A sweaty, spirited, and festive  “throwback” at traditional games made a gathering of Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups more meaningful and memorable.

The Visayas leg of the “Indigenous Peoples Games” (IP Games) was held at the Manuel Torres Sports Complex in Bago City, Province of Negros Occidental.

The IP Games showcased the mastery of indigenous peoples in archery, their impressive skills in the quick husking of coconuts, their agility in executing the “kadang-kadang” (a race using bamboo stilts or coconut husks with ropes or cords for support), their technical climbing skills in “palo sebo” (a competition that involves climbing a greasy pole to secure a prize at the tip or a flaglet to redeem a prize).

The activity has given indigenous people great joy, as they get the opportunity to showcase their traditional games along with Filipino games deemed “Laro ng Lahi” (game distinct to a race or ethnicity).

Donald Vital, a competitor, pulled his “pana” (arrow) with pride and confidence he would win big. He said that his training involves traditional hunting of “baboy ramo” (wild pigs).

At least 17 Local Government Units (LGUs) participated in the IP Games initiated by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Indigenous Peoples.

Bago City has been designated as host for the 2024 staging. 

IP groups in Bago City are overjoyed at the chance because members of their communities are highlighted being among the first settlers in Negros Island, thus "must be accorded with utmost respect."

According to Richard Bachmann, PSC chairman, it is the mandate of the sports commission to uphold traditional games.

“Narito po ang Philippine Sports Commission upang maging kaisa nyo sa pangangalaga ng mga tradisyonal na larong inyong kinalakihan upang maipakilala rin sa mga kabataan,” Bachmann said.