THE MOST PRECIOUS JEWEL IN OZAMIZ CITY

Gold, diamond, gems and stones – these are some of the things that enter into our minds upon hearing the word “JEWEL”. These are abundant in some areas in the country. Jewels are precious. It has a price and it needs to be treasured and protected. Ozamiz City is not known for these material jewels, rather, it is known for its unique form of jewel. Neither a stone nor a gem. The jewel I am referring to is the most precious of all, the Subanons.

Subanon came from the “suba” which means river. They are actually called as river people since the lived on the riverside. It originated in Molave (formerly called as Salug Valley), Zamboanga del Sur.

Subanon people love their culture so much. Unlike the people in the urban areas, they are neither shy nor afraid to wear their traditional costumes; instead, they are proud of it. Their favorite colors are red, white and black which is obvious depicted in their costumes. They also love to do handicrafts like weaving baskets and the like and this is one of their livelihood.

Most of the Subanons are illiterate. However, it was never been a hindrance to them to live life with dignity as each day comes. Fortunately, there were also some Subanons who were blessed to go to school and study. Upon the knowledge they learned, some of them formed organizations within their tribe who will be teaching the fellow tribal community. Isn't that great?

With regard to their marriage culture, the parents of the man will look for a girl that their son will marry. The Subanons practice polygamy and polyandry but they are not allowed to marry the nearest relatives nor having separation with their spouse/s. If the couples agreed to have only 1 or 2 child, the wife eats a herb benayan after giving birth. If they desire to have birth spacing, she eats 2 herbs. But they decided not to bear children anymore, she has to eat more. The husbands believed that it is a greater blessing if the will bear daughters than sons because they will be able to recover the dowry that they paid for their wife. There is a general belief of Subanons that all human beings should marry.

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Ozamiz City has given treasure to the Subanons. In every big celebration in the city, Subanen dances are always present and it also showcases the Subanon's traditional costume. Some competitions are held in to select the best group who performed the Subanen dance. The same dance is also included during the Search for Ms. Tourism Ozamiz which are being featured through the candidates. Aside from that, because of the Subanon Tribe, the government of Ozamiz decided to have on festival for the city and they come up with "Subanen Keg Subayen Festival"

But eventhough Subanen culture is integrated in every activity of the city, people missed to appreciate its beauty. For them, it is very boring. They don't care at all. And the worst thing about it is that they are just very watchful of the faults that the dancers might commit and after the said event, the community is flooded with negative comments and backbites.

Knowing the fact that people happened to act in this manner, it gives a challenge to each of us to change this kind of behavior. It could have been much better if after or even during the event, the audience would have to be eager in knowing the important facts and details about the Subanon people and their culture. 

Me, as a tourism student should also have to be aware of the social issues towards the Subanon culture. I must help in promoting the tribe and the culture for it is the most precious jewel that we have in our city.