Davao makes room for lumads at Christmas

by Chito A. Fuentes

There is room for the lumad in Davao City on Christmas.

While elsewhere they are unwelcome and turned away in the most favorite Christian holiday, indigenous people know they have a home in Davao City under Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Naay instruction si Mayor nga pabantayan ang mga lumad kay di siya gusto nga pasipad-an (The Mayor has given instructions that the lumads be given protection so that they will not be maltreated),” said Omilis Laraze, a member of the Matigsalog tribe.

Laraze, 50, is a resident of Sitio Patag, Salumay, Marilog district. The former barangay kagawad has been designated as the head of the different tribes that make the Mintal gym as their home this Christmas season.

He revealed that he first joined the group that descended into Davao in 2006 after moving in from Bukidnon.

“Nakasinati ko nga anhi sila manaygon unya pag-uli naa nay dala nga bugas (I noticed that they came here to carol and when they returned they brought rice with them),” he added.

Pacita Tinampon agreed.

The 56-year-old resident of Sumilop, Marilog said they feel welcomed in the city.

“Kada hapon tagaan mi duha ka kilo nga bugas (Every afternoon, we are given two kilos of rice),” she noted. 

A member of the Manobo tribe, Tinampon proudly declared that each individual is also given two pieces of canned goods and three packs of noodles.

Upon arrival, each one is given meal tickets which will entitle them to the food rations for the entire length of their stay. 

“We know we will never go hungry,” she added in Cebuano.

Better yet, Laraze said there will still be enough to share with their families when they head for home on Dec. 26.

Eilin Macla, 50, a Matigsalog like Laraze, said many of those who come down bring their families with them including the little children.

“We are given medical attention by health workers who are always watching over us,” she added.

The three said Mintal, 15 kilometers from the city proper, is their favorite home during their annual Christmas sojourn to the city. They credit Barangay Capt. Ramon Bargamento II for giving special attention to them.

Bargamento, however, refuses to take all the credit saying that like other barangay captains hosting the lumads, he is merely following Duterte’s marching orders.

A deputy mayor before serving as barangay captain since 2007, Bargamento said that Duterte has given specific orders to take care of the lumads when they come for the holidays.

Laraze revealed that the revelers are not only from Davao. Many come from Bukidnon, North Cotabato and other outlying provinces.

Bargamento noted an increase this year saying he had to refuse more transients after the health workers said they have reached the maximum of 3,800.

“While they are here, we not only feed them and address their health and medical needs but also try to make them as comfortable as we can,” he added.

To do this, Bargamento said many agencies are tapped including health, social welfare, police, fire and environment. 

A makeshift tent was set up where children can play and listen to stories during the day and watch video shows at night.

Davao’s third district has the biggest population of lumads compared to the first two. 

Rep. Isidro Ungab explained that they all originated from the Bagobo tribe which gave birth to sub-tribes such as Matigsalog, Tagabawa, Obu Manobo, Clata and Aetas.

Ungab, who represents the district, estimated the lumad population at 128,000.

Definitely not all of them descend to Davao at Christmas. But for those who do, they know they have a home waiting for them.

It is far from a glamorous vacation - raising their palms to strangers hoping that a kind heart would spare them a few coins before the light turns green at the intersection. 

If it is their lucky day, there will be some open doors with clothes and foodstuff with a smile and a kind word.

Asked about insults and discriminations from those who think themselves superior, Laraze replied like one who has learned to roll with the punches.

“We don’t allow ourselves to be bothered by that,” he said matter-of-factly.

Most of the lumads have learned to take it all in stride. 

At the first Christmas, there was no room for Joseph, Mary and the Baby.

Nothing much has changed more than 2,000 years later. Doors still remain shut for those considered the least of the brethren.

For the lumads who have been coming to Davao since Duterte became mayor, they know there will always be room for them.

Little wonder that Laraze, Tinampon, Macla and many of their fellow lumads are excited about the prospects Duterte becoming president.

It is not difficult to trust one who has already proven himself. (CHITO A. FUENTES)