The Masikampo: Supreme Leader of the Tagbanua



Masikampu Ruben C. Joya fulfilled all these requirements of a Masikampo.

1. One must have a Bloodline of a Masicampo known as Osol.

He is the direct descendant of Masikampu Ignacio Joya (14th Masikampu), son of Apo Rafaela Kursud. Only a direct descendant of the Inagawan Masikampu can be chosen by the Usba et Masikampu to lead the tribe. This is the Osol. Anyone who claims to be a Masikampu without proof of Osol is considered a fraudulent entity.

2. He must be knowledgeable of the customary laws of the Tagbanuas known as Adat.

Masikampu Ruben Joya learned the customary laws through his father and Usba et Masikampu. The Adat should not be taken lightly. There is a blessing and a curse if you do not perform your duties as the supreme leader of the Tagbanua. This is one reason why young children are not allowed to be the head of the Tagbanua despite being an Usba et Masikampu.

3. He must be knowledgeable of the history of the Masicampo known as Tuturan.

He was taught and educated about the lineage at an early age. This is a prerequisite because you have to be aware of your noble roots and clan history. The Masikampu of old would groom their chosen son about the history of the tribe, the responsibilities of the Masikampu and stories of former Masikampus.

4. He must be trained and have shown interest in jural procedures known as Surugiden.

Masikampu Joya was exposed to surugiden as the son of Masikampu Ignacio Joya and as Usba et Masikampu (Prince). He facilitated jural proceedings pertaining to marriage, settlement of disputes and government policies affecting the Tagbanua during his early adult life as the son of the Masikampu. These early training and exposure prepared him as he became the 18th Masikampu.

5. He must possess the skill and capacity to lead his people or at least acquainted in public administration.

Masikampu Ruben Joya is a college graduate with a degree in Agriculture. He worked in local and national institutions before becoming a Masikampu himself. He also served as the Vice-Mayor in the town of Aborlan.

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.

The Lambay was performed in Aborlan and officiated by two Maradia e't Manlalambay from Magbabadil.

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