Name: Marlon G.

Enano MinStud Section C

Student Number: 2015-03730

Reflection Paper on Museo Dabawenyo Visit

Davao city has played a vital role to its people. It bear witness to their struggles, personal battles
and successes. It gave fresh start to some and high hopes to many. Personally, Davao City is very close
to my heart, it is my home for 18 years and at present. Here is where I was born, raised and
understand the world. It has always been good to me. I highly appreciate ts hospitable constituent and
accessible social services plus the delicious fruits and food; nevertheless, it my long stay, Davao city
has remained unfamiliar to me. Its history and roots are something I am unaware about. But like a
good friend, I have always wanted to know it more and be informed, that somehow through
understanding I can contribute to its development and growth.

Last September 17, 2016, our Mindanao Studies class went for a visit to Museo Dabawenyo. It is
among the museum of Davao City which showcases its history and present undertakings. It was my
first time to enter the museum and I felt very fortunate to be accommodated by friendly curators. I was
impressed by how the museum was made - simple but very well thought. From the outside, it is
something I could pass by unnoticed, but arriving on its welcoming doors I felt the excitement to
learn.

Touring inside, there were several sections to visit with particular exhibit. In the first room we
entered, the Lumadnong Dabawenyo, we have seen the distinguished indigienous groups of Davao. We
have learned the 10 diverse constituent tribes with which a life size figures representing each tribe.
Among them were the Maguindanaon, Tausug, Kagan, Clata, Obu Manuvu, Matigsalug, Tagabawa,
Ata, Sama and Maranao. We have learned a little about their culture and their lineages. In the room,
their valuables were displayed including the instruments they use during special occasions and
weapons in battle. Also their embellishments and adornments can be evidently seen along with their
unique, colorful and intricately made ensembles. Before, I have found them all the same, but going
there and personally see their clothes, I can say that they were seemingly different. I was amazed by
how women in some tribes were highly respected and chosen as leaders; This is something I am very
proud about being a Filipino, where women are highly reverend and seen as power key player in the
community like babaylans and princesses.

In the extension of the same room is the exhibit of Davao’s history. The exhibit is called
Duhwow, Dabaw, Davao or Davao City History I was fond by the displays of old weapons used in
war such was torpedos and bullets, large Philippine eagle and life-size Manuel L. Quezon, by the door,
granting Davao as chartered city. There we have learned the History of Davao from the time of Datu
Bago and Oyanguren to the settlement of the Japanese to the present bloom of the city together with
its remarkable awards received. Such as the city with the cleanest air. We also have identified some
notable personalities which contributed to Davao’s growth and development in the Gallery of the Hall
of Fame such as the mother of President Duterte herself. Among them were painters, artists and people
coming from different walks of life but has given pride and honor to the city.

By the staircase are large artworks. On the center, is a painting showing the diverse people of
Mindanao - including the lumad, moro and christians. This is among the highly obvious displays.
Apart from it, are artworks with lyrics of some poetry and songs of unity made by Davao artists. By
the second floor were several educational galleries like the Undivided Davao History or Nanay Soling
Duterte Hall. There exhibits the large Davao before it was made a chartered city. It shows the great
responsibility of the governor over a large area of constituents also their pictures were displayed.
There was also a Chinese Heritage exhibit which shows the heritage of Chinese in Davao City and the
good relationship they are sharing. Along it was a Audio-Visual Room featuring documented efforts
for peace. I also have seen a large painting of Duterte which blew me away. It was very well done with
its color playing through the canvass. We also went to a room showcasing the works of local artist,
culture and trade. There was a souvenir booth where wide options of Davao products can be bought,
and they say that from time to time different products of Davaoenos were displayed and made
available to be sold.

The trip has educated me. It may be a little, but it helped me appreciate the place where I am
living and the story behind its success. I feel fortunate to visit the place and leaving with knowledge
about the rich culture and diversity of Davao. Through it all, what have remained in me is the
realization of the greatest value of Davao - Peace loving. Where different indigenous groups- Clata or
Maguindanaon, religions-Christian or Moro, and nationalities - Filipino or Chinese have come
together and ventured towards prosperity. This value, however, is something I cannot only observe
inside the museum but also on the day to day basis. Where most people are hospitable, honest and
law-abiding. They have been always welcome to help and assist. Also, Davaoenos always find time to
celebrate cultures as seen in festivals like Kadayawan. Living by this value, Davao City has been
among the fast growing cities in Southeast Asia and even among the safest cities by a crowd-sourced
rating site. Also was called as the countries most child friendly based on the government ranking.
In this knowledge that I have gained, it is difficult for me not to think about the vital role not only
by its people but also the leaders guiding; to think about the current situation of Davao with its
potential growth and hope that the whole country would be the same. To think about our current
situation where the most loved Mayor of Davao - Duterte is our present president. Who, by far, most
people would say that all accomplishments of Davao is accounted to him. To think about what he will
do to the country - can he make it like Davao in 6 years?
Today in Davao City, amid the present groups present, we, Davaoenos, have always strive for
unity in our differences, empowering each other at the same time. For it is in the respect of uniqueness
that we have sought peace, cultural understanding and sensitivity. In this progressive step, it is
delightful to look back and realize how far Davao have become. It is what I see in this museum and its
artifacts that I have understand the link between past, present and future in creating pertinent decisions
today. I have realized the great impacts of Davao to our lives and the consequences of our decisions
and actions in shaping the future of the City.