By Christian Cabañas, Anchor, Brigada News FM Trento

In the heart of northeastern Mindanao lies Loreto, a quiet municipality in Agusan del Sur that bursts into color and sound each year with the celebration of the Umajam Festival. The weeklong event, held every June, honors the culture and traditions of the indigenous Manobo people, whose lives remain closely tied to the Umajam River—a vital artery running through their ancestral lands.

Named after this river, the Umajam Festival is both a cultural preservation initiative and a public celebration. It offers residents and visitors a rare opportunity to witness traditional rituals, dances, and art forms that reflect the Manobo’s connection to land, water, and community.

At the center of the festival is the “Bai Umajam” pageant, where young Manobo women showcase not only traditional beauty and craftsmanship through their beadwork and woven garments, but also their knowledge of customs and advocacy for indigenous rights. The pageant serves as both a cultural highlight and a platform for intergenerational learning.

Equally popular are the boat races held along the Umajam River, which highlight the community’s longstanding relationship with the waterway. The river, once a primary mode of transport and a source of daily sustenance, continues to play a central role in Loreto’s economy and cultural identity. Racing teams representing different sitios and barangays compete in hand-carved wooden boats, cheered on by spectators lining the riverbanks.

Beyond festivities, the Umajam Festival also integrates community-based development programs, including mobile medical clinics, workshops on indigenous rights, and educational exhibits. These initiatives are often led in partnership with local government units, non-government organizations, and IPMRs (Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives). Health services, small business consultations, and youth engagement programs are made accessible to residents, transforming the event into more than just a celebration—it becomes a platform for empowerment.

Tourists are welcomed to explore traditional cuisine through food fairs that offer heirloom recipes such as nilutlot na mais (corn stew) and inubaran (banana pith cooked in coconut milk), as well as live weaving and beadwork demonstrations that offer insight into the artistry of the Manobo. The cultural exhibits underscore how tourism, if thoughtfully managed, can help promote economic activity while reinforcing local identity.

For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, getting to Loreto involves a land trip from Butuan or Davao City, with options for public buses or private vans. Infrastructure in the region has improved, making the town more accessible to both domestic and international tourists. Once in Loreto, local accommodations range from homestays to inns, and community guides are available for cultural tours.

The tourism potential of the Umajam Festival illustrates how indigenous communities can lead cultural tourism initiatives that are sustainable and inclusive. Income generated during the festival supports local artisans, small business owners, and farmers, and contributes to the funding of local programs. With increasing attention to preserving cultural heritage amid modernization, festivals like Umajam play a crucial role in reaffirming the value of ancestral knowledge.

While Loreto may not have the bustling beaches or luxury resorts seen in other parts of the Philippines, what it offers is something far more meaningful: an invitation to slow down, listen, and learn. Here, tourism is not just a transaction—it is a respectful exchange of stories and solidarity.

As efforts to promote community-based tourism gain traction across the country, the Umajam Festival stands as a model for how cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusion can converge. For visitors, it’s not just about witnessing a festival—it’s about participating in a living tradition.

By DelightfulPH