Tagum’s Kagikan: The museum of the Tagumenyo people
Above Davao city, in Davao del Norte, is Tagum City. It is a place of rich history and culture which may not be apparent at first glance. Visit the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center for one of the best collections of Tagum City and Mindanao history within the province.
Tagum’s Kagikan: The museum of the Tagumenyo people
Kagikan is located on the 3rd floor of the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center at Osmeña Street, Tagum City. It is the only building in Tagum with a giant sideways g-clef in front of it.
Entrance
There are no admission fees. However, you may need to leave your bag packs at the baggage counter. Taking photos with flash is strictly forbidden as well as touching the artifacts.
All about Tagum
They do have collections from cultures and tribes within Mindanao. However, the highlight of this museum is the developments within Tagum. The museum covers the economy, transportation, education, and eventual modernization of the city among other things.
The indigenous people and the Moros
The displays do not just go into the type of people they are and their clothing. Kagikan also displayed the different musical instruments they have, the different cuisines, ritual elements, everyday tools, and furniture among other things. The museum even has displayed replicas of their shelters.
Most importantly, the museum goes into the role of the indigenous people and the Moros as defenders against invaders. Personally, I find that their role tends to be minimized in school teachings on Philippine history. A visit to this museum could teach everyone about the place that the first peoples of Mindanao have in our history.
The Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center is open from Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
