Governor Pacquiao and wife visit historic Maitum caves, show appreciation to MunaTo Festival's origin

 

MAITUM, Sarangani (November 8, 2022) – Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, together with his wife, Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) of Sarangani, Inc. President Jobelle Pacquiao paid a visit to Ayub and Saliling caves in Maitum on November 7.

Accordingly, Ayub and Saliling caves in Barangay Pinol were among the first significant archeological sites discovered in Sarangani.

Board Member Jose Tranquilino Ruiz said, during the exploration of some archaeologists years ago, they found unique jars here that were unusual compared to some historical jars and pots discovered in some places in the country.

The said jars, which were dated to the Metal Age about 5 B.C. to 225 A.D., served as burial places where the skeletal remains of deceased individuals were transferred.

Unlike their normal, round counterparts, the jars found in Ayub and Saliling caves were more sophisticated and artistic, depicting the face and body of the person buried in the artifact.

The head-shaped covers portray different kinds of facial expressions: sadness, joy, and contentment. The heads were either plain, perforated, or coated with red and black paint.

The form of the jars follows the sex of the deceased person, with female remains placed in receptacles with breast-like forms, while males have male genital-like projections at the base of the jars.

The remaining artifacts recovered here are now displayed in the National Museum.

According to Ruiz, "the anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum give clues to Mindanao’s early history and that of the Philippines as a whole."

"Based on the timeline of the early history of the Philippines, the jars discovered in Pinol are older than those of the Manunggul jars found in Palawan," which supports Ruiz's statement that "the first people in Southeast Asia may originate from Mindanao."

"This is the reason why we are celebrating our annual MunaTo Festival, to pay homage to these anthropomorphic jars found in one of our towns," Ruiz added.

Ruiz explained, the term "MunaTo" was derived from the Blaan term which means "first people."

"This is also the first time in 30 years since the province of Sarangani was established na may governor na bumisita sa mga historic caves ng Maitum," said Ruiz, who chairs the committee on tourism.

After the visit, the team went to Barangay Pinol Hall for the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the local government units (LGU) of Sarangani headed by Governor Pacquiao, Maitum headed by Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit, Pinol headed by Barangay Captain Ayob Jumra and PTC, headed by Jobelle Pacquiao.

The MOU aims to conserve, protect, and manage the Ayub and Saliling caves through the collaborative efforts of all the concerned LGUs, and stakeholders.

"Potential kaayo na ma-promote ang Pinol kay naa sa inyo ang treasure sa atong probinsya maong importante na ma-preserve sa munisipyo, sa barangay, sa probinsya og sa national nga atong ma-ampingan ang history kung asa ta gikan," said Pacquiao.

"Sarangani province is a young province with a very long and rich history," the governor added.

Governor Pacquiao also discussed with Captain Jumra the needs of Pinol particularly on improving the road to provide comfort and safety to the community.

As part of the PTC’s objective to visit the tourist destinations in the province, the team also went to Nalus Falls in Kiamba, and the Rock Formations and Paragliding site in Maasim.

Present during the activity were Board Members Jess Bascuña and Rosemarie Sayo, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, Sarangani Police Provincial Office Director Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., and PTC Secretary Noel "Weng" Alicarte.

MunaTo Festival 2022 will be celebrated this coming November 25 to 28 with a theme "Ikaw, Ako, MunaTo Tayo."(Joshua John S. Pantonial & photos by Martin Fernando Bernad Jr. & Nico Aguilar /SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

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