Sambuokan, Mati’s show of unity
CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental – All roads will lead to this resplendent, windswept city as its local government is now ready to welcome influx of visitors who wish to take part in the week-long Sambuokan Festival, the city’s spectacular show and celebration of unparalleled unity among its different tribal groups.
The festival will kick off on October 22 with City of Mati Mayor Carlo Rabat and Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon leading the opening ceremonies.
The two officials said the Sambuokan Festival is about nurturing and showcasing the peaceful co-existence among different tribal groups in Mati, adding that it is also a spectacular show of design excellence and product innovation and unparalleled creativity of Mandaya, Calagan and Christian tribes who will give life to the show by weaving their sacred clothes mostly from abaca pieces that embody their culture and traditions.
The mutual commitment among organizers of the show is a milestone as the festival celebrates not only peace and prosperity but it will also showcase the ingenuity and artisanship of Mati’s different tribal groups.
Aside from the joyous and colorful street-dancing, visitors will also see a collection of décor pieces, gift items, furniture, furnishings and fashion accessories that reflects the dynamic fusion of traditions and culture, with the locals’ artistry and enterprise and with an added touch of glamour. Each highlighted product plays up form, color, shape, texture and material that demonstrates the skill, innovation and commitments that go into its creation.
Rabat and Malanyaon, who are strong partners in good governance, said the festival that features the local’s inspirations and aspirations is also a tribute to generations of peace-loving tribal people and Christian settlers who have contributed to transform Mati as a peaceful and progressive place today.
Both officials said they join hands because they and their people are in pursuit of one dream of making Mati a prosperous city and a new tourism destination in the Philippines.
Mati’s Mount Hami- guitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is Davao Oriental’s crown jewel, has just been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
Mt. Hamiguitan is the first and only place in Mindanao to have earned such a unique and a highly prestigious distinction.
Mati is an eye-opening destination that will help you find what is really most important in life. The resplendent landscape and seascape of Mati, a wind-swept city south of Mindanao, will give you an exciting and powerful experience that can change forever your outlook on nature. You will fall in love with its lovely sea and the treasure troves of riches beneath its surface. Its myriad forest, lush mountain peaks, verdant ravines, waterfalls and cool coastal areas down to the coral reefs, sea grass beds, the mangrove forests, plus the lakes and rivers that breeds an impressive array of plant and animal species are the most enjoyable reasons for coming. FERDINAND ZUASOLA/PIO