Zamboanga del Sur marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Buklog inscription as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by UNESCO. The vibrant ceremony was attended by Renee Talavera, Chief of the Program Management Division at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Governor Victor J. Yu, 1st District Representative Divina Grace Yu, 2nd District Representative Victoria Yu, Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, and various local chief executives.
Also present at the celebration were students from the School of Living Traditions from different municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur, showcasing their traditional dances that has been preserved through generations.
The Buklog, a sacred ritual performed by the Subanen people, was formally recognized by UNESCO in 2019 for its cultural significance and its need for urgent safeguarding to ensure its survival.
Governor Yu emphasized the importance of preserving the Buklog as a vital part of the region’s cultural identity and the shared responsibility of the local community and the government to protect and promote such traditions.
The anniversary celebration highlighted both the ongoing efforts and the challenges in ensuring the continuity of this precious cultural practice for future generations.
(Source: Victory Zamboanga del Sur Facebook page)Â