The Tagbanua Nobles: Masikampu Ignacio Joya



Masikampu Ignacio Joya (the 14th Masikampu) who was considered as the environmental protector of the ancient lands and sacred sites of Palawan, had the title MASIKAMPU or the Master of the Camp (Antropologist Harold Olofson); the Tagbanuas, however, quoted it for “Mas it Ampu” or higher than Lords (Ancient Syllabaries). This indicates why the Masikampu seats as the highest titular head of the earliest form of government known in the province. All affairs, even those of the past, present and future manifestations of the culture of Palawan must be with the consent and authority of the Masikampu. 

 Ampun, who was the eldest grandson of Kursud, was treated by his grandfather as his own son. He was   also trained to become a Masikampu as he did with his sons. Since Ampun did not have a real father, Kursud has become his paternal figure as he also lives with him. Relatively, Ampun, was only younger by one year than Emilio, the youngest son of Kursud with his first wife Diked. Knowledge about customary laws and with the shared intimacy between Ampun and Kursud, Ampun was the most intensively trained among eligible successors in the bloodline of Kursud. 
Fox described Ampun Huya as a very prominent and intelligent Tagbanuwa. For a person who has served as Masikampu for 27 long years, no one ever contested his authority. It was also stated that, past mayors, such as Ampun, have been Tagbanuwa. Generally speaking, the Tagbanuwa have been and are well represented in the municipal government. Even before his assumption as Masikampu, Ampun was already well versed of the customs and traditions of the Tagbanuwa. He even defended Santus during the council (pp 72). He also traveled widely throughout the domain of the cultural minorities as he functioned as the appeals judge during councils and was called by Maradia Arngao as eligible member of the council of elders.

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