MunaTo Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Culture and Heritage in Sarangani Province, Philippines

The MunaTo Festival, also known as the Festival of Indigenous Peoples, is an annual month-long celebration held in Sarangani Province, Philippines, culminating on November 28-30. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Sarangani, particularly the T’boli, Blaan, and Lumad communities. It is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over the Philippines and abroad.

History of the MunaTo Festival

The MunaTo Festival was first celebrated in 2019 as a way to promote and preserve the unique culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Sarangani Province. The festival’s name is derived from the two Blaan words “muna” and “to,” which mean “first people.” This reflects the festival’s focus on honoring the indigenous peoples of Sarangani as the original inhabitants of the land.

Highlights of the MunaTo Festival

The MunaTo Festival features a variety of events and activities that showcase the indigenous culture of Sarangani, including:

• Indigenous Games and Sports: Traditional indigenous games and sports, such as arnis (stick fighting), tug-of-war, and sepak takraw (foot volleyball), are held during the festival.

• Cultural Performances: Traditional dances, music, and storytelling are showcased during cultural performances. Visitors can also witness demonstrations of indigenous crafts and skills, such as weaving, pottery, and jewelry making.

• Food Festival: A food festival features a variety of traditional indigenous dishes, such as pinikpikan (chicken soup), hinamus (rice cake), and ube jam (purple yam jam).
• Street Parade: A colorful street parade featuring indigenous dancers, musicians, and floats winds its way through the streets of the city.
• Tribal Council Meetings: Tribal council meetings are held to discuss important issues facing the indigenous communities of Sarangani.

Significance of the MunaTo Festival

The MunaTo Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a platform for promoting and preserving the indigenous culture of Sarangani Province. The festival also serves as an opportunity for indigenous peoples to come together, share their traditions, and reaffirm their identity.