Pasukaddoy artists with Lipatuan Joel Unad of the Obu Manuvu Unified Ancestral Domain of Elders and Leaders (3rd from left) and Alsons Dev VP and GM Eric De la Costa (4th from left) at the opening of the art exhibit
Davao City—Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), in partnership with the Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), hosted an art exhibit featuring the Pasukaddoy IP Arts Group, Kalapati Art Group, and the Kidapawan City Visual Artists at Poblacion Market Central. The exhibit, which ran from November 25 to 30, 2024, celebrated the creativity and cultural legacy of Mindanao’s Indigenous Peoples, aiming to inspire environmental stewardship and ensure their traditions endure for generations.
Central to the exhibit’s theme was the Mohingod philosophy, a cornerstone of Obu Manuvu culture that underscores the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. Lipatuan Joel Unad, representing the Obu Manuvu Unified Ancestral Domain of Elders and Leaders, emphasized its role in shaping their art and environmental conservation practices. This philosophy, deeply woven into the Obu Manuvu way of life, reflects their harmonious relationship with nature and their dedication as guardians of the Mt. Apo watershed.
The lobby of Poblacion Market Central was transformed into a vibrant gallery of artworks by Pasukaddoy IP Arts Group, Kalapati Art Group, and the Kidapawan City Visual Artists, a collective of Indigenous artists from the Obu Manuvu, Bagobo Klata, Bagobo Tagabawa, Matigsalug, and Ata tribes. Through their art, they honor their cultural heritage and highlight the rich diversity of Indigenous identity and creativity.
The exhibit concluded on November 30 on a high note—a free visual arts workshop for kids, designed to immerse young minds in the vibrant world of Indigenous art. This engaging activity exposed children to the diverse cultural heritage of Mindanao, fostering cultural understanding, inspiring artistic expression, and instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment to encourage future generations to become advocates of conservation. The workshop coincided with National Children’s Month, adding a meaningful dimension to the celebration.
The IP artists’ mission to protect Indigenous culture and the environment aligns with Alsons Dev’s CSR Flagship Programs, which emphasize environmental conservation and celebrate Mindanao’s cultural heritage. Through partnerships with CLAFI and PEF, Alsons Dev continues to support Indigenous communities, ensuring their traditions and conservation efforts thrive for generations.
