“Matolos no Ingod” (“Great Nation”) draws inspiration from the ancestral lands of the Ata community in Davao City, Philippines.

The story of the play, which grew out of the Indigenous Performing Artist Camp facilitated by iEmergence in the Philippines, is based on the Ata community's experiences safeguarding and sustaining its forests, cultural practices and traditions for future generations to carry forward proudly. While there is no denying that leaders have diverse perspectives on development and what it means for the community, they’re expected to make decisions based on Indigenous values, teachings and Manama (Creator).

The plot revolves around two leaders, Datu Bobo and Datu Ngan, who take opposing approaches to caring for their community. Datu Bobo seeks to offer economic stability to the community by interacting with outsiders who want to exploit its natural resources. On the other hand, Datu Ngan reflects culturally based beliefs and traditions while striving for community advancement.

Their names are from the word “bobongan,” which means mountain. The separation of "bobo" and "ngan" illustrates that even amid conflict that first divides us, the ability to reconcile our differences demonstrates the value of collective bonds.

On Oct. 5, 2024, the play was performed for the first time during a Community Critics Night at Sitio Surayan in Paquibato District, Davao City. Ata leaders, Elders, women, youth and children actively participated in preparatory and Pakighinabi (Conversations) sessions after the show and contributed to the event's success.

It was a wonderful experience for the community, particularly for the leaders, who emphasized that the play's influence is one of the great endeavors in pushing everyone to carry on their ancestors' legacy for the sake of their future and to avoid losing their identity as Ata.

The artists of “Matolos no Ingod” plan to take the story to as many parts of the Paquibato District as possible. We hope that making it more accessible will help spark more meaningful conversations and reflection on one's role in caring for the environment and community well-being, especially among leaders and emerging young leaders. So, it is the team's hope to bring the full story of “Matolos no Ingod” to the stage.

We invite you to walk with us, and you are welcome to collaborate and partner to make this a reality.

— Bob Ali, program manager on participatory engagement and community initiated program for iEmergence Philippines