English - Balay Mindanaw

LUMADNONG PAGKINABUHI NGADTO SA KALINAWIt is a history of peace, according to the tanods, CVO andLupon members of Minalwang. The Higaunons have theirown way of maintaining peace within themselves, and that isthrough the conduct of paghusay or mediation. This practice,they said, is closely attached to their beliefs, hence, theperformance of the rituals. The rituals are directed towardsthe spirits “to resolve conflicts and problems, orderly andsuccessfully.” The Lupon and CVO of Sangalan have notedthat agreements made during the husay are binding and“nobody can break it” because it is supported by symbolicrituals like the sacrifices of pigs and chickens.“We’re happy because we have been educated,” saidthe tanods and women of Hagpa. Their youths said thestory helped them to ponder about their history, and thatunderstanding, unity and respect for each other are the mostimportant lessons.It was an awakening, said the youths in Minalwang.It helped to remind them that they are Higaunons becausemany of them have already forgotten their history. Theyadmitted they have always witnessed their elders perform therituals, but studying these and emulating the elders have notoccurred to them. Majority of the youths do not know how toperform the dasang, limbay and pandalawit (invocation). Likethe youths in Minalwang, the young people in Hagpa notedthat they have been enlightened and they were encouraged tolearn more about their history and tradition.The initial presentation of their history was hoped to pavethe way for greater understanding between the Higaunonsand the Dumagats. “It was shown that there is understandingbetween the settlers and the Higaunons.” “The story awakenedus and will help revive the culture of the Higaunons so itwould not be forgotten, so the future generations couldlearn from it.” The story would remind them to be unitedand to treat each one fairly with respect. Their history also158