FEATURE 06 WARRIOR’S CROWN

Amid the grayscale world of abandoning one’s culture and history lies the indigenous people eager to sustain their tribal roots and maintain their cultural identity. With their intricately woven clothes, ritual songs and chants, and firm beliefs, they remained bamboo in a destructive storm—bent but not broken.

One of them is Krezyl Joy Ungab, Bagobo-Klata’s Biyya or Hiyas in the recently concluded Kadayawan Festival, who also bagged the Hiyas ng Kalambuan title. Krezyl is a 4th-year student taking up a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Mindanao. She strides the campus halls with her radiant smile and dangling accessories that showcase her tribe’s intricate craftsmanship.

“I want to strengthen the leadership and involvement of my fellow indigenous people (IP) youth in the community because I want to be an instrument to spark their eagerness and burning passion in preserving the tribe,” she expressed.

Bagobo-Klata’s Biyya on Lumad Culture and Preservation

By Cheene Jean Languido

door interview.

As an educator in transit, she deems wisdom and knowledge to be transformative and valuable. Hence, pushing for education and livelihood for her tribe encompasses her advocacies in joining the Hiyas sa Kadayawan. She said that this way, her fellow IP youth would not be easily put in danger and be taken advantage of.

On the other hand, her journey toward the crown was not easy. It was an emotional turmoil that tested her determination and grit to continue swaying amidst the strong winds of life. Looking back, her grandfather contributed a lot to her odyssey, especially the cultural roots she dearly values. However, her grandfather passed away not long after the initial closed-