Hike For A Cause – TATAG IP Students Support

April 2 & 3 – A 2-day hike at the far flung area of Sitio Saso, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, was another memory I could count on how amazing the Lord Almighty orchestrates everything. Cliffs, heavy rains, long river crossing and cold weather never hindered everyone to continue. To me it’s always been about pushing the limits and never getting satiated in life. I have to be the best version of myself every single day and make sure to look pleasing to the Lord Almighty.

When we arrived at Talaingod Terminal, we were welcomed by Maj. Rusel Bumanglag and settled us within the vicinity. Before we ascended, a mass was celebrated by Fr. Mel Torayno, 56th IB chaplain. After the mass, a short briefing and information was also discussed by DOT-LGU. Upon reaching Brgy. Sambulongan, a ritual was offered initiated by Ata Manobo Tribal Chieftain, Datu Agay Bago. When we reached Sitio Saso, we were also welcomed by Lumad Chairman Bobby Pul-os, where eighteen Ata-Manobo families are residing and having abaca weaving as their livelihood.

(MAMOC) Manambulan Active Mountaineering Club hosted this hike and adopted the Sitio as their newbie. I thank the Lord seeing these young mountaineers having the desire of helping instead of wasting their time for something else. Thirty-six mountaineers from Davao City conquered the site. With us, were a few Talaingod-LGU representatives and selected guests from nearby places and the special participation of Cardamz (80’s-90’s once young mountaineers). We also felt more secured with the presence of 56th IB Comrades. In general, observance of the peace and order of the community is 100% commendable and very conducive for mountain climbing, trail biking and for 4X4 off road enthusiasts as well.

But the main objective of this climb was for the 30 IP scholars housed in a dormitory in Centro Talaingod headed by Commanding Officer of 56th IB, 7ID, Lt.Col. Osmalik Tayaban, GSC PA. In collaboration with Lt.Col. Percival Macaranas, Jr. GSC PAF – Commanding Officer 7th Air Reserve Center and PAF CMO Intervention Team 7 ATWR, Sgt. Yasmin Fabricante, PAFRes.

After the hike, I was able to meet and felt privileged to spend short but meaningful time with our beneficiaries, the IP Students. Having heard their deep revelations on how these LUMAD youth were being used and brought to other places, inculcated their innocent minds to raise funds to sustain the personal interests of the anti government groups. The unjust treatment were being practiced in all their rallies in Cebu, Manila, and other big universities representing the so-called unattended Lumad education.

Inside the dormitory, I observed a peaceful and harmonious relationship between them. They were also well guarded ensuring that no one could ever dare to harm and manipulate them again. Instead, they are taught to be God fearing and making God as the center of everything, focus on their studies and during vacant time, they also manage to cultivate their vegetable garden, raise livestock as their livelihood within the compound. Parents of these IP students are very welcome to spend quality time with them, They follow house rules and regulations too, like in our own homes. They already found a true home and future is all set for them. Their dark side of begging has ended, a new beginning for them is on the works. Seven of the thirty IP dormees are graduating from Junior and Senior High School and also in College. These dreams of our IP students will be brighter if we extended our generosity to fund their needs. It started with the first ever hike/climb at Sitio Saso. May the good Lord bless all of us in continuing to support the IP scholars.

As a parent, it is very inspiring, seeing the total transformation of these determined youth. All salute to the uniformed men and women who strongly operate, educate, secure and support development of the whole area of Talaingod. Salute to 56th IB and Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Osmalik Tayaban, GSC PA.

FROM TERRORISM TO TOURISM AMDG (Dominik Moreno)