A first-ever cultural event for this poor and remote Zamboanga del Norte community
Residents of Tamarok in the municipality of Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte recently held a two-day celebration of “Araw ng Tamarok” (Tamarok Day), the first for this barangay (the smallest political unit in the Philippines, named after the large “balanghai” boats of early Malay settlers in the archipelago) since its creation in 1984. For 22 years, barangay officials held back their desire for such a celebration primarily due to unavailability of funds.
Composed mostly of Subanon indigenous people communities, Barangay Tamarok derives income only from community taxes and agricultural produce that are barely enough to feed their families.
TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. (TVIRD), which began rapid assessment activities in the area early this year, has perked up small businesses like “sari-sari” (variety) stores and “habal-habal” (motorcycles for ferrying passengers). Meanwhile, a handful of Subanons are now employed by the company, assisting in social programs initiated by TVIRD’s Community Relations Unit.
The festivities included a parade of officials and residents around the community, an induction ceremony of the Subano Women’s Association, parlor games, “supot” (modern) and “labawan” (native) dance contests, carabao racing and horse fighting, as well as a cultural show, all of which were well attended despite intermittent heavy rainfall.
Tamarok Barangay Chairman Lorido Temonio and Timuay Maximo Tigon, the traditional tribal chieftain of Jose Dalman town, expressed gladness that the long sought-after celebration was a resounding success.
“Nalipay kaayo ako nga napahigayon na gayud ang pagsaulog sa among araw nga daghan-daghan na nga tuig nga among gihulat nga mahitabo. (I am so happy that we are finally able to celebrate our `Araw’ that we have waited for so many years to happen),” Temonio said.
“Ako mapasalamaton sa TVI tungod kay dako ug gikatabang ang kompanya aron mapahigayon gayud ang unang selebrasyon sa among araw. Dako kaayo ang suporta nga gihatag niini alang sa maong kalihokan. (I am thankful to TVI for helping us celebrate our `Araw’ for the first time. The company gave us tremendous support for the said activity),” Temonio added.
For Timuay Tigon, the presence of TVIRD in their area would definitely help in the development of their barangay as well as the municipality itself and in its economic growth. The community has expressed support for a full-blown mining operations in Tamarok, having witnessed first hand the responsible mining practices of TVIRD during a tour of its Canatuan Project over at Siocon town, also in Zamboanga del Norte
“Salamat gayud kaayo sa TVI. (Thank you very much to TVI),” Tigon said during an informal gathering with members of the Council of Elders.
Prizes for all the games and contests were donated by TVIRD.
Tamarok was named after the first “lumad” (native) in the area, Arok. It is said that people who came to visit the place would often ask “Ta ma si Arok?” (Subanon for “Where is Arok?”). The barangay got its official name on August 29, 1984.
