Iraynon Bukidnon highlights ‘ambahan’ in National Museum Heritage Month lecture-workshop

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The indigenous peoples group, Iraynon Bukidnon, shared with the public their oral tradition, ambahan, in the lecture-workshop “Musikapuluan: Ambahan of Iraynon Bukidnon” of the National Museum of the Philippines – San Jose de Buenavista (Antique) held on May 16, 2026, 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Old Antique Capitol.

Held in celebration of the National Heritage Month, the public program featured two culture bearers — Elpedio O. Canja, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative in the town of Valderrama, and master chanter, Alberto “Tay Lober” Apolinario, also of Valderrama.

“Ang ambahan sang ka oral nga tradisyon ka mga Iraynon-Bukidnon. Gina gamit dya para mang abi-abi ka bisita, mag-istorya, mag-tugro ka laygay kag sa duro pa nga mga okasyon,” said Mr. Canja.

Ambahan is chanted during important occasions in the community, such as weddings or fiestas. The ambahan could be praises intended for the guests, or exchange of opinions between two chanters. The ambahan delivers a narrative of exemplary and praiseworthy acts of individuals or provides avenues for warm socialization among family members.

The participants, who were mostly students, heard examples of ambahan from the master chanters, who also explained their meanings to facilitate a deeper understanding of the ambahan verses. The students admitted their difficulty understanding the language used, despite being Kinaray-a speakers. The program concluded with the participants chanting the ambahan.

According to Canja, the Iraynon Bukidnon is one of the three major indigenous peoples groups in Antique — the other two are the Ati and the Cuyunon, who migrated from Palawan. The Iraynon Bukidnon communities are in Valderrama, San Remegion, Laua-an, and Libertad.

“Ang Iraynon Bukidnon amo da ang mga taho nga sa taga iraya o ang tawag kanamon kang una kang taga-ilawod o taga-banwa mga mundo or mga buki,” said Canja.

He lamented the negative connotations of labels attributed to these terms — buki, mundo — and their impact on their sense of identity and self-esteem. He noted that some IPs migrated and integrated into lowland communities, while those who remained are facing socio-economic challenges, including encroachments on ancestral lands, relocation of youth to seek greener pastures, and access to basic social services. Despite these challenges, the Iraynon Bukidnon continue living their cultural heritage, including their rich oral traditions like the ambahan and biyai, and the courtship dance dapaydapay.

Maricyn A. De los Santos, OIC of NMP San Jose de Buenavista (Antique), said the public program is intended to engage the community, especially the learners, with the rich intangible cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of Antique.

“We hope that this experience will inspire pride of place among the participants, and inspire us to be eager to learn more about the rich natural and cultural heritage of Antique,” said De los Santos.