Bendum Kaamulan 2024: Strengthening cultural identity and integrity

The Bendum Kaamulan is celebrated in December at APC in Bendum. This event reaffirms the Pulangiyēn cultural identity, lands, and their way of life, highlighting the strength of a living culture that continues to evolve while staying rooted in indigenous values.

This year, the gathering from 20 to 21 December began with a ritual led by the Bendum Tribal Council, followed by an address from Datu Nestor Menaling, who called on parents and elders to continue guiding the younger generation in understanding the depth of their cultural identity. “Our culture is not just something to remember – it is something we live,” he reminded the community.

A key discussion focused on the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), with Jason Menaling emphasizing its role in affirming Pulangiyēn governance over their gaup. The Tribal Council stressed the importance of water, forests, and ancestral knowledge in sustaining their way of life, reinforcing that these are not separate from culture but are central to their identity and responsibilities as a people.

A strong theme throughout the event was the role of education in fostering leadership and responsibility. APC senior high school students reflected on their experiences in Dalēpaan, where they gained not only academic knowledge but also a deeper understanding of their identity as part of an Indigenous community. Learning through shared stories, community work, and daily interactions strengthens their sense of self and responsibility toward others.

The Kaamulan also featured expressions of cultural identity through chants and dances, not as performances but as ways of reminding others in living their culture. These were woven into the gathering to reinforce the values, histories, and relationships that define the Pulangiyēn as a people.

Discussions also focused on the role of the Tribal Council in fostering collaboration among different Indigenous communities in Upper Pulangi, including Nabawang, Mindagulos, and Nabag-o. The council reviewed its structure, ensuring that leadership remains rooted in collective wisdom and shared responsibility.

There was a reflection session at the end of the gathering where APC teachers, members of the Tribal Council, and tribal leaders from neighboring communities shared their insights and discussed ways to sustain their collective efforts in the coming years.

Through this shared leadership and learning, the Pulangiyēn continue to walk the path of their ancestors while shaping a future that sustains their integrity.