Dumagat Day 2019
Sharing photos from this year’s Dumagat Day.
The culmination was held at the banks of Agos River, to express disdain to the China-funded Kaliwa dam which would displace thousands of Dumagat families from their ancestral lands.
The Agos River connects different Dumagat communities as it stretches from Quezon Province to Tanay Rizal. The same river would be the basin of the ill-famed Kaliwa Dam. Found behind the body of water are the mountains of Sierra Madre, which would be crushed if the project ensues.
Lumad children in solidarity of the Dumagat community
Carmelita dela Cruz, leader of Sitio Sari, Brgy. Lumutan
Hermenio Mendoza, Dumagat leader from Sitio Minanga Brgy. Lumutan explained “nganga” to the attendees. Nganga, or betel-nut chewing is part of the Dumagat culture. It is an everyday practice, which the Dumagat heavily attaches to their identity.
This practice has been passed on several generations and to “nganga” is to show one’s affinity to the tribe. Aside from being a cultural practice, “pagnganga” also maintains their health and physical ability.
Mendoza invited attendees to try the Nganga.
A short traditional dance followed the program.
The blatant disregard of the government to the human rights of the Dumagat only drives the indigenous community to further advance their rights. Despite the incessant intimidation of the military, the dubious FPIC process, and the attacks of the fascist state, the Dumagat community remains steadfast to protect their ancestral lands from imperialist plunder.