KIDAPAWAN CITY, Aug. 31 (PNA) – Cotabato Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza was conferred the title “Bai” (Manobo tribal princess), at a special ceremony held during the Kavurunan Festival or gathering of Manobos from different towns in North Cotabato.

The “Bai” is considered one of the highest titles given to a female member of a tribe. Mendoza was given the title, ‘Bai Sandihanan’, which means, “The Dependable.” She became the second lady governor who received the title as “Bai”. The first was the late Cotabato Governor and Dr. Rosario P. Diaz.

Datu Lito Palma, head of the North Cotabato Tribal Council of Elders, said the title was conferred to Governor Mendoza because of her contributions to the development of the Manobo tribe in the province.

“We conferred to her the title, ‘Bai Sandihanan’, because we believe she has a big heart for us. We also believe she would support our fight to get the lands we claim as part of our ancestral domain,” Datu Palma said in Filipino. Another distinguished lady who the Manobos in North Cotabato considered as “defender” of their tribe was given the title, “Bai”.

Professor Leonor Briones, executive director of the Social Watch, a non-government organization based in Metro Manila that focuses on the development of the indigenous people of Mindanao, was conferred the title “Bai Suwadlanan”, which means, “The Shielder.”

Resplendent in their traditional Manobo attire, Mendoza and Briones received the certificate of confirmation from Cotabato 2nd district Representative Nancy Catamco, also a princess, of the Manobo tribe.

Both were excited when given “balungkag” and “sinakit”, both Manobo necklaces made of beads of different colors and sizes. On how they felt about their “Bai-ship”, both said that it was an honor to have a big space in the hearts of the Manobos in the province.

“I am honored and full of hope for the IPs, especially so, that I am in a position, together with Congresswoman Catamco, to help them,” said Mendoza. Catamco co-chairs the House Committee on the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

The confirmation of their titles was held during the Kavurunan Festival, one of the highlights of the Hinugyaw celebrations of the 96th foundation anniversary of North Cotabato.

The festival was held on Monday in Antipas, a hinterland town in North Cotabato. Datu Palma, who heads the organizers of the Kavurunan Festival, said this year’s celebration was derived from the festivities held in the past by their tribal elders.

“In the past, the lumads living at different mountains in the provinces of North Cotabato, Bukidnon, and Davao del Sur, used to gather in one place to compete for fun. We had different competitions, such as dancing, singing, and playing of musical instruments. This was a friendly competition. We’re bringing back the good old times through this festival,” said Datu Palma.

The Manobos in North Cotabato (Cotabato Manobo) were among the eight groups of Manobos who migrated from South East Asia to the Philippine islands and settled in the archipelago, long time ago.

The other groups of Manobos are the Agusan Manobo; Matig Salug Manobo; Obo Manobo; Dibabawon Manobo; Sarangani Manobo; Manobo of Western Bukidnon; and Tagabawa Manobo. (PNA) LAP/Malu C Manar/utb

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