A teacher in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, is using Subanen language lessons to help children learn about their Indigenous community’s traditions, including rituals and farming practices.

Key Takeaways

  • Mamalad Elementary School developed its own teaching system over the past 10 years.
  • Students can observe elders during rituals with parental consent.
  • Community representatives are seeking a tribal hall for meetings and projects.

How Subanen language lessons work

Jessiel Tagapan, a teacher at Mamalad Elementary School and one of the writers of the Subanen orthography used in local schools, said language is essential to keeping the community’s culture alive.

At the village school, children learn greetings, numbers, farming terms and rituals in their native language. They are also brought to the river during rituals, where they can observe elders and learn about cultural practices with a parent’s consent.

Tagapan said the Department of Education has no curriculum for Subanen, so the school developed its own system over the past 10 years. She said the orthography gives teachers, including those who are not Indigenous, a way to teach the language.

A community effort to preserve traditions

Gukum Alex Cobe, the Subanen Indigenous peoples mandatory representative in Calamba, said the community is lobbying for a tribal hall to host meetings and projects. He also identified livelihood programs as a need.

Kyla Ba-aclo, Miss Lakambini 2026, said she promotes Subanen culture through festivals and wants its story and identity to be known more widely in the Philippines.

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