the Maranao people, and the Basal ensemble of Palawan. Episode three will show how our IPs use practical arts in their day-to-day lives, while Episode four is about our women weavers and the art of weaving.

Episode five will show how IP knowledge on architecture is vital in the restoration and rebuilding of heritage structures, including those that have been damaged during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol in 2013. And the final episode is a roundtable discussion honoring the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardees (GAMABA) and their descendants who will continue the traditions for the next generation.

Source: Manila Bulletin