17/08/2026
🌿✨ KO KALB**G TO SASATO, KDEE TU MAGKET, SALU GATU DI B**G KAFYE! ✨🌿
“Together as ONE, We Prosper, We Soar High!”
The Alabel Municipal Indigenous Peoples Affairs Office (AMIPAO) officially kicked off the preparation for the Search for Gten Libun di Alabel 2026 through an Orientation for the 14 Barangay Representatives held on August 16, 2026, at the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist. 🌾
This September 9, 2026, 14 proud representatives from the 14 barangays of Alabel will come together—not only to compete, but to showcase the identity, knowledge, beauty, values, and cultural heritage of our Indigenous Peoples. ❤️🌿
As part of the preparation, the aspiring Gten Libun were immersed in the richness of Blaan and Tagakaulo culture, emphasizing that true beauty is rooted in knowledge, identity, tradition, and pride in one’s heritage.
🎙️ Our guest speaker, Sir Kenny Mark S. Kasaligan, LPT a proud Blaan from Malungon, Sarangani Province, shared his knowledge and passion for the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) of the Blaan people.
A member of Kagten Blaan and Kabpapagariya Ensemble, a winner of National Music Competition for Young Artists, Philippine delegate to the Kagoshima Asian Youth Arts Festival 2023, and recipient of the MSU-General Santos City University Distinction Awardee for Music 2025, Sir Kenny emphasized that culture is not simply inherited—it is something that must be learned, practiced, preserved, and passed on to the next generation. 🎶🌱
The participants were introduced to the living expressions of Blaan culture:
👗 Saul/Albung Blaan (Blaan Attire) — the colorful and intricately hand-embroidered Blaan attire adorned with beads and brass, reflecting identity, artistry, and ancestral tradition.
💃 Aral Blaan (Blaan Dances) — traditional Blaan dances performed during rituals, celebrations, and gatherings, carrying stories and meanings from one generation to another.
🎶 Dad Kalyak Funi (Blaan Instruments) — traditional Blaan instruments crafted from natural materials and used in music, rituals, and cultural celebrations.
🧺 Dad Kalyak Blaan (Blaan Arts and Crafts) — Blaan arts and crafts, including traditional baskets and fais, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and the connection of the people to their everyday life and environment.
📖 Flalok (Storytelling) — the tradition of storytelling, preserving wisdom, history, experiences, and lessons through generations.
🗣️ Malem (Chant)— traditional chanting that carries the voice, memory, and cultural expressions of the Blaan people.
The activity was also graced by our Indigenous Peoples leaders and partners, including the Deputy Mayor for IP, Tribal Chieftain Bai Imelda Cahumnas of Barangay Alegria; Fulung Cencio Mayora of Barangay Domolok; Fulung Garito Domingo of Barangay Tokawal; Fulung Carlo T***n of Barangay Maribulan; and Fulung Roland Salway of Barangay Bagacay.
Also present were Barangay IPMR Biya Josephine Nonggod, Municipal Tribal Secretary Bai Lo**ta Antonio, Pageant Coordinator Sir Benjie Malagante, the Municipal Agriculturist Ma'am Giselle C. Gestupa, MPA and Ma’am Angel Kate S. Bok, LPT.
🤝 Adding meaning to this cultural journey, the Kasagbet Dad Lamnok di Alabel—the youth representatives from different barangays—will also take part in presenting their cultural drama for the upcoming 13th Indigenous Peoples Day, strengthening the role of the youth as bearers and future guardians of Indigenous culture. 🌿👣
This is more than a pageant.
This is more than a competition.
👑 Gten Libun di Alabel 2026 is a celebration of who we are.
A celebration of our culture.
A celebration of our ancestry.
A celebration of our women and youth.
A celebration of our Indigenous identity.
Because when our young people know their culture, they know who they are.
And when we preserve our heritage together, we strengthen the future of our community. ❤️🌿
14 Barangays. 14 Representatives. ONE Indigenous Pride. 👑🌿
📅 September 9, 2026
👑 Search for Gten Libun di Alabel 2026
