The Manobo Indigenous People of Biao

Biao is an upland community in Sultan Kudarat located 500m above sea level. It is an IP Manobo village with 191 households.  Logging and hunting are the main source of income of the people. Families don’t stay in a place permanently because of nomadic lifestyle. Men don’t plant but were more of “warriors” while their wives are the farmers. Reports of death due to starvation occurred several times. When the Manobos go in the lowland, no one talks to them and they too don’talk with other tribes because of discrimination. The high illiteracy rate caused them to be swindled by opportunists.Start of ChangeOriginally, the community is not part of the target beneficiaries of Children’s desk but who can refuse a tribal chieftain who personally came to Pasali because he wants change in his community? Desperate for education, Chieftain Duma  also known as “ Dobol 2” or “Commander”  married a high school graduate named Vilma to assist him in his affairs by translating. In 2007, he pleaded to Pasali if we can send his wife to college to become a teacher. Pasali linked her and through the BEAM project, Vilma became the first teacher in Biao in 2008, teaching 70 students- ages 5-14 years old. Later on, they realized even if they have their own school but if families have nothing to eat children are not motivated to go to school. Seeing the need for livelihood, Duma again came to Pasali for help. From 2009, the community received appropriate technology and trainings - all factors for increased farming and productivity.  

From Hunger to SurplusNow, both men and women farm not just for consumption but for trade. From prevalent hunger back in 2005 to surpluses starting 2010, the villagers produced up to 10,000 kilos of corn in a month already in 2011. Upland rice harvest boosted from 40 sacks (about 2 tons) to 60 sacks (about 3 tons). Women farmer groups grow/sell spices and vegetables in their own village. Unlike before, they have to go down to sell in public marketplace. Since parents learned to farm, they are able to send their children to school and pay 2 more volunteer teachers. Development  on EducationAs they initiated the school, they eventually gained the recognition of the Department of Education. Last year, the Biao Primary school was annexed to an Elementary School in Kanipaan which is in lowland. Last March, 10 Manobo honor students were recognized in the said elementary for the first time. More children are encouraged to finish all the way to higher education.  The high school Manobos are able to sustain their study in the lowland Milbuk National High School by earning a keep for host families who “adopted” them and provide them their school needs. On other hand, the elders learn literacy every Saturday through a volunteer whose compensation is shouldered by a non Manobo village captain. This year, the government will hire and assign licensed teachers in Biao and build a concrete classroom. Around 170 children are expected to formally re-enroll in Grade I for academic year 2012-2013. 

Stability From nomadic living, they started living permanently. Near the school, houses are built around it. Some families from other village even migrated to Biao when they heard there’s already a school and a greener pasture there. Also, as the chieftain was educated about the importance of keeping the trees which hold the water underneath, he spread awareness to his people the harmful effects of logging. Reportedly, they stop an armed logger group in their area last year.Ancestral ClaimRecently, Pasali helped on their claim for Ancestral Domain Title so that what is rightfully theirs could be legally theirs in the future. While on the process, 4 cooperatives planted 1 hectare of rubber tree seedling and another 10 hectares is on its way. This massive planting will help them strengthen their claim and build their economy.Agroforestry Manobos of Biao Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat received 5,000 rubber seedlings last March 31, 2012 as a result of PASALI’s lobbying to the Department of Agriculture last year.