To recognize and pay homage to all known existing Balyans in the province, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental launched a distinctive Photo Exhibit called “Balyan Sang Dabaw Oryental” on October 15, 2022, at Subangan Museum, Provincial Tourism Complex, Mati City. This is also in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month, which takes place every October, and the Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day, which will be held on October 29, 2022.
Balyans, often called Babaylans, are Filipino Shamans who reside in certain areas of Davao Oriental. They are highly acknowledged in their communities for having the power to communicate, appease or harness the spirits of the dead and the spirits of nature. There are currently 24 validated Balyans in the province, with more needing to be identified and documented. As part of the province’s remembrance of Museums and Galleries Month (MGM), the exhibit also strives to celebrate these Balyans appropriately for their distinction and honor well beyond their typical roles as spiritual leaders and community healers.
During the event, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay echoed his appreciation to the provincial government for holding such a remarkable undertaking. He declared that this initiative is a superb illustration of the local governments’ outstanding ability to engage proactively in reminding all Filipinos to cultivate a strong sense of national identity and a profound appreciation for cultural diversity.
“Thank you, Governor Malanyaon, for pushing this project. Indeed this is truly remarkable; this is one of its kind. We do not have this in all other regions all over the country. The Balyan is the last of our traditions that we really are very proud of, that we really have to push this in the center stage”, Casaysay pronounced.
Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the Balyans for attending the event to inaugurate the exhibit during her address. She also emphasized that one of her major projects is to strengthen assistance for the tribes in the province.
“It’s about time that we share our culture with the world,” Governor Malanyaon proudly exclaimed as she bared plans on how to further the cause of promoting the culture and traditions of the people of Davao Oriental.
The Governor announced that plans are underway by the provincial government to open new museums at Pusan Point, Caraga, Davao Oriental, which would highlight the Mandaya Heritage, and Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental, which will do the same for the Kagan Heritage.
“Our culture is really our treasure, and we should be proud of our heritage,” Malanyaon added. She also encouraged everyone to participate in the efforts to preserve the precious culture and heritage of the province.
Also present during the opening of the exhibit are Department of Tourism – 11 Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Vice Governor Niño Sotero Uy, Provincial Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Eleuterio C. Manaytay, and other Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The Balyan Sang Dabaw Oryental Exhibit will be on display up until December 15, 2022. Everyone is welcome to visit and view the exhibit at Subangan Museum on the second floor from Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. By Francis Moyoko Butulan, Photos by Mark Oliver Alvite
