BukSU, DOST-Bukidnon Extend Funds and Skill Dev’t for Talaandig Artists

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Bukidnon has partnered with Bukidnon State University (BukSU) in a collaborative project aimed at improving the manufacturing of traditional musical drums for the Talaandig tribe by integrating science and technology.

The Talaandig Artists Organization (TAO) in Barangay Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, received a funding grant of P626,520.00 from DOST to acquire the necessary technology for tambul production during the turnover ceremony on March 6, 2024, at the BukSU main campus.

“We are very thankful to the people behind the project; this is a great help for us artists, including the community, who will be interested in doing drum-making. Since 1996, I have made tambul manually; there are no machines. Personally, I am thankful that technologies will help us make tambul now,” said TAO President, Mr. Rodelio B. Saway Jr.

“We have long been dreaming of this project since the pandemic, and we are very happy that now is the time to take off with the turnover of funds. The amount given will help our international Talaandig artists. We hope that project will prosper for the future generation of the tribal community,” said DOST-Bukidnon Provincial Director, Ritchie Mae Guno.

Meanwhile, BukSU, through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations (OVPREI), will capacitate the Talaandig artists with skills on product development, business and market matching opportunities, and copyright registration.

“The way BukSU and DOST will help the Talaandig community through our extension initiative will enable the preservation of cultural appreciation of the living traditions. We are privileged to be part of this endeavor,” said BukSU President, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol.

Various units of BukSU, including the Extension Unit, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Unit, and the Bukidnon Studies Center, are involved in the project.

“To our beneficiaries, your talent and commitment to the craft are the very foundations upon which this project is built,” said BukSU’s VPREI, Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso.

This project aims to enhance the production process and overall quality of indigenous craftsmanship to contribute to the cultural preservation and development of the Talaandig community.

“It is very important that we let our children recognize how they want to live their lives, see their potential, and guide and support them. In this way, they become better community members. I am very thankful to DOST and BukSU for recognizing our needs,” said TAO founder Datu Waway Saway.

(With information from Stepanne M. Bracero)