English - Balay Mindanaw

LUMADNONG PAGKINABUHI NGADTO SA KALINAWsolemnized: “I was not scared. I was only thinking how tomarry a young lady and a man.” The Higaunons considermarriage as a form of husay since both parties should comeinto mutual understanding or agreement. ’Tay Diknorevealed that the union of the first couple he wed prevailsuntil now. To the elders, this is a sign that his authorityto solemnize weddings is effective because the first unionremains intact. Had it been a failure, ’Tay Dikno said hemay make officiating weddings his last priority. For him,solemnizing successful marriages is one of the sukdanan,or basis of being a datu.’Tay Dikno’s wife has always been with him since he startedmediating conflicts. She helps in procuring the manggad -- likepigs, chickens, and others -- needed for the mediation. Duringconciliations, his wife also helps in calming down people withtemper.Becoming a CAFGU’Tay Dikno volunteered to become a member of theIntegrated Civilian Home Defense Force (ICHDF), thegovernment’s paramilitary arm, in 1982. His first trainingwas conducted in barangay Eureka, Gingoog City handledby the composite team of the Scout Ranger and the PhilippineNational Police. There they were taught about good attitudeand proper discipline. His first assignment was at BarangayBal-ason. As part of the paramilitary unit, he reports for duty15 days each month.He was also assigned in various places, like Dinawihan inGingoog City, Malinaw in Magsaysay, Tungaw, Tinamaybayand in Bankasi in Butuan City, all under the Army’s FourthInfantry Division. In 1989, ICHDF was changed to CitizensArmed Forces Geographical Unit or CAFGU. He is still withthe CAFGU now, assigned at the nearby sitio Palo, BarangayHindangon, Gingoog City.94