SCHOOL-BASED B’LAAN DAY

𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 I 𝐍𝐒𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐁’𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐏 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 ‘𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝’ 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬—Lean Dave T. Monday, Secretary of Barangay Sinawal, delivered an inspiring message during the B’laan Day celebration at New Society National High School (NSNHS), encouraging Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners not to feel ashamed of their cultural heritage.

Monday emphasized the importance of embracing one’s tribe, dialect, and identity, saying that these elements are vital to shaping their journey and success in life.

“Never be ashamed of who you are and where you come from. Your culture will guide you toward your aspirations,” the government servant expressed.

The school-based celebration was held on July 21, 2025, a day ahead of the city’s official observance of B’laan Day, which carries the theme “Echoes of the Past, Vision of Tomorrow” (Uเลng Di Muna, Gnafat Di Santuan).

The event served as a platform for showcasing B’laan culture and instilling pride among Indigenous youth while fostering understanding and inclusivity among the broader student body.

The barangay secretary also encouraged non-IP students to actively participate in the event, noting that such celebrations foster appreciation and respect for the beauty and diversity of Indigenous cultures.

“Witnessing and understanding these traditions will deepen your appreciation of the unique cultural heritage of our IP brothers and sisters,” he added.

Andrea Faith R. Acut