IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon — In a solemn display of faith, culture, and community resilience, members of the Higaunon tribe recently conducted a traditional Pamuhat ritual at the iconic Atugan Bridge in Impasugong, Bukidnon, seeking spiritual protection and peace following a series of alarming incidents at the site.
The ritual, deeply rooted in the sacred customs and traditions of the Higaunon people, was performed near the bridge as a communal prayer for harmony and safety. Tribal leaders and community members gathered to offer supplications to the Creator, asking for divine guidance and protection for all individuals who pass through the towering structure.
For the Higaunon, the Pamuhat is not merely a ritual but a sacred act that reflects their enduring respect for life, the natural environment, and the unseen spiritual forces believed to influence the balance of the world. Through chants, prayers, and symbolic offerings, the ceremony aimed to cleanse the area of negative energy and restore spiritual equilibrium.
Community elders said the gathering was also meant to strengthen solidarity among residents and reaffirm their commitment to preserving their ancestral traditions while confronting modern challenges affecting their community.
The ritual comes amid growing concern over incidents reported at the bridge. Authorities disclosed that since January 2026, at least four suicide attempts have been recorded at Atugan Bridge, prompting alarm among residents and local officials who fear the structure could become a hotspot for such tragedies.
Local leaders emphasized that the spiritual ceremony was conducted not only to protect the community but also to send a message of hope and collective responsibility.
“This act of prayer and unity reminds us that life is sacred,” one tribal elder said, adding that the community hopes the ritual will help bring comfort to those struggling and encourage people to seek support during difficult times.
Completed in 1983, the Atugan Bridge is a major infrastructure landmark in Bukidnon and one of the highest bridges in the Philippines. The structure spans 223 meters in length and rises approximately 64.5 meters above the river below, making it both an engineering marvel and a vital transportation link for travelers crossing the mountainous terrain of northern Mindanao.
However, its height and isolated location have also raised concerns about safety, prompting calls from community leaders for additional preventive measures such as barriers, monitoring, and mental health support services.
For the Higaunon community, the Pamuhat ritual serves as both a spiritual safeguard and a cultural reminder that the well-being of the land and the people are deeply intertwined.
As prayers echoed across the gorge beneath the bridge, participants expressed hope that the sacred rite would help restore peace to the area and protect all those who journey across one of Bukidnon’s most prominent landmarks.