Barangay Tinongdan, aptly dubbed “The Seat of Cultural Heritage and Natural Wonders,” is a vibrant community in the mountains of Itogon. This charming barangay is home to the Ibaloy and Iowak indigenous groups, whose roots trace back ages. These indigenous peoples have long upheld their time-honored traditions, practices, and cultural heritage. Every year, the community comes together to celebrate and preserve these rich customs through the much-anticipated Colos Festival.
The Colos Festival is a celebration that honors the culture, history, and natural beauty of Tinongdan and its people. According to former Punong Barangay and current Municipal Councilor, Hon. Norberto Pacio, the festival was officially institutionalized in 2008 as part of an initiative to boost the local tourism industry. Recognizing the need to highlight Tinongdan’s unique cultural identity and scenic landscapes, the barangay council sought guidance from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Through consultations, the DOT suggested that the barangay create its own festival. Inspired by Tinongdan’s history and natural wonders, the council decided to focus on the “Icolos”—the indigenous people living along the Agno River, formerly referred to as the “Colos”. The term “Icolos” encompasses not only the residents of Tinongdan but also those from nearby barangays such as Dalupirip and Poblacion, as well as municipalities like Bokod and Kabayan.
The festival’s creation was a community-driven effort, with support from both the local government and the DOT. It aimed to celebrate the deep cultural roots of the people of “Colos”—a reflection of their traditions, rituals, and history.
The theme of this year’s festival, “Damot dja epajos, agmapospospos” (translated as “Our deep roots, never shall reach its end”), emphasizes the enduring legacy of the Ibaloy and Iowak people. A highlight of the three-day event was the Barangay Day Cañao, also known as the “Keddot ni Icolos”.
The “Keddot” is one of the most revered cultural practices among the Ibaloy, featuring the traditional “Avang ni Baboy” (pig-catching). During the event, community members, led by the elders and followed by barangay officials and visitors, participate in the lively “tayaw” dance around the hog-tied pigs. This ceremony, which is integral to Ibaloy culture, culminates in the slaughter of the pigs through a ritual called “owik“. The meat is then cooked, and the wat-wat (a communal feast) is shared with everyone—community members and visitors alike—fostering unity and the sharing of blessings.
The people of Tinongdan continue to honor their deep cultural heritage and the natural beauty that surrounds them. In a world where modernization often threatens to overshadow traditional practices, the Colos Festival serves as a testament to their resilience and determination to keep their roots alive. Through celebrations like this, the indigenous peoples of Tinongdan ensure that their customs will endure for generations to come, reminding us all of the importance of preserving culture, history, and nature.
PHOTOS & WORDS | Jay Ralph Galunza (BSU Intern)
