Five indigenous tribes competed in the archery and blow dart events, wearing their tribal attire and using traditional weapons during the competition held at the Pastolan Ayta Village in this free port.
These include the Pastolan tribe of Hermosa, Bataan; Mampweng, Libas, and Maliwakat tribes in Olongapo City; and another tribe from San Marcelino, Zambales.
Each event had variations that put the tribesmen into different situations, ranging from shooting a target at a standstill to shooting a target while climbing a tree.
POC board member Col. Antonio Jeff Tamayo said that another reason for holding these tribal games was to remind everyone of native traditions.
“These games help us embrace our heritage to the very core,” Tamayo said.
During the matches, the young athletes who joined the competition showed excitement, hoping that they would be chosen as representatives of the country.
Twenty-one year-old Wilson of the Libas tribe said he was eager to try his accuracy in the archery event.
He noted that these traditions were diminishing as Aytas become more urbanized. The games, he added, are a great way for the youth to embrace their roots.
During the opening ceremony, Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla welcomed the visiting tribes, saying the event also served as a reunion for the tribes in Zambales and Bataan.
“I hope that this will not be just a one-time event and that many more tribal games will be held here at the Pastolan Village in the near future.”
