Datu coronation tradition preserved in Mindanao

Tribal leaders in Mindanao have managed to preserve a coronation tradition from their forefathers through a group known as the "National Elders of Datus in the Philippines Territory Inc."

 

On Tuesday in the town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon province, tribal leaders witnessed the conferment of the title of "King of the Philippine Territory", which though not bearing any political significance, still has valued symbolic meaning and some current legal corporate authority.

 

Datu Kuluban, also known as Constancio Salvo Jr., was made "king" in a ceremony in Sito Sabangan in Barangay Dalirig, GMA Northern Mindanao's Joe Legaspina reported Thursday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

 

"Bilang susunod na Baylan ng aking mga magulang hanggang sa aking mga apo sa tuhod, at itong espada noong unang panahon na habilin, orihinal na espada ni Lapu-lapu, hanggang nandito pa ang habilin sa akin, sana manatili sa ating mga puso ang pagmamahal sa lupang kinagisnan, ang Pilipinas," Datu Kuluban said as he received tools used by his ancestors.


 

 

The title of king is passed on from one generation to the next. Datu Kuluban inherited his title from his father.

 

Tribal leaders in attendance came from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Marawi City, and other parts of Mindanao.

 

Participants in the rite called for unity among Muslims, local tribes and Christians so the country may have peace.

 

As "king", Datu Kuluban now leads the National Elders of Datus in the Philippines Territory Inc. which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Datu Kuluban is now the group's president.

 

The SEC certificate, shown to GMA Northern Mindanao said the group of datus has "juridical personality" but it not authorized to "undertake business activities.”

 

Datu Kuluban presides over the National Tribal Elders of Datus Council and can sign and countersign contracts and instruments, and authorize payments.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News