A Sama native of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi has recently been declared as a “Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023” by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in recognition of her artistic excellence.
Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas is a master performer of Igal, a traditional ritual dance deeply rooted in the culture of Sama people from the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Through Proclamation No. 427 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 15, Sakinur-ain was recognized for her “commitment to safeguarding and promotion the Sama Igal (dance) tradition.”
Sakinur-ain Delasas performing the Igal traditional dance. (Photos from Delasas)
Sakinur-ain’s expertise of this dance is not just a skill acquired; it is a legacy passed down through generations. Under the tender guidance of her mother, Sakinur-ain learned the intricacies of Igal, where each movement mimics the birds, fishes, ocean waves, and the gentle breeze.
“Igal in not just dancing but dancing your heart and mind out”, she said.
“You present not just yourself but the rich culture, tradition, ritual and belief with every stroke and wave of your hands and body,” she added.
Her journey as an artist began in her hometown, where she first performed Igal at a tender age. However, it was with the Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe in 1974 that she truly blossomed as an artist. Over the years, like a fine wine aging gracefully, her skills matured. A pioneering dancer of the MSU-Tawi Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe, she eventually became its esteemed director.
Sakinur-ain’s talent knows no bounds; she has graced not only local stages but also national platforms, establishing a place for Igal on the international map. From the Semporna Igal Festival in Malaysia to performances in Barcelona, Spain, various areas in Sydney, Australia, and Belgium, her Igal dances have mesmerized audiences across the globe.
She has been exposed to various cultural performances, but she believes that Igal remains unparallelled. “Igal is very unique as compared to other dances where the movements follow the beat. Igal is the opposite, the fastest the beat the slower the movements of the hands are” she shared.
However, Sakinur-Ain is not without concerns. She notes the modern influences seeping into today’s Igal performances, expressing worry over the dilution of its traditional essence. “Today’s Igal is not the same with traditional Igal, the Igal today are now influenced with modernity,” she shared.
Despite this, at the age of 70, she remains committed to teaching Igal to her students, aiming to preserve the cultural and historical identity of the original dance.
Having been honored with President Marcos’ Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023, Sakinur-ain’s recognition reflects not just her personal achievements but also the pride of the entire Tawi-Tawi community and the broader Bangsamoro.
In the face of challenges, her dedication to preserving and promoting Igal, her commitment to passing down its traditions to future generations, and her representation of the Sama community’s culture on national and international platforms weave together the inspiring story of Sakinur-Ain Delasas and the enduring legacy of Igal.
Truly, she is a beacon deserving of recognition and celebration.
Along with Sakinur-ain, President Marcos Jr. also identified eight other Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023, namely Adelita Romualdo Bagcal (master of Oral Traditions from Banna, Ilocos Norte), Abina Tawide Coguit (embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur), Bundos Bansil Fara (T’boli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato), Marife Ravidas Ganahon (Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidno), Amparo Balansi Mabanag (Ga’dang embroider from Paracelis, Mountain Province), Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo (Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental), Barbara Kibed Ofong (T’boli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato), and Rosie Godwino Sula (T’boli chanter from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato). (Laila Aripin/BIO)
