Elderly Filipino Week Special Issue
Rivalries of the Last Male Manobo Leader
Shis noble role, an issue resurfaces: he is the last heir of his bloodline.
Nestled amid the mountains is a community led by an 85-year-old Datu known for his selflessness and prudence extending his leadership to Sto. Tomas National High School as an active external stakeholder in the School Governance Team. Deep-set eyes, framed by the shadows of wisdom, were punctured with bravery and strength. He reflected on the stories carried within the recesses of his soul. His tribe’s journey was marked by humble beginnings in the 1980s as they lived in huts with banana-thatched roofs. However, it was not without its share of challenges that made them more refined and civilized. Despite difficulties, he was a true leader who stood and was compassionate to his tribe’s needs.
“Datu Doming, as a leader, is generous and compassionate. One time, after taking the pig, he would give it to the people. When his constituents had not yet harvested their sweet potatoes and corn, he would say, 'Take the sweet potatoes over there.' When there were problems from other tribes and they would come here to Talos, he would face them. He was skilled in pacifying disputes and was not aggressive,” Myrna Mansalungan, the sister of Datu Doming, explained in Binisaya.
Humble Beginnings
Retracing the past, the tribe harbored fear towards the Bisaya people hailing from the lowlands. During that period, they were situated in a cave in the mountains for at least seven months. Eventually, the Bisaya people arrived, narrating various tales, leading to the tribe's gradual comprehension and adaptation of their dialect. Soon, these interactions culminated in the joint effort to construct a village that is now known today as Sitio Talos.
“The long journey across lands was not without the guidance of their tribal leader who had devoted more than half of his life shepherding the community,” Mansalungan added.
Their long journey across lands was not without the guidance of their tribal leader who had devoted more than half of his life shepherding the community. While their tribe confronted numerous challenges, they
persevered, all in the name of achieving peace in their ancestral land. Yet, everything has an end, even his golden years of leadership, as he is getting old enough to lead the tribe.
His other siblings have already passed away, leaving him with only his sister. He is the last man standing in the lineage, bearing the weight of preserving not only his family's legacy but also the collective history and traditions of his tribe. Being the sole guardian of ancestral, resting heavily on his shoulders is the responsibility to lead and maintain the unity of his fellowmen, inspiring others to follow suit.
The Last in the Lineage
The Ata Manobo tribe of Sitio Talos proved that the strength and spirit of indigenous people are resilient forces that transcend time and adversity. Their strength is forged through generations of shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Despite the pressures of globalization and the erosion of traditional ways of life, indigenous peoples around the world stand with resilience, unity, and an unwavering connection to where they belong. At present, challenges continue to emerge within their settlement.
But Datu Doming, standing at the crossroads of heritage and modernity, bears the responsibility of guiding the tribe through the currents of change. With unwavering conviction, he sees that tribal leadership means being a steward of heritage, a beacon of hope, and a source of strength, ensuring the tribe thrives and evolves without losing its soul.
“We can no longer find another male leader like him, he was exceptional,” Mansalungan ended. Datu Doming’s legacy is not confined to the past. It lives on in the traditions he upheld and the wisdom he imparted. There is no end, but a continuation—a legacy of the timeless spirit of the Ata Manobo people.
Two Widows Found Love in Learning
Who says age does matter?
In a world where age often dictates limitations, the inspiring story of a senior couple enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) challenges this notion with an unwavering determination and a thirst for lifelong learning. At 74 years old, both widowed and with grown children, this couple found love and companionship in each other's arms, embracing second chances in both love and education.
Lucia Ontina and Santos Ontina, albeit in their seventies, are both enrolled in the ALS in Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS). From their humble beginnings in Bohol to their newfound life in Sto. Tomas after being wedded in 2023, their story exemplifies their resilience and the pursuit of their dreams, defying societal expectations of age and capability.
“Honestly, did not know how to read words before, but because of the Bible, I was able to learn single serves until learned it all. My desire grew as dreamed of becoming a preacher. want to preach how good God is,” Nanay Lucia said. Despite facing challenges and the daunting task of returning to the classroom after many years, their shared aspiration to spread the word of God in English fuels their determination to go back to school. With graduation from Junior High School on the horizon, their story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that it is never too late to chase dreams and embrace second chances.
“In between interludes of nightly silence, I thought that maybe I
could give that childhood dream a second chance. I never thought that a great life awaits us here in Sto. Tomas as we travel here from Visayas,” Nanay Lucia added. Behind those grappling challenges, the couple remained resilient. They may be too old to attend school, but the opportunity to share the word of God with others in English remains their driving force to learn. The joy was even more profound when days from now they would be graduating from Junior High School.
“It is my ultimate goal to speak in front of many people. That is why when Ma’am Ruth Tapia encouraged us to join, I did not hesitate the chance. did not have any dilemma about what course to take. was inspired by our ALS teachers who visited us and taught us to go back to school,” Tatay Santos Ontina explained. For years, they had been denied the privilege of education. The absence of classrooms and textbooks had become their norm. Yet, now, as they step back into the familiar environment of school, the opportunity to learn is within their reach. As the seasons changed, so did they. The uneducated past was fading, replaced by a hunger for knowledge. They were no longer crawling; they were running toward their goals. Education was their compass, pointing them toward a brighter future. And in that classroom, surrounded by others on similar journeys, they stumbled upon a newfound hope that attests to the saying: life is all about second chances.
When Sacred Strokes of 'Pangutob' cannot be Passed Down to the Next Generation
ach stroke of ink etched into the skin carries the weight of centuries of tradition, telling stories of bravery, lineage, and the indomitable spirit of people deeply rooted in their heritage. In the remote settlement of Sitio Talos, Santo Tomas, tattooing called 'Pangutob' is not merely an artistic expression; it is a testament to the culture of the Ata Manobo people. However, this once-thriving practice that bound generations together, is now facing an existential crisis, and soon, it will only be a matter of the past.
In Sto. Tomas National High School-Talos Annex Campus, Myrna Mansalungan stands as one of the active parents of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). She is the sole surviving tattooist in her tribe. Her hands, once deft and skilled, had wielded a sharp knife to etch stories onto the skin of her kin. However, her tattooing skill is now hindered by her impaired vision. Her eyes now behold nothing but shadows and a blurred landscape. Because the tattooing practice was not passed on to generations, she was left with nothing but the burden of their declining tradition.
“No one knows how to hold it anymore. If you don’t handle it carefully, your hand might get cut and your blood vessels might be severed. used to be able to handle it, but can’t see it anymore. I know how to ink because we used to observe how to handle the knife,” in a low voice she said in Binisaya.
During her youth, she got inked on her arms and her stomach by an elder. The design on her arms drew inspiration from the weeds in the river with radiant palettes. The tattoo on her stomach featured a triangular pattern that resembled the mountain ranges. These tattoos suggest a connection to nature, reflecting a personal significance related to the environment. Meanwhile, the Manobo men’s motif drew inspiration from the sun, a mark of manhood symbolizing the responsibility and strength associated with supporting one’s family.
“In the past, we couldn’t recognize if you were one of us. It’s better to have this because the elders of the Lumad can identify this. That’s why we got inked so that our culture won’t be lost,” she added.
CROSSROADS OF CULTURE AND MODERNIZATION
The Ata Manobo community has a history deeply rooted in the land they inhabit. Traditionally, they have lived a sustainable existence, relying on agriculture, hunting, and gathering. Their cultural practices and spiritual beliefs have been connected to the natural environment that surrounds them. However, as the forces of modernization and globalization continue to shape the Philippines, the Ata Manobo people find themselves at a crossroads between preserving their heritage and adapting to the changing world.
“Because of technology our children are influenced too. Not only the way they dressed themselves but their character as well,” Mansalungan confessed. Remarkably, even the very architecture of their homes reflects the transformative change. Once adorned with roofs crafted from banana thatch, the traditional nipa huts have transitioned into houses with sturdier foundations provided by the National Housing Authority in 2021. The introduction of modernization has led to a shift in their
Having a disability does not hinder one's ability to achieve his dreams. Despite facing challenges, even those who have special needs can harness their unique competencies and talents, transforming their disabilities into strengths. Behind every differently-abled child, there is a mother who assists and provides.
Evelyn Acebes, a 58-year-old mother to her disabled son, chose to take matters into her own hands by enrolling in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS), being her son’s classmate to accompany him in his day-to-day affairs going to school. By assuming the dual roles of a mother and teacher, Evelyn became the driving force behind her son's education, determined to ensure that he would have the same opportunities as other children going to school.
“I tried to make my son’s attendance at school consistent, though hard but see to it that his secondary school made such an effort to make him welcome and get the most out of his time there,” Acebes said.
Twenty-one-year-old Gingler has a learning disability. His behavior in the class can be of great challenge. However, he is generally very happy to join his classroom teachers in the Junior High School Alternative Learning System. Despite his infirmity, he always has a good relationship with them. His smile conveys happiness and cheerfulness to his classmates and the people around him.
“I have no choice but to send him to school. He is very interested in finishing his secondary level. The only accessible
school of good reputation is Sto. Tomas National High School. know Gingler has some particular needs and I could see him biome quite standoffish straightaway. joined him, too. I enrolled as a JHS student so I can watch him and teach him as well,” Acebes said. At first, she found it difficult to provide the necessary support for him to thrive in the school environment. This highlights the importance of open communication and collaboration between parents, educators, and students with disabilities to ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place to facilitate their success. Despite the challenges they faced, including Gingler's particular needs and initial apprehension, Evelyn chose to join him in the journey.
“I would always see to it that he won’t be absent in the class. As a PWD, he can’t be alone,” she added. Sometimes it was pretty upsetting and made her feel like some people were discriminating against Gingler because of his disability. Everyone has a right to an education. By embracing their differences and pursuing their aspirations relentlessly, they show that limitations are merely obstacles to overcome on the path to success. This mindset empowers him to reach
for the highest goals, recognizing that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.
Taking Flight “I want to become a pilot,” Gingler would say again and again.
For Evelyn, these words became more than just a childhood dream—they were a beacon of possibility in a world often overshadowed by doubt and limitation. Who is she to hinder her son's desire? In her eyes, there was an unmistakable glimmer of hope—a belief that in time, her son would find his wings and soar. Evelyn's sacrifice is a timeless refrain. Despite the challenges posed by Gingler's disability, Evelyn refused to let it define his future. Turn their disability into an ability. As Gingler readies to spread his wings and soar, he does so with the knowledge that no dream is too big, no obstacle too daunting, as long as he has his mother's love to guide him.
This is the inspiring narrative of Tatay Ceferino Naldoza, a 71-year-old man who endured years of limited educational opportunities. Upon discovering the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS), which promised a chance to revive his educational aspirations, he felt a profound inspiration and eagerly embraced the opportunity to reenter the world of learning. There was only one thing in his mind: to make up for his lost
“Because of this] Alternative Learning System, I was inspired to go back to school because it gave me the chance to finish my basic education, which had always been one of my Naldoza said.
However, beneath the facade of this dedicated man lies a life intricately woven with hardships and early-life struggles. His early years were spent moving from one relative to another as his parents could not provide him with the support that he needed. When he was a first grader, he resided at Agusan Del Norte and moved to Bohol in third grade. He spent his student life mostly at Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Sur, where he entered fourth grade and reached high school.
“It was difficult, that is why stopped going to school due to a lack of support. At six years old, was already separated from my parents. I am the eldest among my siblings,” he said.
To young Ceferino, being alone meant taking care of oneself, such as preparing one’s meals and doing one’s laundry. Without anyone to depend on, he took on the job of a padyak driver to support his daily needs. At the young age of 14, he would earn a meager one peso a day. From this amount, he would allocate 20 centavos to the owner of the padyak and use the remaining 80 centavos to meet his daily sustenance needs. Despite his youth, he learned to rely on his efforts to survive, simultaneously working and pursuing his studies. This was the life he had been
“Of course,