Photo credits: Shine Loreto Bibo Loreto Official Facebook page.
Every year, the people of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, gather to celebrate the Umajam River, a lifeline that has flowed through their history for generations. The festival is named in honor of this river—a reminder of their ancestors' deep connection to the land and its bounty. But the Umajam Festival is more than a celebration of nature; it is a tapestry of cultural pride, unity, and resilience.
As the sun rises over the lush greenery of Loreto, the sound of gongs echoes through the air, calling the community to gather. The Manobo elders, guardians of their people’s traditions, begin the day with rituals (panawagtawag) that pay homage to the spirits of the river and the land. Dressed in their vibrant, handwoven garments, they chant prayers for prosperity, harmony, and protection—words that carry the wisdom of centuries past.
The festival is alive with colors and movement. Children giggle as they join the parades, their costumes mimicking the shimmering hues of the river at dawn. The youth showcase traditional dances, their feet pounding the earth in unison, narrating stories of their forebears. It is through these dances that the Manobo heritage is not just remembered but relived, binding the generations together.
Amidst the festivities, there are conversations that go beyond celebration. Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) gather in shaded pavilions, discussing issues close to their hearts—healthcare for their communities, the preservation of their cultural identity, and the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity. The festival becomes a bridge between the past and the future, a space where dialogue shapes the direction of their journey.
Stalls line the festival grounds, offering not just food but experiences. A unique food voucher system ensures that no one is left out, embodying the spirit of inclusivity. The Umajam Festival is not just about festivities but about fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
As night falls, the Gardens by the Umajam (GBU) tourist spot comes alive with a dazzling display of colorful lights, illuminating the surrounding area in vibrant hues. These radiant lights reflect the spirit of the community—a celebration of hope and unity. Just as their brightness reaches far and wide, the festival’s legacy endures, inspiring dreams, strengthening connections, and reminding the people of Loreto that their heritage is their guiding light.
In the Umajam Festival, the people of Loreto find more than joy; they find themselves, their history, and their shared future flowing, much like the Umajam River, ever onward.
