SIKAT | NURTURING CHILDREN WITH CULTURES AND TRADITIONS

Philippines have 7,100 islands and home of many tribes. In every place there are traditions and cultures to follow. Modernization is very fast like here in the Philippines. New trends of outfit, high-tech gadgets and civilization are very fast paced. What will happen if our traditions and cultures will fade? How can we help to preserve our cultures and traditions?

I am proud to accept that I come from a Bagobo tribe. I may not be a pure Bagobo, since my grandfather was a native Chinese and my grandmother was a Bagoba, but I can speak and understand Bagobo dialect. I will do my best to preserve and keep my tribe. 

When we visited Lake Sebu, we had the chance to visit the T’boli School of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions. I learned that this school was run by a private individual whose fund was coming from different kind hearted sponsors and by selling handicrafts. The school is located at Lembanig Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The school aims to teach the children and at the same time to study the t’boli traditions in order to preserve their heritage. With the help of the tribal elders, the students were properly guided to follow the tradition. Through the help of Department of Education, TSIKAT school follows the basic curriculum.

The school building was made of bamboo and the roof was covered by cogon grass. Different kinds of t’boli crafts or “gamit” were displayed in the building from kitchen utensils, music instruments and among others.

Many t’boli ladies were making souvenirs like bracelets and necklaces which were for sale to support the school. I met also the weaver of t’nalak in the school.

How to get there ?

By Air

1 hour and forty five (45) minutes flight using Manila-General Santos-Manila direct flight or Fifty five (55) minutes flight using Cebu-GeneralSantos-Cebu Route with connecting flights from key cities when you are in the Visayas. 

By Land - Bus Ride

From Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, ride a bus going to Gensan (There are 2 bus companies plying to Gensan, Holiday Bus and Yellow Bus Line). A 3-hour ride for 1-stop Digos regular aircon and less than 3 hours for executive class bus.

Another 2-hour ride by bus from General Santos to Surallah, South Cotabato which is the jump off point to Lake Sebu. 

Land - Jeepney/Van

One (1) hour ride by jeepney/van from Surallah to Poblacion Lake Sebu. Get a skylab or habal-habal as a major transport vehicle in Lake Sebu.

Fare:

Executive Class | Davao – Gensan – P300.00

Regular Aircon | Davao – Gensan – P190.00

Regular Bus | Gensan - Marbel - P80.00

Regular Bus | Marbel - Surallah - P30.00

Van | Surallah - Lake Sebu - P50.00

If you need a tour guide in visiting Lake Sebu, kindly contact Roy Ungkal, accredited by Municipal Tourism of lake Sebu.

Cellphone no. 09066931745