Sec. Mario Montejo receives the title Datu Mahimugnanon as Bae Noreta Gabao, the keeper of the Tiguahanon, a Manobo culture from the northern tribe of Bukidnon, prays the Panubad-tubad for God to bestow upon Sec. Montejo the skills as datu. Mahimugnanon is from the Manobo word “mugma” which means “to create and innovate”, aptly describing the Secretary’s role as head of the Department of Science and Technology which spearheads innovations in research and development in the country. The conferment was officiated during the “Gabi ng Sining at Siyensya”, part of the Science Nation Tour, a nationwide information campaign that aims to make Filipinos, especially those in the countryside, “feel” science and technology integrated in their daily lives. The tour hopped its sixth leg in Northern Mindanao region on Aug 20-23. (Text by Framelia V. Anonas, Photos by Henry A. de Leon, S&T Media Service)
