Resilience Amid Adversity
Unfortunately, decades of conflicts and environmental degradation have forced the tribe to relocate further upstream, particularly Davao Matigsalugs who now reside in the city's uppermost Marilog district. Despite the hardships, the tribe still carries on and continues to find ways to live simple yet sustainable lives for its people. Locally produced weaves and crops are both necessities and a source of income.
As for actual weaves, the tribe designs Tinilogas (one over one), Tigdaruwa (two over two), and Tigtatulo (two over one) as well as mat edgings like Sinapay/Insapay and Binaling/Igbaling which all come in distinct patterns and colors. For the crops, they mostly plant a variety of palay (rice), cash crops, vegetables, and fruits.
Uplifting Matigsalug Women
An opportunity would soon knock on the doors of the Matigsalugs - an opportunity not just to preserve their traditions but also to tap into technology to live better and more fulfilling lives. In 2021, "Uplifting of IP Women Project in Davao" was established to help the tribe introduce their products to a wider audience resulting in better livelihood opportunities.
At least 100 women from four women organizations in the Matigsalug tribe (Nasabeka, Pegsabeka, IP Salumay, and TCHAD) joined the project which mainly focuses on online selling. Digital skills training and ecommerce solutions were provided by Zeald who is one of the stakeholders of the project.
Aside from Zeald, the initiative is also a joint partnership between Go Negosyo, New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 11, and the City Government of Davao (Peace 911). With numerous parties involved, it's a large-scale project geared towards sustaining indigenous groups like no other not just in Mindanao but in the entire country.
When it comes to the Matigsalugs, there is untapped beauty that needs to be discovered - not just beautiful crafts but also beautiful people whose rich history and tradition are worth sharing.
