City Moves to Integrate Indigenous Customs
Cagayan de Oro City is taking bold steps to integrate indigenous customs into its local government, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. City officials emphasize that embracing these traditions will strengthen the community’s identity as a culturally diverse place.
Second District Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba highlighted that bringing back indigenous practices can be as simple as greeting with “Maayad” in government offices. She explained, “It’s not just a greeting but a way of life; speak with kindness, walk with humility, and build a future where no one is left behind.”
Ordinance Proposal to Embrace Indigenous Customs
Balaba, who chairs the Committee on Tourism, has introduced a proposal to formally adopt local indigenous customs within government operations. This effort aims to promote respect and recognition for native traditions.
The greeting “Maayad,” common among the Higaonon people—one of Northern Mindanao’s primary indigenous groups—means good, peaceful, and beautiful. It symbolizes well-being and positive intentions, making it a fitting cultural gesture for official use.
Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative Councilor Roberto Cabaring expressed his support, noting that this initiative will help bring indigenous culture into the mainstream public sphere.
Promoting Local Heritage Through Unique Products
In addition to cultural greetings, Councilor Balaba advocates for recognizing “Kolon,” the local name for clay, as a distinctive product of Cagayan de Oro. This unique identity centers on the village of Bulua, renowned for its pottery tradition.
Bulua boasts over 50 years of pottery-making heritage. Its abundant clay deposits, found in three local sitios, make it the sole natural source of pottery clay in Northern Mindanao, underscoring its cultural and economic importance.
By weaving indigenous customs like traditional greetings and local product recognition into government practices, Cagayan de Oro City hopes to nurture pride in its diverse cultural roots.
For more news and updates on indigenous customs integration, visit Filipinokami.com.
