Lake Sebu, South Cotabato—In celebration of National Heritage Month, the T’boli-led Gono Ye Bong Living Tradition Center is taking center stage in preserving Indigenous culture—one ritual, dance, and meal at a time.
Lyn A. Buti, a cultural bearer at the heart of this movement, trains over young students in traditional T’boli dance, cooking, and customs.
“Gumawa tayo ng mga bagay na pwede ikasaya ng mga taong nandito sa lupa. Kung mawala man tayo, may sumunod. Yon kaya ang pinaka importante na itransfer talaga ang aming mga talents?” Lyn A. Buti stated.
The school begins every activity with traditional rituals — a practice Lyn insists is vital for balance and respect. She grows native root crops on her farm, offering hands-on cultural immersion through food and farming.
This May, Content creator and local food advocate Erwan Heussaff visited Gono Ye Bong to document its living heritage. He spotlighted T’boli dishes like Dnolong Anuk and Nlot Anuk and featured tribal dances that reflect the deep spiritual and communal roots of the culture.
More than a school, Gono Ye Bong is a cultural sanctuary — a place where youth rediscover their identity. Lyn urges today’s generation to reconnect.
“Some youth no longer know who we are. That must change — and it starts here.”
Despite limited funding, Gono Ye Bong thrives through passion and purpose, proving that culture survives when people choose to live it.
