The Gong Culture of the Manobo of Southern Philippines: A Way Forward to Multi-Cultural Understanding

Abstract

How a scientific discovery of a gong culture that is still practiced to this day from the Manobo of Cotabato, Philippines was translated to mainstream society was the purpose of this study. This study utilized a translation continuum framework: 1) knowledge discovery; 2) process; 3) dissemination and 4) adoption. Fieldwork was done in the village of Manobo in Magpet Cotabato, Philippines. In the light of the findings on the gong culture, it can be concluded that the Manobo has contributed their music system, belief system and socio-cultural values to cultural education. Through cultural exchange, dialogues and interactions among researchers, musicians and users, it became part of an international music materials coproduction program of UNESCO, part of a theatre production, and part of the curriculum of the Department of Education and was taught in informal, formal and alternative learning systems. Dissemination of the gong culture was through performances, symposia, workshops and publications. The goal of adoption is long range and may take time, but the modest contribution of the gong culture is a way forward to multi-cultural understanding. Keywords - Gong Culture, Cultural Education, Alternative learning system, Translational work, multi-cultural understanding