Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

MINDANAO AND MOUNTAIN PROVINCE 273

On the threshold of the new national consciousness that
could be expected from this Congress, may our first concern
be our Southland. Clearly, our task there is to make the third
star of our flag twinkle and shine as bright as the other two,
standing for a Mindanao that is not merely a geographical
expression, but something real, tangible, integral in all respects
with the rest of the Archipelago, vibrant with energy, and
pursuing its logical destiny.
After the reading of the paper of Representative
Melencio a discussion of the points brought out
followed. Questions were directed to the speaker and
he answered all of them satisfactorily. Representative Vamenta brought out the point that the Moro
problem is purely a domestic problem and with an
easy solution; that the Moros do not constitute a
different race and if they are treated justly and fairly,
they will always be on the side of their Christian
brothers.
The next speaker was Director Ludovico Hidrosollo of the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes. He read
the following paper:
WHAT IS BEING DONE FOR THE NON-CHRISTIAN
POPULATION OF THE PHILIRPINES
By DIRECTOR LUDOVICO HIDROSOLLO,
of the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes
GENTLEMEN:
As a matter of review, may I be permitted first to mention
the provinces considered as our non-Christian territory. According to the Organic Act, commonly known as the Jones
Law, the non-Christian territory of the Philippines is composed
of the provinces of Agusan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao, Lanao