The Badjao tribe consists of nomadic seafaring tribes. The tribe's men are skilled fishermen, particularly in the art of pantana fishing (spearfishing). They used to live on houseboats that moved through the sea as needed to meet their fishing needs. The Badjao are also skilled divers who hunt for pearls. These activities continue to play an important role in the Badjao people's lives to this day.
However, due to increased piracy in the 1960s, the Badjao people were forced to leave the sea and settle on the land.
Despite romantic depictions of the tribe, the Badjao never had an easy life. However, when they were still living at sea, they were at least free from the daily rejection and hardship brought on by other tribes that live on land. These sea guardians have seen firsthand that times are difficult on the sea, but even more so on land. The Badjao are currently the most marginalized ethnic group and one of the poorest tribes in the Philippines, a Muslim tribe shunned by almost everyone, still referred to as gypsies but also referred to as tramps and thieves. In most parts of Mindanao, their vibrant nomadic lifestyle, the way of life left to them by their ancestors, has vanished.
Badjao is an endemic fisher-folk who have used sustainable fishing methods for over 1500 years. However, over the last 50 years, the Philippines has seen a surge in population, which has severely depleted fish populations, leaving the Badjao without a means of subsistence. They are uneducated and frequently ostracized by the majority people group, leaving them struggling to survive in modern society.
With no other options available to families on the verge of starvation, children are routinely sent to nearby cities to beg. Begging frequently provides a family with enough resources to eat for the day. Because families rely on this meagre income, children essentially become slaves and are forced to beg for up to 12 hours per day. When children are unable to attend school, the cycle of poverty takes root in the community.
If only they would realize that through education, this chain of poverty which most of the badjao people faced, would be broken.
For centuries, the Badjao have been a resilient tribal group, firmly pushing modernity away with both hands, but now that they are being tossed by modern winds, they must find ways to maintain their unique lifestyle and culture, or else they will remain Godforsaken.
People of General Santos 3rd feature is Nanay Aida, a badjao who came from Zamboanga and now resides at Bawing and is often seen in Pioneer, begging for money to buy herself and her grandson food to eat. Sometimes, the money they collect for a day is spent on transportation fare.
Life is hard for every people but the life that the badjao people experiences is much harder. For they depend not only on spearfishing but also on begging other people for money. Imagine this time of the pandemic, especially the most critical part when the pandemic only has started, where people are not allowed to go out and are advised to just stay at home. During those times, according to Nanay Aida, badjao people also stays at home, which our team shockingly can't believe. Because how can they earn to buy food if that is the situation? Nanay Aida responded that during those times Bisaya people help them survive in the difficult times.
We can see that amidst the challenges that people face in everyday life, we can't deny the fact that it is in the nature of a true Filipino to help fellow Filipino even if they differ in a tribe.
When asked about her grandson studies, she responded that 'studying is not for badjao,' she continued that she would let her grandson do and learn spearfishing because according to her, that is where badjao belongs.
How amazing could it be if badjao shifts their perspective? How amazing could it be if they were given a chance and opportunity to learn and educate themselves? How amazing could it be if they believe that they are also deserving of education?
In this life where the world is always evolving, and people adapt to changes to catch up and keep their feet on track. It is important to know where oneself stands, but also not to close doors to the possibilities that you can always walk in progress and grow as an individual ready to face the world without forgetting where you came from.
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