Theme: “Honoring our Roots: Celebrating Indigenous Heritage and Resilience” / “Agkilalahun daw Igpadalem su Guged hu Kagbatasan daw Igpakilala sa Laus ha Tumindek duen hu Igbanuwa”
The vibrant and culturally diverse province of Bukidnon is set to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month from October 1 to 31, 2024, with a focus on ethnic sports, cultural activities, and a mass birth registration for Indigenous People (IP). The theme for this year’s celebration is:
“Honoring Our Roots: Celebrating Indigenous Heritage and Resilience”
“Agkilalahun daw Igpadalem su Guged hu Kagbatasan daw Igpakilala sa Laus ha Tumindek duen hu Igbanunwa”
The festivities aim to honor the rich heritage of Bukidnon’s Indigenous Peoples while promoting resilience and unity among various communities. The celebration will bring to life traditional practices, games, and cultural showcases, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Bukidnon’s Indigenous culture.
Ethnic Sports Schedule
A key highlight of the celebration is the Ethnic Sports events, which will be held in various municipalities. These sports are traditional games that showcase the strength, agility, and skill of Bukidnon’s Indigenous Peoples, including activities like tug-of-war, stilts walking, and wrestling.
Here is the schedule of ethnic sports activities across Bukidnon:
October 4 (Friday) – San Fernando
October 5 (Saturday) – Pangantucan
October 11 (Friday) – Dangcagan
October 14 (Monday) – Lantapan
October 15 (Tuesday) – Quezon
October 16 (Wednesday) – Kalilangan
October 22 (Tuesday) – Sumilao
October 23 (Wednesday) – Cabanglasan
October 24 (Thursday) – Libona, Kitaotao
October 25 (Friday) – Manolo Fortich
October 26 (Saturday) – Damulog
October 28 (Monday) – Sitio Calapat, Brgy. Tagbak, Talakag; Talakag; Kibawe
October 29 (Tuesday) – Malitbog
October 30 (Wednesday) – Kadingilan
Dates to be Announced – Impasug-ong and Baungon
These events provide an excellent opportunity for both locals and tourists to witness and participate in traditional Indigenous games that have been passed down through generations.
IP Mass Birth Registration
In conjunction with the cultural festivities, there will be an IP Mass Birth Registration on October 18 (Friday) in Cabanglasan and October 25 (Friday) in San Fernando. This initiative ensures that Indigenous Peoples are properly documented and their rights protected, further strengthening their representation within the larger community.
Why Celebrate?
This month-long celebration is more than just a festival; it is a recognition of the unique contributions of Bukidnon’s Indigenous Peoples to the province’s cultural fabric. Through events like ethnic sports and the mass birth registration, the province aims to empower Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard, their traditions are preserved, and their future generations are secured.
Bukidnon invites everyone to participate in this year’s Indigenous Peoples Month and join in honoring the legacy of the province’s Indigenous Peoples.
For more information on specific events and schedules, visit the official websites of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and the Provincial Tourism Office.
