TiKanLu Festival: Its Socio-cultural and Economic Impact to Tagudinians of Northern Philippines

Abstract

The preservation of culture and heritage is a noble task especially when this activity is threatened by human negligence and oblivion. This study assessed and documented the socio-cultural and economic impact of TiKanLu Festival on Tagudinians in the northern part of the Philippines. This festival was named after the native delicacies known as Tinubong, Kankanen, and Lubi-lubi (TiKanLu). The researchers used case study and they used interview and focus group discussion as data-gathering instruments. Narrative data gathering technique was also utilized. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Twelve representatives from all walks of life were chosen through snowball purposeful sampling. The accounts of the informants were recorded and field note was done. Answers were transcribed and sorted and the researchers performed open coding, categorizing, and making of themes and patterns. The activities of the festival highlighted the distinct culture and heritage of Tagudinians especially the unveiling of the giant TiKanLu. The TiKanLu festival has great socio-cultural impact on the people’s value system like smooth-enabling relationships, camaraderie, collaboration, friendship, gratitude, hospitality, people empowerment, and good governance. Local entrepreneurs benefited as they made decent living and were able to send their children and relatives to college. A TiKanLu Festival coffee table book is timely and relevant to preserve the rich culture and tradition of Tagudinians and the LGU Tagudin officials are encouraged to institutionalize its support to TiKanLu products through the establishment of a business (pasalubong) center and the enhancement of the native delicacies' life span and packaging through researches.