dutch-ex-missioner-awarded-for-tribal-service
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Apr 3, 2012, 12:37:09 AM4/3/12
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http://www.ucanews.com/2011/11/16/dutch-ex-missioner-awarded-for-tribal-service/
Dutch ex-missioner gets tribal award
Devoted his life to study of unique Mangyan heritage in northern
province
Madonna Virola, Oriental Mindoro
Philippines
November 16, 2011
A Dutch anthropologist who lived with the Mangyan tribal people in the
northern province of Oriental Mindoro for 53 years has received an
award for outstanding contribution to the promotion of indigenous
culture.
Anton Postma, 82, a former missioner of the Divine World (SVD), was
given the Alay Katutubo Award on Monday by local officials in Baco,
Oriental Mindoro. The award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter
Anya.
The award coincided with the launch of a heritage museum and the 61st
anniversary of the founding of the province.
“My mama (father in Hanunuo language) extends his gratitude for this
recognition. He could not come because he is not as fit as before,”
Anya said.
Postma is best known for being the first to decipher the inscription
in a controversial copper plate found in Laguna province. Dated at 900
AD, it is the earliest written document found in the Philippines. He
is also known for his comprehensive documentation of the Hanunuo
Mangyan tribe.
He first came to Mindoro as a priest in 1958, became interested in the
uniqueness and wealth of the Mangyan heritage, and devoted his life to
it, including publishing books and articles on the Mangyan culture.
In 1989, he left the priesthood and married Yam-ay Insik, a Mangyan
teacher. They have four children.
He made the Surat Mangyan, one of the remaining three asyllabic
writing systems in the country, appreciated by both Mangyans and non-
Mangyans.
Postma is fondly called Bapa, which means “uncle” in Hanunuo.
Dutch ex-missioner gets tribal award
Devoted his life to study of unique Mangyan heritage in northern
province
Madonna Virola, Oriental Mindoro
Philippines
November 16, 2011
A Dutch anthropologist who lived with the Mangyan tribal people in the
northern province of Oriental Mindoro for 53 years has received an
award for outstanding contribution to the promotion of indigenous
culture.
Anton Postma, 82, a former missioner of the Divine World (SVD), was
given the Alay Katutubo Award on Monday by local officials in Baco,
Oriental Mindoro. The award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter
Anya.
The award coincided with the launch of a heritage museum and the 61st
anniversary of the founding of the province.
“My mama (father in Hanunuo language) extends his gratitude for this
recognition. He could not come because he is not as fit as before,”
Anya said.
Postma is best known for being the first to decipher the inscription
in a controversial copper plate found in Laguna province. Dated at 900
AD, it is the earliest written document found in the Philippines. He
is also known for his comprehensive documentation of the Hanunuo
Mangyan tribe.
He first came to Mindoro as a priest in 1958, became interested in the
uniqueness and wealth of the Mangyan heritage, and devoted his life to
it, including publishing books and articles on the Mangyan culture.
In 1989, he left the priesthood and married Yam-ay Insik, a Mangyan
teacher. They have four children.
He made the Surat Mangyan, one of the remaining three asyllabic
writing systems in the country, appreciated by both Mangyans and non-
Mangyans.
Postma is fondly called Bapa, which means “uncle” in Hanunuo.
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