In prayer for a bountiful cropping season, “Semeyaan” is a yearly cultural practice and tradition of the Menuvu Kirinteken-Ilentungen. This year, we in Samdhana Institute, were fortunate to participate in the three-days gathering in Sezukadang community in CADT 206 in Southern Bukidnon.

A very important annual ritual, the community especially prepares for it in advance. Even some of the children set aside a hen to contribute to the offering.

Other Kirinteken-Ilentungen clans join in celebration and solidarity. This year, clan members from different communities such as Inlansang, Inator, Degebdeb, Adtuyon, Maulawe, and Merey-merey which are still within CADT 202, came to celebrate with them. Other family relatives and guests came from Bekbaken, Kipagnaan and Betangan, from the neighboring ancestral domain of CADT202.

This cultural practice and tradition bring communities together intimately, especially in recalling their shared roots. It is also a venue to engage partners like Samdhana, to be more grounded and culturally aware of Indigenous Peoples' beliefs.

During the three days, different rituals honored several aspects of their life. Thanksgiving was done for the spring water source and its guardian spirits. Another ritual was offered to their Apo (ancestors), and to Magbabaya (God) for good health and protection all throughout the year.

Samdhana Staff spent time listening, sharing and learning with the women, leaders and to the young people. Good conversations happened over turmeric tea which the Sezukadang women produced. 

Despite conflicts and threats inside their ancestral domain, Semeyaan is a living image of tribal communities that they still have more to be thankful for. It defines how lively and rich the Menuvu culture is in Southern Bukidnon.

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