If there is one thing this whole pandemic have thought us, it is to live simply and appreciate

the little things in life. But for the Subanen tribe of Aloran, the pandemic never really seemed to
change anything because right out off the bat, they lived life of simplicity.

As the Covid-19 virus had put our world into a pause, but on the outskirts of Aloran the
Subanen tribe continued living like Covid-19 had not made any difference.

This pandemic made us realize that life is not about achieving big things but the appreciation
of the small ones. But life of of the Subanens have always have been this way. They live appreciating
nature, living with the little wonders of the world. Having the joy brought by the company of their
fellow tribes men.

“Kaming mga Subano ang among kinabuhi simple ra gyud kaayo. Kasagaraan namo kay mag
uuma. Ang among kalipay ra kung maayo ang among ani ( Us, Subanens our life is very simple. Most of
us are farmers. Our joy is brought by a good harvest),” Diosdado Tual, the IPMR of Aloran explained.

Living in Isolation is truly a challenge for most us. We are used to venturing the word,
interacting with everyone but because the lockdowns and boarder restrictions we were put in
isolation on our bubble.

Being out of contact from the world is not something new to Indigenous people. They lie on
areas out of reach of other. They live with their own people not bothered by others.

Despite being from away from civilization which includes medical facilities. Subanens believes
that Covid-19 does not stand a chance for them for they live an active lifestyle and believes that their
god will protect them.

“Kaming mga Subano nagtuo mi nga dili mi madugtan sa Covid kay ang permi man mi ug
pasingot. Ang covid kay ma anod sa among mga singot. (Us, Subanens believes that we cannot be
affected by Covid-19 because we work a lot. Covid will be cleansed by our sweat”, DIosdado stated.

Food also has been a problem for everyone but for Subanens, they sustain their own foods
and sources. Covid-19 brought us worry of our own health. But Subanens are confident that they
consume foods that they know are natural and will surely give the nutrients they needed.

Life in pandemic surely different for most of us, but we can learn various things from this
situation. We can learn from the Subanens, we can learn to live life at simplest.

Diosdado believes that if people live a grounded life even how strong the world quakes you
will never be knock out your feet. Our Subanens brothers and sisters have this grounded life, this is
our time to put our feet down.