The Indigenous People Of Palawan: Tagbanua Masikampo

The anointing and "lambay" of Masikampo Ruben C. Joya

The island of Palawan stands famous for its scenic and serene beaches. International magazines and travel websites consistently ranked Palawan as one of the best in the world. Aside from the natural features of the landscape, the island of Palawan is also known for its people. There is a rich demographic diversity in the island owing to the multiple ethnic tribes calling Palawan their home. The Tagbanua tribe is one of the oldest indigenous tribes thriving in the archipelago. It exists with rich and elaborate culture and traditions which is being practiced especially by tribal members in the Central coast of Palawan. At the helm of the Tagbanua society is the Masikampo (Masicampo). Considered as the highest political leader of the cultural communities of Palawan, the Masikampo works to preserve the cultural integrity and secure the well-being of the province's indigenous people. According to history, the Masikampo originated from the Sultanate of Brunei of North Borneo. As distinguished from the Sultanate of Sulu, the Masikampo is considered as a title higher than the Datu but lower than a Sultan. Based on Tagbanua customary laws and practices, the following are the requisites for one to become a qualified heir to the position of Masicampo:

1. One must have a Bloodline of a Masicampo known as Osol;
2. He must be knowledgeable of the customary laws of the Tagbanuas known as Adat;
3. He must be knowledgeable of the history of the Masicampo known as Tuturan;
4. He must be trained and have shown interest in jural procedures known as Surugiden;
5. He must possess the skill and capacity to lead his people or at least acquainted in public administration;
6. He must have integrity, able to command respect and be considerably wealthy;
 7. On the aspect of our ritual practices, before a Masicampo can assume the position, he must undergo the ritual called “lambay” and recite the sacred oath. Only through this ritual that the blessings of Maguindusa can be given. It is also necessary that a male manlalambay or priest must officiate the ritual.