In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month, the Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is hosting “Dayaw: National Indigenous Peoples Festival” in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
This flagship program of the SCCTA aims to honor the rich culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples across the Philippines. The term “Dayaw,” derived from an Ilokano word meaning celebration, reflects the spirit of the event.
The festival aligns with Presidential Proclamation 1906, signed in 2009, which designates October as National Indigenous Peoples Month and emphasizes the recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This year’s festival gathers over 200 representatives from the Philippines’ diverse ethnolinguistic groups, showcasing their unique cultural heritage.
The 2024 theme, “Katutubong Filipino: Pagtibayin ang Tagumpay 2030” (Indigenous Filipinos: Strengthening the Success by 2030), highlights the crucial role of Northern, Central, and Southern Cultural Communities in advancing their achievements and preserving their Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as we approach 2030.
On October 3, the event was inaugurated with a traditional demsu ritual, marked by the ceremonial banging of a gong. The opening showcased cultural performances and demonstrations from thirty-six indigenous peoples groups.
The event was graced by the nine most recent Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees: Adelita Bagcal, Abina Coguit, Sakinur-ain Delasas, Bundos Fara, Marife Ganahon, Amparo Mabanag, Samporonia Madanlo, Barbara Ofong, and Rosie Sula, along with 2012 awardee Teofilo Garcia.
Leading the ceremonies were representatives from the NCCA, including Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo, the Board of Commissioners, and key officials, as well as Commissioner Reden Ulo of the Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts. Local government officials from Lake Sebu, led by Vice Mayor Liezel T. Isuga, were also in attendance.
Dayaw 2024 is “a significant event dedicated to honoring and uplifting our indigenous communities,” said Pablito C. Gonzales, head of the NCCA National Committee on Central Cultural Communities.
“It brings together various IP groups and communities from across the country to showcase their unique and rich traditions, languages, dances, music and arts and crafts,” Reden S. Ulo, head of SCCTA, explained.
Gonzales said the theme “resonates deeply with our collective vision of a prosperous and inclusive future for all indigenous peoples.”
“It reflects forward-looking communities in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. As we approach 2030, a critical target year for global goals like the UN’s Sustainable
The celebration features in-person activities centered around Cultural Communities, including the promotion of the Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) and Cultural Masters of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT).
Attendees enjoyed performances by various cultural artists, offering a glimpse into their vibrant traditions. Additionally, Dayaw includes an outreach program with demonstrations of traditional food, arts, and crafts in select locations and high schools across Lake Sebu and South Cotabato province.
Dayaw is organized in partnership with Klowil Kem Libon Ong, the Municipal Government of Lake Sebu, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, and other government agencies. The festival runs from October 3 to 5, 2024.
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