English - Balay Mindanaw

Part 4 - Conclusioncooperation, respect and mutual understanding should bemaintained.While they were one in saying that the culture ought tobe preserved, yet there were aspects that need to be changed,according to Datu Mandedlyne. “I am not against thepreservation of the Higaunon culture but there must be a littlechange. While it had been our habit in the past to throw ourgarbage just about anywhere, this must change, to protect ourhealth. It is also not good to segregate the abode of Higaunonsand Dumagats. How could we become strong and united ifwe do not institute some change?”‘Tay Dikno also said that the story of cooperation betweenthe Higaunons and the NGOs should not be severed. They arewilling to cooperate for the development of their people. Forthe youth of Kiudto, they hoped that the government wouldgive them more attention. Another tanod of Kiudto suggesteda regular meeting of the datus which he termed “reunion.”The reunion and other related gatherings of the elders willshow that the Higaunon culture is alive. This activity is aimedto preserve the significant aspects of Higaunon tradition andat the same time arrest further negative effects of modernways on the culture of the Higaunons.Romeo Pinalandang, a sitio leader of Minalwang, said:“The culture is gradually disappearing. If only there would bea document that the young could read when the elders havegone.” This was the common suggestion of the participantsfrom the three barangays. They hoped that their story wouldbe written, or be made into a book, or be documented in anymedium. “May a book be written on the living story of theHigaunons.”May this book serve as a remembrance of their elders andas a guide to the youth and other people regarding Higaunonhistory and culture.161