Consequences of Disobeying Buya

 by Cristine Canobas

            Some Indigenous marriages are pre-arranged, with parents tying the knot between a girl and a guy. Early marriage to a guy who is not of their choosing causes emotional pain for many indigenous girls who are barely out of puberty. Many Lumad women today refuse the custom of Lumad marriage because they perceive pre-arranged marriage as being detrimental to their interests. Manobo for instance is obliged to follow their parents' decision if a wedding has been set for them. When they are not compelled to get married young, they feel more equipped to fulfill their life goals. This avoidance adds to cultural decay because indigenous marriages, including the dowry system, were originally passed down through generations to promote the couple's happiness and socioeconomic well-being. Since it improves self-reliance and frees the young from the stigma of pre-arranged marriage, this development is exceptional and desirable. Finding the right mate for their children now takes a different shape from raising them to be educated adults who have strong ties to their tribes and who can describe themselves as such.

        Another fact about Buya is that some parents have made plans for their children as young as toddlers, which many could view as a highly worrying development for every young person in the tribe. Buya is considered sacred by several tribes, and anybody who violates the agreement risks starting a tribal war and putting both tribes' lives in jeopardy. You can only leave Buya if you or your partner are really ill or have a serious health issue. Another way for you to escape Buya is through education. Manobo people are very committed to achieving their goals even if it takes climbing a mountain to get to schools and being called a Runaway bride or Runaway Groom by many.