By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Mindanao leg of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games is set on Oct. 11 to 12 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte with the organizing Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) looking to provide the “natives” of the region fun-filled activities.
The second leg features numerous disciplines like Pintik, Bangkaw, Bag-ud, Sudsud (Female), and Takyang (Female). Indigenous Race, Tug of War, Fire Making, Lubok-Humay, and Unahik/Palosebo/Katkat Kawayan are also on tap in the two-day event.
More than 500 participants coming from 11 municipalities – namely Nasipit, Las Nieves, Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Carmen, Jabonga, Tubay, Santiago, Kitcharao, Remedio T. Romualdez (RTR), and Butuan City are expected to take part at the Buenavista Central Elementary School.
“Importante ‘yong mga gantong event, para ‘yong kultura natin hindi mawala sa atin,” said PSC commissioner Fritz Gaston during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus, the session starts at 10:30 a.m.
Also part of the plan is to expand the IP Games and create a national leg of the annual tournament.
“Sabi nga ni Senator Loren Legarda gusto nya magkaroon ng national [leg], she already requested it,” he added.
Sen. Legarda chairs the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts.
“It’s going to be a big boost sa mga katutubo natin, pati narin sa mga kabataan na gusto makaalam ng mga indigenous sports na ito,” Gaston continued.
