MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – A sacred convergence of culture, faith, and identity unfolded as the “Panendan: Panalawahig ta Kaulo ta Wahig ta Tagoloan 2026,” an annual pilgrimage and cultural gathering of the Tagoloan Tribe and the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon, was held at Sabangan, Barangay Can-ayan, on May 1

The event drew descendants of the Tagoloan Tribe alongside representatives of Bukidnon’s
Seven Tribes, reaffirming their shared heritage and enduring spiritual connection to ancestral
land and waters.
Gracing the gathering was Atty. Alberto R. Lagamon, a respected lumad leader and newly
appointed commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for
Northern and Western Mindanao.
Organizers described the occasion as a meaningful celebration of unity, cultural identity, and
spiritual continuity, bringing together tribal leaders, cultural advocates, academic institutions,
government agencies, and community stakeholders.
A central highlight of the gathering was the Pamuhat, a sacred ritual solemnly led by the Datus
of the Seven Tribes. As custodians of Indigenous knowledge and traditions, the Datus guided
prayers, thanksgiving, and invocations—honoring ancestry, land, water, and community.
Their leadership underscored the living transmission of cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and
ancestral wisdom, ensuring that the sanctity and authenticity of the ritual were preserved.
The Malaybalay City Tourism Office emphasized that the annual pilgrimage continues to serve
as a vital space for cultural reflection, unity, and intergenerational learning—reminding
participants of their shared responsibility to protect and sustain their heritage.
The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of solidarity and cultural pride among
participants, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding Indigenous identity for future
generations.
Among those present were representatives from various partner institutions, including the City
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Bukidnon State University, the
Malaybalay City Police Station, and the City Tourism Office, whose participation signified
strong support for Indigenous cultural preservation. (Malaybalay City Tourism
Office/melbmadera)