I believe that the strength and progress of a nation depend upon the health, fitness, and productivity of its people. I believe that sports and physical activity are vital components in developing a healthy, strong, and productive citizenry. I truly believe that a sports for all program that is relevant and responsive to the needs and interests of every sector of society to include the indigenous peoples is the key to global peace, unity, wellness and people empowerment.

DEVELOPING A CULTURALLY-BASED SPORTS FOR ALL PROGRAM FOR WELLNESS AND PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF MINDANAO PROF. HENRY C. DAUT Faculty, College of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY Marawi City

MINDANAO THE LAND OF PROMISE

MINDANAO 2 nd biggest island in the Philippines Rich Natural Resources Home to the tri-people * Migrant Christians * Muslims (Islamized Indigenous groups) * Lumads * Home to more than 18 indigenous groups (Lumads) Armed Conflicts Abbu Sayaf

LUMADS OF MINDANAO Lumad – a Visayan (Cebuano) word that means “native” or “Indigenous”.

Indigenous Groups of People in Mindanao 1. Ata2. Manguwangan 3. Bagobo4. Manobo 5. Banwaon6. Mansaka 7. B’laan8. Subanon 9. Bukidnon10. Tagakaolo 11. Dibabawon12. Kalagan 13. Higaonon14. Tiboli 15. Mamanwa16. Teduray 17. Mandaya18. Ubo

Way of living Farming Fishing Hunting Belief in gods and spirits Animistic

General Activities Working to gather food Cultural rites Cultural festivities Traditional songs, music, dances, sports and games

Problems and Concerns of Indigenous People of Mindanao Education Health Land Ownership Armed Conflicts Self-determination (in accordance with own culture and customary laws) Poverty (Economic) Social Acceptance

Sports for All Program As instrument in promoting wellness and people empowerment among indigenous people.

The strength and progress of a nation depend upon the wellness and productivity of its people. The promotion and development of a healthy, fit, and strong citizenry can be achieved by providing opportunity for individuals to participate in wholesome, sports and physical activities not only for the greater majority but including the cultural minorities.

A true sports for all concept is an inclusive program that does not discriminate others from the benefits of participation in sports and physical activity.

An effective sports for all program responds to the needs and interests of the people it serves including the needs and interests of indigenous people.

A culturally based sports for all program is the key in the promotion of wellness and people empowerment among indigenous people of Mindanao.

A culturally based sports for all program allows for the preservation and propagation of indigenous games and sports.

A culturally based sports for all program recognizes the uniqueness of the indigenous people and their culture and value their contributions to society.

To be inclusive, a sports for all program should make possible the integration of culturally rich physical activities, games and sports in its program of activities.

A culturally relevant and successful sports for all program requires the active participation and leadership of the indigenous people to promote not just wellness and recreation but most significantly empowerment.

Developing a culturally-based sports for all program for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao The Process

Stage 1.Knowing the People and Culture Understanding the people and their culture is a prerequisite in determining their needs and interests and developing programs and activities that are appropriate, acceptable, and adaptable to their culture and way of life.

Stage 2. Partnering with the Community and its Leaders Community involvement and partnership with its leaders are vital components in developing trust, respect and acceptance in the introduction of new programs that are alien to their culture and practices.

Stage 3. Identification and Training of Program Leaders Developing leaders from among the indigenous people is the key to people empowerment that provides opportunity for greater role and responsibility in shaping the kind of program that will truly fit the culture of the people.

Stage 4. Program Planning and Organization Considerations: –Community Involvement –Target Participants –Cultural Values and Practices –Belief Systems –Acceptable Physical Activities –Traditional Games and Sports –Values and Benefits –Facilities and Equipment and the Environment

Stage 5.Program Awareness and Promotion Adequate educational and awareness campaign on the value and benefits of the program will enhance support and greater participation among the people.

Stage 6.Program Implementation and Supervision Successful implementation and supervision of the program for maximum participation and continuity requires commitment and dedication on the part of the leaders.

Stage 7.Program Documentation and Evaluation Documentation provides the basis for proper evaluation and review of the program for revision to meet the needs of the people.

The Role of the University in Promoting Sports For All Movement among the Indigenous People of Mindanao

Initiate extension activities to promote sports for all program among indigenous people of Mindanao. Provide manpower resources in the development of a culturally based sports for all program. Assist in training and developing program leaders from among the indigenous people. Establish strong partnerships with indigenous communities and leaders in promoting the sports for all program.

Adopt a Community Program A Pilot Program of the College of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Mindanao State University Marawi City

Objectives Establish linkages with indigenous communities in Mindanao Provide programs and activities related to sports, physical education, recreation, fitness and dance. Promote peace, unity and understanding among people through SPEARD. Provide a venue for cultural exchange and awareness. Conduct research on traditional sports, and games, dances and songs of the indigenous group Conduct seminar clinics in selected sports Provide leadership training among the youth on program planning and development

Program of Activities Cultural Awareness and Immersion Seminar Clinic on Modern Sports and Games Physical Fitness and Exercise Activities Leadership Training for the Youth Recreational Activities for children and the community Learning of indigenous games, dances, songs and musical instruments Socials

There is a need to go beyond the conduct of physical activities and sports among the indigenous people as an attraction for promotional purposes. Conclusion

It is time to truly provide the indigenous people the opportunity to exercise their God-given rights to participate in activities that will enhance their health and quality of life.

Developing and promoting a culturally based sports for all program that is relevant, acceptable, and adaptable to the culture and environment is a step towards recognizing and valuing the indigenous people’s existence and contribution to society.

Sports for all program is a viable endeavor that will contribute significantly in developing an empowered and healthy people and strong nation that includes the indigenous peoples.

They have waited too long and suffered a lot from neglect or lack of attention. Should they wait longer to experience the benefits of participating in the sports for all program that the greater majority enjoy?

Faces of the Future

We can keep them waiting or We can begin to make a difference TODAY! NOW!

Thank you very much!