Diocese of Mati celebrates Indigenous Peoples Sunday

Mati, Davao Oriental – The Diocese of Mati celebrated Indigenous Peoples Sunday last October 14, 2018 with the theme: “Lumadnong Pagkapangulo, Gasa ug Tahas sa Ginoo”. The event started with a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD, Bishop of Mati and concelebrated by Fr. Elezer D. Pagkilatan, IPA Director and other priests.

After the 8:00 AM mass, the participants, members of the Mandaya tribe from the different parishes, religious men and women and guests proceeded to St. Therese Gym, clergy house compound in this city for the Part II Program of the one-day activity.

Atty. Alejandro A. Aquino, legal counsel of the Diocese of Mati and a Mandaya Elder himself coordinated the event. During the program, cultural presentation of the richness of the Mandaya tradition on courtship, ethnic dances and music entertained the audience.

In his message, Bishop Apigo said, “It’s good to see your beautiful and colourful native attire and your meaningful ethnic dances and music. This means that you have preserved the rich culture of the Mandaya tribe”. He further added that “You should not forget your culture and should not be ashamed of but instead be proud that you are a Mandaya because this a gift from God. In addition, you must keep the Christian faith that you received.”

The indigenous tribe are coming from Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, Manay, Tarragona, Calapagan and Mati. These non-Muslim indigenous group are known as the LUMAD – a Cebuano term which means “native” or “indigenous”. The ethnic group recognized in this event are those from the Mandaya tribe.

The Diocese of Mati is giving due recognition to the Indigenous People in the same manner the Philippine Constitution mandates state recognition, protection, promotion and fulfillment of their rights per Republic Act 8371. The Indigenous Peoples Apostolate is under the directorship of Fr. Elezer D. Pagkilatan, DCM. (Fe B. Samson | Mati SoCCom)