Scenes of Residents Participating in the Local Festival
The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch has been implementing
the ‘Project for Strengthening Mangyan Rights through Maternal and Child Health Enhancement‘
in the Abra De Ilog region of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, since 2024.
As part of this project, in collaboration with the Abra De Ilog Local Government Unit (LGU),
a special event was held on October 22nd during the local festival period
to celebrate Mangyan culture and identity.
This event was focused on fostering cultural pride within
the Mangyan community and building a sense of solidarity that unites them.
In the long term, this serves as a critical foundation for the Mangyan people
to overcome their isolation from mainstream society, recognize their own rights,
and build the basis to speak out for themselves.
Marathon and Traditional Games that Boosted Cultural Pride
Scenes of Youth Participating in the Marathon
This event consisted of a marathon competition and traditional Filipino games
where Mangyan residents could unite and solidify their camaraderie.
The marathon was planned as the main activity to symbolize the strength and spirit
of the Mangyan youth, with some young participants showing great passion by running barefoot.
The Mangyan youth who ran together toward the finish line
fostered a strong sense of solidarity as community members.
The marathon winner, in particular, added a meaningful touch by stating that the prize money would be used to
support his family‘s daily necessities and his child‘s education.
Participating in Laro ng Lahi
The traditional games, known as Laro ng Lahi,
are open to participants of all genders and ages,
and they are outdoor activities that embody the indigenous culture
and communal characteristics of the Philippines.
Much like Korea‘s tag and tug-of-war, the Laro ng Lahi
primarily consists of physical games that require teamwork.
Participants had the opportunity to strengthen their sense of belonging
by uniting as a single team, and by enjoying these traditional games,
they made a significant contribution to preserving
their cultural heritage and raising cultural awareness.
Scenes of Youth Participating in the Marathon
Education and Message Sharing for Rights Promotion
Scenes of Participation in Laro ng Lahi
Key local officials attended the event, including representatives from the Abra De Ilog Local Government Unit (LGU),
the Office of the Mangyan Affairs (OMA), Municipal Councilors, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
They shared messages of support and committed to promoting the rights of the Mangyan community.
Their attendance was particularly significant as it served as a platform for an official commitment,
promising future collaboration and policy improvements to advance Mangyan rights.
First, officials from the Local Government Unit (LGU)
emphasized that the respect and protection of indigenous rights are core values of the community,
conveying a promise to listen to all voices and create a society where inclusion and equality are promoted.
The representative from the Office of the Mangyan Affairs (OMA)
stressed that this event was a significant occasion for recognizing and respecting the identity,
traditions, and culture of the Mangyan people, encouraging the promotion of cultural pride.
Scenes of Participation in Laro ng Lahi
Meanwhile, Municipal Councilors detailed the various welfare programs and benefits
provided by the local government to the Mangyan community,
including education and housing support, and livelihood projects, expressing a commitment
to spare no effort in supporting students to prevent them from dropping out of school.
In addition, the representative from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
emphasized the importance of voter registration and participation in democratic processes.
They actively encouraged the Mangyan people to make their voices
heard in government decision-making by exercising their right to vote,
providing guidance on essential registration documents.
Therefore, The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch‘s support for facility-based deliveries,
such as the Halfway House, for the safe childbirth of Mangyan mothers,
goes beyond simple access to health services.
It marks the first step in securing the fundamental rights of the Mangyan people as citizens,
including their right to vote, through birth registration.
Scenes of Participation in Laro ng Lahi
Finally, the staff from The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch reiterated
their commitment to advancing Mangyan rights through cooperation
with the local government and partners.
They specifically recirculated information about maternal and child health services
to the Mangyan residents, including the Halfway House and emergency transportation
available for pregnant women during critical situations.
Scenes of Participation in Laro ng Lahi
This event went beyond a simple cultural gathering,
allowing Mangyan residents to renew their cultural pride and strengthen their robust bond.
It served as a crucial opportunity for the Mangyan people to overcome
the sense of marginalization they experience as a minority and
to cultivate the confidence needed to assert their rights.
The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch will continue its journey to protect and promote the rights of the Mangyan people in the future.
in Abra De Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines (2024-2026)‘ as part of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)‘s Civil Society Partnership Program.>
