In the Heart of the Mountains: Living Faith and Culture Among the Umayamnon

In a quiet Indigenous community nestled in the mountains of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, the traditions of the Umayamnon Tribe continue to thrive—breathing through every ritual, craft, and prayer. For Ms. Needheart Quiblatan, a proud member of the Umayamnon community, these practices are not merely memories of the past but living expressions of faith and culture that continue to shape who she is today.

One of the most sacred customs she holds dear is the Pamuhat, a ritual of offering and thanksgiving to Magbabaya, the Almighty. “It is how we express gratitude to God and to the spirits who guard the land, rivers, and forests that give us life,” Ms. Quiblatan shared. Through every Pamuhat, the people acknowledge that all they have come from the Creator, and they reaffirm their responsibility to live in harmony with nature and with one another.

The Umayamnon community also takes pride in its traditional attire and crafts, which remain strong symbols of identity. Each bead and woven pattern carry deep meaning, inspired by nature and the wisdom of their ancestors. “Wearing our traditional clothing is not just for beauty,” Ms. Quiblatan reflected. “It is about remembering where we came from and the creativity and strength of our people.”

Faith, too, finds expression in their daily life and farming practices. Rituals are performed before planting, during growth, and at harvest—a rhythm that follows the seasons and mirrors their closeness to the land. “Even without modern calendars, our ancestors knew when to plant and harvest. They listened to nature. That is how they honored Magbabaya,” she said with quiet pride.

As times change, Ms. Quiblatan recognizes that culture must adapt as well. “Culture is dynamic,” she explained. “It can evolve, but it should never lose its true essence. Change should help us preserve, not forget.”

Her encounter with the Catholic faith brought another layer of meaning to her spirituality. She recalls the Jesuit priest who first introduced the community to Catholicism—not with judgment, but with love and respect. “The Catholic faith helped us deepen what we already believed,” she shared. “We realized that Magbabaya is the same God we’ve always known.”

Today, Ms. Quiblatan and the Umayamnon people continue to live as both Indigenous and Catholic, embracing both traditions as one. “Faith and culture can walk together,” she reflected. “The key is respect, respect for God, for people, and for our roots.”

For Ms. Quiblatan, faith and culture are not separate paths but one sacred journey—woven together in gratitude, harmony, and the enduring presence of Magbabaya. (Sem. Junhel P. Galleposo)