MALUNGON, SARANGANI — The Bla’an tribe of Malungon town performed a “Damsu” ritual to pave the way for the construction of the P120-million worth of Mahklok river bridge in Barangay Blaan, South Cotabato.
The Damsu was performed by the Tribal Chieftain and barangay Councilor Joel Corante together with Mayor Tessa D. Constantino on September 4.
The Damsu, which means offering, is a ritual performed by the tribe for every blessing they receive.
Garbed in their colorful traditional outfit, the ritual which they also call as ‘halad’ or offering, is meant to give respect to the tribal culture and tradition of thanksgiving for whatever blessing the tribe is bound receive. This is usually mated with the wearing of native-inspired colorful garments, dancing and singing of tribal songs along with sacred chants during special gatherings.
Mayor Constantino’s message expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for the Build-Build-Build Projects that aims to accelerate the construction of the infrastructure projects in her Municipality. She also lauded the efforts of Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Congressman Ruel D. Pacquiao, Provincial Government headed by Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and the Local Government Unit in making this project as a fulfillment of a life-changing endeavor for the tribal communities of Malungon.
For the Blaan Barangay Captain Sweety Mae Galang-Languerder, the project construction, she said, will be beneficial for all and shall boost local development for the IP community considering that her village is amongst the town’s most isolated and distant villages.
“As leader of IP-dominated barangay, the Blaan tribe is now deeply feels and understand the love and caring hands of the government that provide even the far flung sitio’s, with various infrastructure and other upcoming projects. Especially this bridge, nga sa pila na ka tuig, madamu na ang nalunod, natumba nga motor kag na-stranded kung kusog kaayo ang ulan,” Constantino said.
The event was also attended all the tribal chieftains from the southern district, representing their respective barangays who also traverse the area.
