Idiyanale and Dumangan
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Idiyanale is the goddess of labor and good deeds (Idianale or Idianali in other sources). Natives used to call for her guidance in order to make their works successful. In some sources Idiyanale is identified as the goddess of agriculture and goddess of animal husbandry.
She married Dumangan, the god of good harvest (Dimangan in other sources) and had two offspring- Anitun Tabu and Dumakulem. They were lesser deities who lived with Bathala in Kaluwalhatian.
"Idiyanale" Illustrated by Peonah Terese Repelente
A Just Goddess
Idiyanale is the goddess of labor and good deeds. Natives used to call for her guidance in order to make their works successful. People look up to her for her astonishing beauty and boundless compassion. She is kind and generous to mortals. While it is tough to enrage Idiyanale, her punishment to people who commit heinous crimes is cruel. Only her husband, Dumangan can calm her down on the rare times that she is angry. Dumangan, as a gentle god, would always be willing to help the natives who would pray for their jobs especially if it refers to farming and good harvest.
Farmers from the province of Isabela were afraid of birds feeding on their growing crops. They prayed to Idiyanale and Dumangan for a bountiful harvest and even made “anitos” for them.
"Dumangan" Illustrated by Mica Ellah Tambalong
Designed by Peonah Terese Repelente
Introduction - Audio version
A Just Goddess - Audio version
When the whole village was asleep, a local thief decided to steal the people’s offerings from the “anitos”. A farmer called him out, and to his surprise, ended up hitting the farmer’s head with a stone. The thief then fled. The whole town was horrified upon finding the dead body and soon realized that the offerings were nowhere to be found. Days passed and a kid saw a strange and tall figure in the fields. The figure was wearing a straw hat with his arms outstretched. When he walked towards it to get a closer look, he realized that it was the thief! His face was somewhat recognizable; however, he was no longer human - it's merely mimicking one. The townspeople noticed that the birds were no longer disturbing the crops. They pieced the puzzle together, and came to a conclusion that Idiyanale was responsible for this. She punished the thief and made him this way. The concept of "Bambanti" or scarecrow as we know it, was born and this has helped farmers frighten birds away, soon leading to a bountiful harvest.
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