MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/27 Sept) -- The indigenous peoples of Bukidnon and the Maranaos of neighboring Lanao province sealed a peace pact prior to the coming of the Spaniards, Bukidnon artist-researcher Erlow Talatala said.

Only Bukidnon's story during the Spaniard's conquest is known to the people of Bukidnon that is why his team researched on the matter and chose it for the exhibit, Talatala told MindaNews in a recent interview.

Even then, the Moro and Lumads  in Mindanao have already worked for peace. "That is not quite known among people today," he said.

Talatala, himself a Lumad from the Bukidnon tribe, said in a statement that "the history of Malaybalay (or the Province of Bukidnon) is indebted with a beautiful tapestry of events, that to put into oblivion her rich heritage in terms of ethnic culture, unadulterated practices, norms and values would render into futility the sacrifices and sufferings of our forebears".  

Talatala dubbed his exhibit "Salobsob" (native word for spring)  which he said is the pre-Hispanic name of present-day Malaybalay City.  

Talatala said the exhibit will showcase the “true history, origin, rich culture and local heroes” of Malaybalay, the name used until 1917 to refer to the whole area of what is now known as the Province of Bukidnon.

He said starting next year, the exhibit will be staged in time for the annual celebration of the "Araw ng Malaybalay''  (Foundation Day of Malaybalay).

In a statement, Talatala said “the true history of Malaybalay is as old as two swords, the Bukidnon sword ‘Menangkabao’ and the Moro sword ‘Alimpasay.’”

"Before the Spaniards came, the natives of Bukidnon and the Maranaos knew about the great, brave and powerful datus who ruled the provinces of Lanao and Bukidnon, an area they called Tekala-an, now in present-day Talakag, Bukidnon," the statement said.

"These datus were led by Mansiquiabo, who was called a prophet (Kuloban) because he could foretell what would happen in the future."

The Lumad and Moro tribes were involved in years of territorial and economic conflicts, he said, but after years of disagreement, a peace treaty ceremony was held known as the "Tampuda Hu Balagon '' ("the cutting of the vine") using a length of thin yet strong rattan vine.

In order to make known and seal their peace treaty, Sultan Alimpasay, leader of the Moro army and Bukidnon ruler, Datu Mansiquiabo, exchanged swords, said Talatala who added that he saw the Moro sword in the hands of Mansiquiabo's successor.

Talatala narrated that Mansiquiabo left the sword to his people as a treasure to be respected and honored for it is a memory of the peace treaty between the Moro and the Lumad leaders.  (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews) 

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