| 1.4 Mindanawon: Social Analysis |
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| Friday, 07 August 2009 | ||||||
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It was automatic for me to say that I am a Mindanawon because Mindanao was my geographical origin. Yet, If I am asked to describe what identifies me as a Mindanawon, I would take a long pause and reflection before I could open my mouth and say something. But my summer exposure with the Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) gave me an experience that made me rediscover my identity as a Mindanawon. The Mindanawon is a term used not just for people who originated but also refers to those who made themselved one with the rest of those who are living and have lived in Mindanao. Being one means to understand, respect and embrace the diversity of the language and culture in the island.
Regarding my summer exposure, I was assigned to help in the ESSC's water system projects in the municipalities of Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao Province. I met residents who where formerly from the Visayas and Luzon. A good number of them were Ilonggo. Some were Waray, Boholano, Cebuano and Ilocano. In Datu Blah Sinsuat, the population is predominantly Muslim tribe collectively called the Maguindanawon. In Upi on the other hand, there are substantial number of migrants called the dumagat living with the original settlers, the indigenous people, called the Teduray. In these two municipalities alone, I saw a marked diversity; a diversity found across the island. Mindanao is a meeting pot of various people having a diverse cultural and religious beliefs, traditions and practices.
Unfortunately, the Mindanawons are commonly misunderstood. Their identity is clouded by the issues on land ownership, differing religious and cultural practices, ethno-centricities, marginalization, insurgencies, killings, bombings, kidnappinds among others that are often highlighted by media. The biases to the Mindanawons are likened to paper wrappers that are getting thicker and thicker, concealing their true color. The real Mindanawon is deeply cloaked under non-Mindanawons' prejudices.
Nonetheless, I saw the Mindanawon's real identity in Barangay Matuber, Datu Blah Sinsuat. With pride, the residents consider themselves tri-people. They are the Dumagats, Tedurays and Maguindanawons who live together harmoniously. They communicate and dialogue with each other regarding their plans for development and solutions to their problems. They are proof that Mindanawons can through their religion, culture and tradition affirm the depth of human integrity in the other. They are capable of understanding and respecting the richness of their respective culture and tradition. This is precisely the unifying identity that binds them together, seeking unity amidst their diversity.
The issues mostly highlighted by media are not the real concerns in the island. Actually, the Mindanawons have more pressing concerns. They seek the help of the people in authority to facilitate their capacity to provide for themselves their most basic needs like food, water and education. Barangays Renti, Ranao, Tubuan and many other barangays cry for clean water for drinking and cooking. The youth in Bendum, Bukidnos and many uptown villages clamor for educational opportunities. They are still combating the problem cause by greedy, wealthy and powerful who abuse their innocence and lack of political sophistication.
The Mindanawons are also Filipinos who, like the rest of the country, continue to be resilient amidst the difficulty brought about by poverty. They are also hopeful. They are yearning for peace. Who say it is impossible? What I saw in Tubuan, Datu Blah Sinsuat where three disputing clans are slowly appeasing each other, and acting together in managing their newly constructed water supply systems ia a wonderful scene. The datu (traditional leader) system in the area gradually integrates itself with the local government unit (barangay). This is an example for the other areas to emulate. This is hope.
Finally, the Mindanawons are the stewards of Mindanao. In their hearts resides the yearning to protect the richness of their culture, language and tradition. In their hands lies the capacity to restore the squandered wealth of their natural resources. In their minds dwells the wisdom to respect the other's dignity. My summer exposure in ESSC testifies that the Mindanawons are not fighting against each other; they are fighting with their life to protect their motherland.
Jun-G Bargayo, SJ Summer Apostolate, ESSC, May 16 2009
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When given a chance to introduce myself to people, I would say, "I am Jun-G. I was born and raised in General Santos City." Before Manny Pacquiao became famous, the usual reaction I get from people was in a form of a question, "Where is General Santos City?" My quick answer usually was "It's in Mindanao, so I am a Mindanawon." Then, the questioning stops.