THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES OF MINDANAO: AMIDST ARMED CONFLICT

Dr. Erlinda M. Burton

The report on the situationers of the different indigenous communities in Region 10 and 11 has shown the sufferings and difficulties experienced by the members of these groups due to armed conflict. The situation of the natives is precarious because they re positioned in areas where Military and NPA, take place. Consequently, the people are within the center of the crossfire.

The situationers have also revealed that the natives, because they appear simple-minded to others, have become an easy prey of ideological venturism; also, because of their experiences from military abuses and atrocities, they were forced to join groups, specially the NPA whose objectives they did not fully understand.The neglect of the Government to their pleas for assistance is good enough reasons why the indigenous communities are receptive to Communist propaganda. The tribal communities, despite all of this are still positively hopeful that the Government will listen and reach out to the voice of the "desperados" (the desperate ones).

THE ANCESTRAL HOUSE OF THE VEGA FAMILY IN BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

Christian G. Mundo

This paper discusses the historical background of the Vega Ancestral House in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. This house was a living witness to the Spanish American and Japanese occupation in the country. This is also significant in the national history for having been visited by our national leaders Emilio Aguinaldo and Sergio Osmeña. They stayed in the house and banquets were given in their honor. In Philippine architecture, the house is a land mark for being the only house in the Philippines that has three male figures, each supporting three corners of the house. The house is an example of a Philippine colonial house that is distinct from the Antillan houses because of its volada. This historical data were gathered through interview, library research and ocular inspection.