ALREW TE MATIGSALUG 2025

Every July 16, the Matigsalug people gather to celebrate Alrew Te Matigsalug — a powerful tradition that honors their ancestors' bravery, celebrates their enduring freedom, and uplifts their vibrant cultural identity. Now marking its 50th year, this golden milestone became a deeper reflection of resilience, remembrance, and pride.

Alrew Te Matigsalug is more than just a festival. It is a living tribute to the warriors of the past — those who defended their land, protected their traditions, and fought for the right to exist freely as Indigenous Peoples. Their courage lives on in every dance, every chant, and every shared meal during this celebration.

The week-long 50th celebration brought together Matigsalug families, youth, elders, and guests for a meaningful lineup of events rooted in culture, unity, and tradition. Activities included:

• Triba Mass Wedding

• Ball Games & Championships

• Inter-Barangay Amateur Singing Contest

• Zumba Dance Competition

• Nutrition Month Activities & Feeding Program

• Charcoal Painting Contest

• Drug Symposium (General Baptist Group)

• Catholic Activities: Procession & Holy Mass

• Motor Cross & Hinarang

• SUMALCA Papitaweɣ te Katuenan

• Tablo Ground Competition

• Laro ng Lahi & Laha te Matigsalug

• Parade & Civic Parade

• Panubad (Cultural Building Showcase)

• Live Band & Community Disco

These activities weren’t just for show — they were heartfelt displays of tradition, community, and identity. From ancestral rituals to creative expressions, the Matigsalug showcased their rich heritage and their commitment to preserving it for the next generation.

The celebration was made even more meaningful with the support of local leaders, Hon. Edwin P. Abucayan and Hon. Mary Ann G. Angit-Ople, whose presence and encouragement reflect a shared commitment to cultural preservation and Indigenous empowerment. 

More than anything, Alrew Te Matigsalug serves as a reminder — of the struggles that came before, the peace being lived today, and the culture that continues to thrive. It is a space where memory and celebration meet, where every step taken in dance echoes the footsteps of ancestors, and every smile shared reflects the hope for the future. As the 50th year drew to a close, one thing was clear: Alrew Te Matigsalug is not just a celebration. It is a declaration — that the Matigsalug people are proud, strong, and still standing, with culture and courage at their core.