Socio-Cultural Practices of Indigenous People in Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Philippines

Abstract

Anchored on Republic Act No. 8371 that recognizes, respects, and preserves the culture, traditions and institutions of ICCs/IPs, this study described the demographic profile and socio-cultural practices of 160 indigenous peoplerespondents in Carol-an, Kabankalan City who were purposively identified in ten proximate sitios. Qualitative-descriptive methods utilized were key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The results revealed that most respondents were 16-26 years old; lived in the area for 31-40 years; female; married; mothers who belonged to a Carol-anon ethnic group; spoke Hiligaynon and Bisaya dialects. Their socio-cultural practices include high respect of family to the father in decision making, communal ownership of tax exempted land. “Kagon” (mediator), the elder, resolved legal disputes. Marriage proposal called “isaka” was mediated by “Dakong Tawo,” (respected elder) and the bride was allowed to marry at age 12. They believed in sacred places and offer sacrificial pig called “Buhat”. The dead were wrapped in bamboo coffin called “Iiya-liya” and brought to “Binangkilan” Cave, the tomb. To them man used supernatural powers known as “antinganting.” The result of the study served as basis for considering these IPs’ rights in the formulation and application of national educational plans and policies. Keywords - Social Science, indigenous people, socio-cultural practices, research and development, descriptive design, Philippines