Tagum pays tribute to original settlers through Kagikan Exhibit

TAGUM CITY, February 26, 2015 - For the first time since the foundation of Tagum as a political and territorial subdivision over seventy years ago, the tri-people of the City was featured in an Araw ng Tagum 2015 Exhibit succinctly titled “Kagikan.”

The Kagikan Exhibit, which formally opened on February 23, 2015 at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum Atrium and will run through March 7, 2015, highlighted the three groups that comprise the people of the City of Tagum: the Indigenous Peoples (the Lumads), the Muslim and the Pioneer Migrant Settlers who were originally from the northern islands of Luzon, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Leyte.

The activity featured the Traditional Costumes, Utensils, Musical Instruments, and Accessories of both the Tribal and Muslim communities and the written account or stories of the early migrant settlers who first came to Tagum between the years 1900 and 1939 when it was still a municipal district of the Province of Davao, to search for greener pasture. The traditional food of both the Lumads and the Muslims were also prepared for the viewing public.

Spearheaded by the City Information Office as this year’s edition of the office’s annual exhibit, the show’s opening was witnessed by the different Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives to the city’s 23 barangays, other members of the cultural communities and  the Muslims who were all garbed in their traditional and colorful dresses. The direct descendants of the early settlers, who expressed gratitude for the inclusion of their respective forefather in the celebration, were also present.

Also in attendance were Hon. Alan D. Zulueta, MDMG, Ms. Merly Enriquez, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples representative, Ms. Nora C. Lupiba, City Social Welfare and Development Officer, Mary Grace Terante, Acting Economic Enterprise Manager, Dr. Arnel Florendo, City Health Officer, Ms. Leila Ibita, DepEd ALS Supervisor, and Ms. Carmen B. Apura, Ms. Lourdes Caasi and Ms. Marlene R. Alastra who are among the key people of the trio celebration. (Richi D. Gulle of CIO- Tagum)