On August 23, 2023, the people of Barangay
Gumalang came together to commemorate the seventh annual Indigenous People's
Day (IP Day). Gumalang, a barangay in the Baguio District of Davao, is a living
symbol of the rich cultural diversity that makes up the Indigenous population
of the area. When compared to its adjacent barangays, Gumalang stands out due
to its long tradition of acceptance and tolerance. At the turn of the century,
Datu Moncay Maylan Lindasan and his people—including Obo Manobo, Bagobo Klata,
and Ata—called this area home. Datu Moncay Lindasan's openness to different
cultures allowed the Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, Tausug, and even the Ilocanos to
settle there throughout time. These many communities have created a blend of
contemporary Gumalang, creating links that represent the very definition of
diversity in unity.
Traditional dances and other cultural
performances stunned guests as the celebrations began. The people of Gumalang
see this day as more than simply a reason to party; it is also a confirmation
of their membership in the "tribu," a term that describes the
community's common heritage and ideals.