Happy and Blessed Lumads

Mercedes Pandeling, 60 years old and Nerecelle Funcion, 29 years old are both women Lumad. They woke up early to join other tribes in the Indigenous People (IP) Sunday celebration in Barangay Kauswagan, Panabo City, a week ago.

“IP Sunday is an annual event. It is a day of importance and the birth of the great hope of the different tribes of the IPs in Panabo,” says a local Chieftain and the IP Mandatory Representative of Panabo City, Datu Joshua Gubal.

This year’s celebration worked around the theme “Indigenous Peoples Lives: Blessed in the Midst of Challenges.”

IPA Director Fr. Jun Acedo adds, “The cooperation between various benefactors and religious groups and local officials contributed to the successful celebration. The members of the KASALU (Kauban sa Lumad) also were around extending assistance.”

Most Rev. George B. Rimando, DD officiated the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. He encouraged the Indigenous People to fight for their right and learn to stand against aggression. Likewise, he reminded the people from the lowlands to help out instead of taking advantage of the IPs.

Mr. Tony Apat, speaker for the Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue, ACEID, emphasized the value of seeing our IPs through the light of God’s Word.

Blessed indeed are the IPs. It was announced during their gathering that the GKK of Kauswagan and other neighboring GKKs that belong to the same zone will become a new Parish. A two-hectare land was already donated by the Genobiagon family to be the location of the new Church.

Mercedes and Nerecelle went home that day grateful. That day was not only a celebration of their rich heritage or an opportunity to meet other tribes but also an experience of the concern of the Church for them. Having a parish near them topped it all. (Dolly Fernandez | SMP SoCCom | With report from Glenn Olea)