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I. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PANAY BUKIDNON (SULUDLON TRIBE)

The Suludnon, also known as the Panay-Bukidnon, Pan-ayanon, or

Tumandok, are a culturally indigenous Visayan group of people who reside in the Capiz-
Lambunao mountainous area and the Antique-Iloilo mountain area of Panay in the
Visayan islands of the Philippines. The Suludnon, also known as the Panay-Bukidnon or
Tumandok, are culturally indigenous Visayan group of people who reside in the
mountainous areas of Panay island in the Philippine. They are one of two only culturally
indigenous groups of Visayan language – speakers in the Western Visayas. The term
suludnon was derived from the root word sulod which means "room" or "inside". The
Sulod is the most populous and varied ethnolinguistic group of Central Panay. They are
known mainly for their unique binukot tradition, as well as their popular binanog dance
and the epic poem Hinilawod. Most Sulods are monolingual, speaking their language of
the same name Sulod, also known as Ligbok.

The Suludnon people are deeply committed to preserving their rich cultural
heritage amidst modern influences. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding their
traditions, local governments and organizations have taken proactive steps to support
the suludnon in their cultural preserving efforts. These initiatives aim to ensure the
transmissions of their unique language, practice and art forms to future generations.
II. CATEGORIZATION/CULTURAL TRAITS

The suludnon are known for their ruch cultural traditions, which include the
binukot tradition. In this practice, young women are hidden away and become record-
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keepers of the tribe’s oral history, passing down knowledge from one generation to the
next.
This unique custom reflects to the suludnon’s deep respect for third cultural
heritage and the importance of preserving their identity. Additionally, the suludnon
people have developed a variety of art forms that showcase their rich cultural heritage.
The binanog dance, characterized by intricate movements and vibrant costumes, is a
traditional dance that depicts ancient Visayan epics. Panubok embroidery, another
unique art form pf the Suludnon, involves using intricate stitching techniques to create
intricate patterns and designs.

The Panay Bukidnon are known for their Binanog dance, which mimics the flight
of the Philippine eagle, accompanied by an agung ensemble. Another dance of the
same name is also performed by the Bukidnon Lumad of Mindanao, suggesting a
cultural connection between the people of the Western Visayas and
northern Mindanao in ancient times. they also practice the use of bamboo musical
instruments, which they use to express themselves in traditional songs, dances,
and epics.

They are also known for their detailed embroidery, known as panubok. What
makes the panubok so central to the Suludnon is the way it serves as a form of cultural
preservation, not just of the weaving arts, but of ancient Visayan lore as well. The many
threaded symbols of the panubok bring to life the rich history of the Sugidanon, or the
verbal epic chant. The chanting of the Sugidanon would play an important part of many
rituals for the Sulod, from marriages, feasts, annual celebrations, or merely as
entertainment. The textile and epic traditions of the Panay-Bukidnon show how
intricately connected the art forms of the Philippines are. For the Sulod, embroidery is
yet another form of language, speaking to generations past, present, and future.
III. POSSIBLE LIVELIHOODS

The Suludnon of Panay Bukidnon commonly shifting cultivation of upland rice,

maize, sweet potatoes, and other edible tribes supplemented by hunting, fishing, and
gathering . In particular, agricultural production is guided by signs and omens, such as
phases of the moon which are often anticipated as basis of when and what to plant. It is
believed that the ugsad (full moon) and lati (3 days before and after new moon) affect
the produce from the planted crops. The third day after new moon is also called
himatayon when it is a waning crescent.
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The Panay Bukidnon also awaits the ugsad. Bananas are best planted during hambot
(day after full moon) since it induces the growth of more saha (banana sucker). Paminhi
(sowing of rice) must also be done during ugsad. Rice planted with lots of muro-puro or
bitoon (stars) at night are believed to yield good harvest.

The sulod do not stay in one place for more than two years, due primarily to their
pattern of land use. Tough grasses and secondary growth that usually follow the harvest
render the swidden difficult to recultivate, particularly as the sulod do not work animals
or plowing implements. Hence they move to another place where tress are growing
abundantly and where the soil is free or grass.

IV. STATE OF TOURISM

The Suludlon tribe, known for its rich cultural heritage and unique
traditions, is situated in a region that offers significant potential for tourism. In recent
years, the state of tourism related to the Suludlon tribe has been growing, driven by an
increasing interest in indigenous cultures and sustainable travel. However, challenges
such as infrastructure, preservation of cultural integrity, and community engagement
need to be addressed to enhance tourism sustainably. To foster tourism while
respecting the Suludlon tribe's heritage, several suggestions and proposals can be
considered

The suludnon people face numerous challenges in preserving their cultural

tradition in the face of modern influences. Rapid urbanization, the influence of Western
pop culture, and the rise of technology pose threats to their traditional way of life.
However efforts are being made to safeguard the suludnon cultural heritage. Local
governments and organizations have implemented cultural preservation programs,
which include the documentation and archiving of indigenous knowledge, the
establishment of cultural centers, and the promotion of traditional arts and crafts. These
initiatives aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance
of their cultural roots and inspire them to take pride in their suludnon identity.

Through a combination of these efforts, the suludnon people remain

steadfast in their commitment to preserve their cultural heritage. By protecting their
language, customs, and art forms, they ensure that future generations can continue to
celebrate and embrace this unique aspect of Philippine culture. The collective efforts of
the suludnon community, local governments, and organizations demonstrate the
significance of cultural preservation.

The suludnon Language not only serves as the means of communication

but also play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the rich cultural heritage of the
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suludnon people. It serves a link to their history, connecting them to their ancestors and
keeping their traditions alive. In today’s modern world, the Suludnon language is
adapting to new contexts, integrating technology and intercultural communication while
remaining rooted in its cultural significance.

V. SUGGESTIONS/PROPPOSALS
The Sugidanon is manifested in the panubok through embroidered
symbols. These symbols, mostly of flora and different creatures, represent the Sulod’s
ancient tales and connections with their environment as seen in the Sugidanon
epics.Like many of their Visayan neighbors, the textiles of the Panay-Bukidnon bear
striking geometric patterns. Where their textiles truly stands out is through their
embroidery, known as panubok. The panubok is painstakingly created by the binokot,
who, often forced to stay within their homes while the men worked outside, were trained
in the practice and other domestic arts. Embroidery patterns can range from standard
geometric designs, with zigzag and diamond shapes sewn with impressive accuracy, to
radial floral patterns stitched in bright, eye-catching colors. Many of the garments
embroidered by the binokot are colored red, which symbolizes bravery to the Sulod.As
shown in Culture came out as the most frequently used word among Panay Bukidnon-
Halawodnon in barangay Agcalaga.

This means that IPs in Agcalaga acknowledge that culture is now at risk,
and therefore must be given much emphasis and importance in order to preserve their
culture. We observe that governmental help is vital in the realization of this cause. The
natives are asking for the revival of SLT in the place for they consider the latter as an
instrument in maintaining a strong, sturdy, and solid culture.

VI. CONCLUSION
The current cultural practices among Panay Bukidnon-Halawodnon were
deeply accounted for by the employed methodology. It specifically uncovered different
facets of the cultural ways of this Indigenous group. It was concluded that the said
cultural community in Barangay Agcalaga is continuously progressing in terms of
economic, social, and cultural contexts. This is due to the emergence of social
institutions in the barangay, particularly the JRMP II.

There is Indigenous Organization in barangay Agcalaga, Calinog, Iloilo;

however, it is not accredited by the NCCA and NCIP. The culture of Panay Bukidnon-
Halawodnon in Agcalaga is loosely fading due to the emergence of today’s societies.
Nevertheless, there are still cultural practices that are invigorating yet need much
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support from the government and the people. School of Living Traditions or SLT in
Agcalaga needs attention in order to ameliorate the dying and revive the lost cultural
practices of the natives. It is further concluded that the Philippine government provides
incentives to performing elders and/or IP members and provides a venue for regular
assembly or gathering among Ips to showcase their culture and exhibit their native
products. Thus, the ratification of the Congress to Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
Convention No. 169 or Convention 169 will help protect and preserve the cultures of the
Indigenous Peoples not only in Calinog. Iloilo but also in the entire country.

VII. REFERENCES
https://dbpedia.org/page/Suludnon
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/makati-science-technological-institute-of-
the-philippines/construction-materials-and-testing/cul-ed-practice-for-review/
52350132
http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/ethnic-groups-in-the-philippines/sulod/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suludnon#:~:text=They%20speak%20the
%20Iigbok%20language,accompanied%20by%20an%20agung%20ensemble.
https://dbpedia.org/page/Suludnon
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/makati-science-technological-institute-of-
the-philippines/construction-materials-and-testing/cul-ed-practice-for-review/
52350132
http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/ethnic-groups-in-the-philippines/sulod/
http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/ethnic-groups-in-the-philippines/sulod/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suludnon#:~:text=They%20speak%20the
%20Iigbok%20language,accompanied%20by%20an%20agung%20ensemble.
https://narrastudio.com/blogs/journal/the-textile-and-epic-traditions-of-the-panay-
bukidnon?srsltid=AfmBOorWm3En057m9HpShA3gJ58MS12fWESycgHg-fQ-
UiOFh5qNcKDD
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2021/10/28/panay-bukidnon-and-their-
continuing-belief-system-related-to-their-subsistence-activities/#:~:text=The
%20Panay%20Bukidnon%20traditionally%20depended,%2C%20fishing%2C
%20and%20local%20trade

https://narrastudio.com/blogs/journal/the-textile-and-epic-traditions-of-the-panay-
bukidnon?srsltid=AfmBOorWm3En057m9HpShA3gJ58MS12fWESycgHg-fQ-
UiOFh5qNcKDD
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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (TOUR 1009)