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Elderly Filipino Week Special Issue

Rivalries of the Last Male Manobo Leader

When Sacred Strokes of 'Pangutob' cannot be Passed Down to the Next Generation

Catherine Jude Royo

tanding as the embodiment of cultural resilience and the collective spirit that binds a community across generations, Apo Doming Dumakunog Tumaytay has led the Ata Manobo community of Sitio Talos, Santo Tomas for more than 50 years. He wears the insignia of leadership not as a weighty burden but as a sacred mantle, serving as the beacon guiding his people through the ebb and flow of time. However, amid his noble role, an issue resurfaces: he is the last heir of his bloodline.

Nestled amid the mountains is a community led by an 85-year-old Datu known for his selflessness and prudence extending his leadership to Sto. Tomas National High School as an active external stakeholder in the School Governance Team. Deep-set eyes, framed by the shadows of wisdom, were punctured with bravery and strength. He reflected on the stories carried within the recesses of his soul. His tribe’s journey was marked by humble beginnings in the 1980s as they lived in huts with banana-thatched roofs. However, it was not without its share of challenges that made them more refined and civilized. Despite difficulties, he was a true leader who stood and was compassionate to his tribe’s needs. “Datu Doming, as a leader, is generous and compassionate. One time, after taking the pig, he would give it to the people. When his constituents had not yet harvested their sweet potatoes and corn, he would say, 'Take the sweet potatoes over there.' When there were problems from other tribes and they would come here to Talos, he would face them. He was skilled in pacifying disputes and was not aggressive,” Myrna Mansalungan, the sister of Datu Doming, explained in Binisaya. Humble Beginnings Retracing the past, the tribe harbored fear towards the Bisaya people hailing from the lowlands. During that period, they were situated in a cave in the mountains for at least seven months. Eventually, the Bisaya people arrived, narrating various tales, leading to the tribe's gradual comprehension and adaptation of their dialect. Soon, these interactions culminated in the joint effort to construct a village that is now known today as Sitio Talos. “The long journey across lands was not without the guidance of their tribal leader who had devoted more than half of his life shepherding the community,” Mansalungan added. Their long journey across lands was not without the guidance of their tribal leader who had devoted more than half of his life shepherding the community. While their tribe confronted numerous challenges, they

persevered, all in the name of achieving peace in their ancestral land. Yet, everything has an end, even his golden years of leadership, as he is getting old enough to lead the tribe. His other siblings have already passed away, leaving him with only his sister. He is the last man standing in the lineage, bearing the weight of preserving not only his family's legacy but also the collective history and traditions of his tribe. Being the sole guardian of ancestral, resting heavily on his shoulders is the responsibility to lead and maintain the unity of his fellowmen, inspiring others to follow suit. The Last in the Lineage The Ata Manobo tribe of Sitio Talos proved that the strength and spirit of indigenous people are resilient forces that transcend time and adversity. Their strength is forged through generations of shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Despite the pressures of globalization and the erosion of traditional ways of life, indigenous peoples around the world stand with resilience, unity, and an unwavering connection to where they belong. At present, challenges continue to emerge within their settlement. But Datu Doming, standing at the crossroads of heritage and modernity, bears the responsibility of guiding the tribe through the currents of change. With unwavering conviction, he sees that tribal leadership means being a steward of heritage, a beacon of hope, and a source of strength, ensuring the tribe thrives and evolves without losing its soul. “We can no longer find another male leader like him, he was exceptional,” Mansalungan ended. Datu Doming’s legacy is not confined to the past. It lives on in the traditions he upheld and the wisdom he imparted. There is no end, but a continuation—a legacy of the timeless spirit of the Ata Manobo people.

Catherine Jude Royo

ach stroke of ink etched into the skin carries the weight of centuries of tradition, telling stories of bravery, lineage, and the indomitable spirit of people deeply rooted in their heritage. In the remote settlement of Sitio Talos, Santo Tomas, tattooing called 'Pangutob' is not merely an artistic expression; it is a testament to the culture of the Ata Manobo people. However, this once-thriving practice that bound generations together, is now facing an existential crisis, and soon, it will only be a matter of the past.

In Sto. Tomas National High School-Talos Annex Campus, Myrna Mansalungan stands as one of the active parents of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). She is the sole surviving tattooist in her tribe. Her hands, once deft and skilled, had wielded a sharp knife to etch stories onto the skin of her kin. However, her tattooing skill is now hindered by her impaired vision. Her eyes now behold nothing but shadows and a blurred landscape. Because the tattooing practice was not passed on to generations, she was left with nothing but the burden of their declining tradition. “No one knows how to hold it anymore. If you don’t handle it carefully, your hand might get cut and your blood vessels might be severed. I used to be able to handle it, but I can’t see it anymore. I know how to ink because we used to observe how to handle the knife,” in a low voice she said in Binisaya. During her youth, she got inked on her arms and her stomach by an elder. The design on her arms drew inspiration from the weeds in the river with radiant palettes. The tattoo on her stomach featured a triangular pattern that resembled the mountain ranges. These tattoos suggest a connection to nature, reflecting a personal significance related to the environment. Meanwhile, the Manobo men’s motif drew inspiration from the sun, a mark of manhood symbolizing the responsibility and strength associated with supporting one’s family. “In the past, we couldn’t recognize if you were one of us. It’s better to have this because the elders of the Lumad can identify this. That’s why we got inked so that our culture won’t be lost,” she added. CROSSROADS OF CULTURE AND MODERNIZATION The Ata Manobo community has a history deeply rooted in the land they inhabit. Traditionally, they have lived a sustainable existence, relying on agriculture, hunting, and gathering. Their cultural practices and spiritual beliefs have been connected to

the natural environment that surrounds them. However, as the forces of modernization and globalization continue to shape the Philippines, the Ata Manobo people find themselves at a crossroads between preserving their heritage and adapting to the changing world. “Because of technology our children are influenced too. Not only the way they dressed themselves but their character as well,” Mansalungan confessed. Remarkably, even the very architecture of their homes reflects the transformative change. Once adorned with roofs crafted from banana thatch, the traditional nipa huts have transitioned into houses with sturdier foundations provided by the National Housing Authority in 2021. The introduction of modernization has led to a shift in their lifestyle. While aspects of traditional livelihood still persist, there is a noticeable integration of contemporary practices. Electronic devices and internet access have become commonplace, enabling communication within the community, and connecting them to the broader world. The tribe finds itself at the junction where the core of their identity, the very soul that defines their uniqueness, is slipping away amidst a process of gradual refinement and civilization. As the tribe embraces modernity and adopts more sophisticated ways, there is an inherent risk of losing the distinctive elements that have long been the pulse of their cultural existence. As the people undertake the responsibility of safeguarding their cultural heritage, they are essentially safeguarding the legacy of their ancestors and the footprints of the bygone years. It becomes a pact with the past, a promise to the present, and a legacy for the future. Preserving heritage is not a stagnant act but an ever-evolving dialogue with time that invites us to actively participate in the unfolding story of our shared human experiences, because losing one’s own culture is more savage and painful than any type of tattooing.

Two Widows Found Love in Learning

William Emmanuel Loria

ho says age does matter?

In a world where age often dictates limitations, the inspiring story of a senior couple enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) challenges this notion with an unwavering determination and a thirst for lifelong learning. At 74 years old, both widowed and with grown children, this couple found love and companionship in each other's arms, embracing second chances in both love and education. Lucia Ontina and Santos Ontina, albeit in their seventies, are both enrolled in the ALS in Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS). From their humble beginnings in Bohol to their newfound life in Sto. Tomas after being wedded in 2023, their story exemplifies their resilience and the pursuit of their dreams, defying societal expectations of age and capability. “Honestly, I did not know how to read words before, but because of the Bible, I was able to learn single serves until I learned it all. My desire grew as I dreamed of becoming a preacher. I want to preach how good God is,” Nanay Lucia said. Despite facing challenges and the daunting task of returning to the classroom after many years, their shared aspiration to spread the word of God in English fuels their determination to go back to school. With graduation from Junior High School on the horizon, their story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that it is never too late to chase dreams and embrace second chances. “In between interludes of nightly silence, I thought that maybe I

Continuing SHS Education After 55 years

could give that childhood dream a second chance. I never thought that a great life awaits us here in Sto. Tomas as we travel here from Visayas,” Nanay Lucia added. Behind those grappling challenges, the couple remained resilient. They may be too old to attend school, but the opportunity to share the word of God with others in English remains their driving force to learn. The joy was even more profound when days from now they would be graduating from Junior High School. “It is my ultimate goal to speak in front of many people. That is why when Ma’am Ruth Tapia encouraged us to join, I did not hesitate the chance. I did not have any dilemma about what course to take. I was inspired by our ALS teachers who visited us and taught us to go back to school,” Tatay Santos Ontina explained. For years, they had been denied the privilege of education. The absence of classrooms and textbooks had become their norm. Yet, now, as they step back into the familiar environment of school, the opportunity to learn is within their reach. As the seasons changed, so did they. The uneducated past was fading, replaced by a hunger for knowledge. They were no longer crawling; they were running toward their goals. Education was their compass, pointing them toward a brighter future. And in that classroom, surrounded by others on similar journeys, they stumbled upon a newfound hope that attests to the saying: life is all about second chances.

Catherine Jude Royo

ike vintage wine, knowledge gets richer with time. People presume that education is something they could finish, but one man, albeit in his mid-seventies, challenged the notion. Fueled by the dreams that had evaded him in his youth, he worked earnestly just so he could lay his hands on his hard-earned diploma and bring pride to his family, regardless of being the oldest student in town.

This is the inspiring narrative of Tatay Ceferino Naldoza, a 71-year-old man who endured years of limited educational opportunities. Upon discovering the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS), which promised a chance to revive his educational aspirations, he felt a profound inspiration and eagerly embraced the opportunity to reenter the world of learning. There was only one thing in his mind: to make up for his lost dreams. “Because of this] Alternative Learning System, I was inspired to go back to school because it gave me the chance to finish my basic education, which had always been one of my dreams,” Naldoza said. However, beneath the facade of this dedicated man lies a life intricately woven with hardships and early-life struggles. His early years were spent moving from one relative to another as his parents could not provide him with the support that he needed. When he was a first grader, he resided at Agusan Del Norte and moved to Bohol in third grade. He spent his student life mostly at Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Sur, where he entered fourth grade and reached high school. “It was difficult, that is why I stopped going to school due to a lack of support. At six years old, I was already separated from my parents. I am the eldest among my siblings,” he said.

Special Child and Mother Share the same Roof of Learning

Yvonny Clauvin Maghari

aving a disability does not hinder one's ability to achieve his dreams. Despite facing challenges, even those who have special needs can harness their unique competencies and talents, transforming their disabilities into strengths. Behind every differently-abled child, there is a mother who assists and provides.

Evelyn Acebes, a 58-year-old mother to her disabled son, chose to take matters into her own hands by enrolling in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Sto. Tomas National High School (STNHS), being her son’s classmate to accompany him in his day-to-day affairs going to school. By assuming the dual roles of a mother and teacher, Evelyn became the driving force behind her son's education, determined to ensure that he would have the same opportunities as other children going to school. “I tried to make my son’s attendance at school consistent, though hard but I see to it that his secondary school made such an effort to make him welcome and get the most out of his time there,” Acebes said. Twenty-one-year-old Gingler has a learning disability. His behavior in the class can be of great challenge. However, he is generally very happy to join his classroom teachers in the Junior High School Alternative Learning System. Despite his infirmity, he always has a good relationship with them. His smile conveys happiness and cheerfulness to his classmates and the people around him. “I have no choice but to send him to school. He is very interested in finishing his secondary level. The only accessible

school of good reputation is Sto. Tomas National High School. I know Gingler has some particular needs and I could see him biome quite standoffish straightaway. I joined him, too. I enrolled as a JHS student so I can watch him and teach him as well,” Acebes said. At first, she found it difficult to provide the necessary support for him to thrive in the school environment. This highlights the importance of open communication and collaboration between parents, educators, and students with disabilities to ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place to facilitate their success. Despite the challenges they faced, including Gingler's particular needs and initial apprehension, Evelyn chose to join him in the journey. “I would always see to it that he won’t be absent in the class. As a PWD, he can’t be alone,” she added. Sometimes it was pretty upsetting and made her feel like some people were discriminating against Gingler because of his disability. Everyone has a right to an education. By embracing their differences and pursuing their aspirations relentlessly, they show that limitations are merely obstacles to overcome on the path to success. This mindset empowers him to reach

for the highest goals, recognizing that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances. Taking Flight “I want to become a pilot,” Gingler would say again and again. For Evelyn, these words became more than just a childhood dream—they were a beacon of possibility in a world often overshadowed by doubt and limitation. Who is she to hinder her son's desire? In her eyes, there was an unmistakable glimmer of hope—a belief that in time, her son would find his wings and soar. Evelyn's sacrifice is a timeless refrain. Despite the challenges posed by Gingler's disability, Evelyn refused to let it define his future. Turn their disability into an ability. As Gingler readies to spread his wings and soar, he does so with the knowledge that no dream is too big, no obstacle too daunting, as long as he has his mother's love to guide him.

4.4M

registed senior citizens as of March 1, 2024, which accounts for just 33% of the 12.2 million Filipinos that the PSA reported had reached 60 years old by March 2020.

Weathering the Storms To young Ceferino, being alone meant taking care of oneself, such as preparing one’s meals and doing one’s laundry. Without anyone to depend on, he took on the job of a padyak driver to support his daily needs. At the young age of 14, he would earn a meager one peso a day. From this amount, he would allocate 20 centavos to the owner of the padyak and use the remaining 80 centavos to meet his daily sustenance needs. Despite his youth, he learned to rely on his efforts to survive, simultaneously working and pursuing his studies. This was the life he had been accustomed to for two years. “Of course, I was influenced by others. Most of my classmates at that time were far from their parents,” Naldoza explained. However, as he approached his last year in high school, an obstacle arose that prevented him from finishing his studies aside from his parents’ inability to support him throughout his education. During his fourth year, there was a mandatory requirement to attend the Preparatory Military Training (PMT). However, he was overwhelmed by fear as the training involved preparing students for military service. This fear ultimately led him to make the difficult decision of

quitting school. “We were enlisted to join a graduation requirement for our fourth year. Instead of going home, we will be brought to the camp for military training. I was terrified. If I weren’t that scared, I would have already attended school,” Naldoza said. In 1969, he moved to Davao and worked as a bread courier for Chinese bakeries downtown. Three years later and still in the city, his marriage opened new avenues in his life. He was no longer solely responsible for himself but had a loving family that would unconditionally support him. He looked for a job at Sto. Tomas, Davao Del Norte, and eventually secured a job as a laborer at Marsman Drysdale Agribusiness Group Compound, he was determined to provide his children with the opportunities he had once been denied. Unveiling Dreams In the vibrant array of educational endeavors at Sto. Tomas National High School, Tatay Ceferino Naldoza's story did not only testify resilience but to Evelyn Acebes as well proving that learning knows no age boundaries. “I am inspired to pursue school to inspire my children, that education is very important," Acebes narrated in Binisaya. At the public market, 58-year-old Evelyn Acebes makes a living by selling fruits and vegetables. Tending to her stall, she carries another weighty responsibility—her pursuit of education. Juggling self-learning modules alongside the demands of her business, Evelyn diligently studies under her stall umbrella. Much like Tatay Ceferino, her unwavering determination and devoted efforts enable her to overcome challenges, as she makes sacrifices to carve out opportunities that promise a brighter future for her loved ones. To students like them whose only dream is to finish their studies to bring pride to their families, they are fully aware that even though the journey is challenging and the climb steep, the promise of fulfillment and growth stands as a guide to each step. Tatay Ceferino’s unwavering dedication bore fruit as he joyfully witnessed each of his children completing their education. Undoubtedly, with commitment and perseverance, one can turn one’s dreams into reality. People think of education as something they could finish, but in truth, education is not a race with a finish line; it is an unending journey where each step adds richness, depth, and character, much like the aging of a fine wine. Age is not a barrier; it is the seasoning that enhances the flavors of wisdom. One must uncork the potential within oneself because in the world of learning, there is no final sip, only a continuous pour of knowledge and growth. One thing is for certain: lifelong learning is an unending quest, turning curiosity into wisdom with every step.