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Distinguished Guests. (From L to R): Ipil SB Member Alberto Alcoriza, Evelyn Monasterio, Mayor George Cainglet, Siay IPA Cordinator Cerila Ojas, Roland Alibon-Margosatubig, Col. Valentino Edang, Myrna Edang, Kabasalan IPA Coordinator Salome Onto. (Sitting): Siay DCI-Parish Priest and Diocese of Ipil IPA Director Rev. Fr. Laure Helar.
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Executive approval. Municipal mayor Hon. George Cainglet dedicates a plaque of appreciation to TVIRD Public Affairs Officer Evelyn Monasterio for supporting and emceeing the event.
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The judges’ table. (From L to R): Mrs. Myrna Edang, Kabasalan HR Officer Alice Sarmiento and Balabag Officer-in-Charge Col. (Ret) Valentino Edang.
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Performers showcased a spiritual Muslim dance to seek good health and fight evil spirits. The ritual is also intended to drive away catastrophes.
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The community people’s theater group of Zamboanga Sibugay, Mga Magdudula sa Sidlakang Mindanaw, rendered a production number during the grand awards night. Previously, the group received training from the Philippine Educational Theatre Association in Pagadian City – which was sponsored by TVIRD in September 2012.
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Unity in Diversity. The Subanen tribe, one of the many cultures represented during Kabasalan’s anniversary program, went on to win the grand awards. Previously, the collective Subanen leadership granted TVIRD the social license to operate in Bayog.
TVIRD-supported “Gabii sa mga Tipaka sa Kagahapon” culminates Kabasalan’s 78th Founding Anniversary
Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur / February 2015 – In recent history, the Municipality of Kabasalan has undergone various transitions that melded cultural diversity into a progressive roadmap for the development of its citizens. Acknowledging this – and the common development roadmap it also shares with the town – TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) supported the commemoration of Kabasalan’s 78th Founding Anniversary, which culminated after a week-long celebration last February 17 in the town’s gymnasium.
The grand awards night, titled “Gabi sa mga Tipaka sa Kagahapon” (Glimpses ot the Past), showcased talents on native “balak” (poetic literature), “harana” (serenade) and “sayaw” (dances) that were judged by representatives of ethnic groups from neighboring municipalities. The event had a significant impact to both Kabasaleños and visitors, bringing forth a renewed realization of union, respect and peace despite differences in culture and religion.
“The real difference is making a difference. And this is the night – a simple yet totally different (celebration) of Kabasalan’s heritage,” said Mayor George Cainglet on the sidelines of the culminating event. He also cited TVRD’s support among partners and guests in the town’s thriving economic activity today.
Kabasalan is a first-class municipality whose population brought about a thriving economy primarily driven by rubber plantations.
Cultural diversity
The week-long celebration highlighted the town’s unity in addressing various challenges and diversity. It also underscored the harmonious relationship of its citizens who belong to diverse cultural groups composed of Ilocano, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Zamboangueño, Waray, Cebuano, Chavacano, Waray, Bol-anon, Bicolano and Chinese ethnicities. Also represented were both the Catholic and Muslim faiths as well as the indigenous Subanen tribe.
“This (mix of cultures) is very interesting and I thank every Kabasaleño for participating – no matter what tribe we are in. Let us continue to be proud of our origins and let us be proud to be a Kabasaleño,” proclaimed Mayor Cainglet.
The town’s commemoration of its foundation day was spearheaded primarily by the municipal government and by different stakeholders in the community, including the religious and business sectors, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the municipality’s constituents.
Emerging industry
TVIRD is located in a 4,779-hectare Mineral Processing Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area that spans the town of Bayog as well as Barangays Lacnapan, Peñaranda and Siolan in Kabasalan Municipality. Once its gold and silver operations come on-stream, the company expects to bring both employment and livelihood opportunities to the town’s communities.
In cooperation with the Sibugay Provincial Government, TVIRD undertakes a joint commitment to protect the environment. Gov. Wilter Palma specifically emphasized Sibuguey River’s conservation, being the source of water that irrigates thousands of hectares in the province’s rice granaries.
In 2014, the company entered into a memorandum of agreement with the indigenous Subanens, effectively earning a social license to operate from the host tribe – in addition to approvals given by both provincial and municipal governments to develop mineral resources in the area.
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