Philippine tribes vie in World Indigenous Games

MANILA, Philippines - A six-man Philippine team led by Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Jason Balabal will be leaving for Palmas, Brazil tomorrow to see action in the first World Indigenous Games.

Three Philippine tribes – Aetas, Dumagats and Ifugaos – comprise the Filipino delegation in the world meet slated Oct. 18 to Nov. 4, according to delegation head Col. Jeff Tamayo.

“We could have sent more athletes if not for the limited budget,” said Tamayo during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate Tuesday.

Tamayo was joined in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., by Balabal, Mark Sumalag and Elvis Julius.

The three, along with Erlyn Balabal, represent the Igorot tribes, while the Dumagats and Aetas tribes will be bannered by Ricardo Turgo, Jun Ablong, and Dumlao Naval.

They will be competing in spear throwing, archery, canoeing, sprint (100 m), and wrestling (demonstration).

Tamayo said the event is his vision to uplift the country’s tribal culture and preserve natural heritage.

Aside from sports, the World Indigenous Games also features cultural activities such as traditional indigenous agriculture, arts and crafts, medicine, performances and folklore.