TRIBU LAGUIWAN

SYNOPSIS

The term lagiwan is derived from the Waray word kalaguiw (old spelling for kalagiw), which
means escape, in English. Pagkalagiw means to escape; lagiwan refers to the people who escape, and
kalagiwan is the area where they escaped to, for hiding and safety.

The above title depicts the tale of the people whose narrative is such that, in the most
dramatic moments of their lives, escaping from untoward circumstances has characterized their
collective experience and consciousness. Here is how their narrative unfolded:

In a certain place of Burauen, Leyte, a group of people with their families lived harmoniously
and prosperously, vibrant with their peculiar culture and lifeways. They were experts at making
handicrafts and other items which they used to facilitate and expedite their tasks. They effectively
utilized items such as tibud, kawayan, and many more, enjoying the richness of their culture and
native delicacies like bukayo, kurukod, bibingka, linupak, etc.

Amid their peaceful existence with nature, friends, and loved ones, their daily chores and
livelihoods were disrupted one day when war broke out between two warring forces that were hostile
to each other. Caught in the crossfire, the people found themselves under risky conditions. And so,
fearing for their lives, they sought ways to remedy their situation as the war had not just made them
vulnerable; their place became a warzone, and they were eventually dislodged from that land,
frantically heading nowhere.

In their desperate desire to escape, they shouted to the object of their faith, the image of the
Immaculate Concepcion “Senyora Immaculada Concepcion, buligi kami!” As they awaited their fate,
a huge eagle emerged from somewhere and came into full view. The elders then interpreted the sight
of the majestic bird as the answer to their prayers. They followed the eagle underneath, making sure
they didn’t lose sight of it. The big bird led their way slowly until they came upon a spot that was
carefully nestled in between hills alternating with plains. The beautiful place looked perfect for
evacuation ends, as a place of refuge, being guarded securely by nearby mountains.

They then settled in that area, built their houses, and made a living by harvesting nature’s
yield. People from other places who experienced the same plight as they did likewise found safety in
that spot so, gradually, the population increased as it became a place of refuge to the dispossessed.
Thus, their village became known as Kalaguiwan, or Laguiwan for short, since it became a haven for
those who sought safety from various dangers.

One thing they made sure, though, is that they continued their traditions and practices there
which, in the long run, formed part of their cultural heritage even up to now. There, they did not only
find the safety that they needed; they also flourished as a vibrant community exhibiting idyllic virtues.

◼ Doms Pagliawan
Burauen, 2023