TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF THE KANKANA-EYS

IN UCAB, ITOGON, BENGUET

S.Y 2016-2017

A Research Paper
Presented To:
Mrs. Joanie T. Haramain
SHS Core Subject Teacher

ALEJO M. PACALSO MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

( Bua, tuding, Itogon, Benguet )

Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial National High School

Bua, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1

Sub By:
Aileen B. Miro

Date :
March 23, 2017

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 This research would not be success without the gentle push of those individuals

who still believed in me despite all odds. With this, I wish to express my undesigning

gratitude to everyone.

To my family, no material things can ever repay your kindness and

understanding regardless of my stubbornness and for being the familys black sheep.

Sorry for all the mess Ive caused.

Dad, Ma, and my siblings, this is the fruit off all your sacrifices. Dad, your lifes

struggle had been my motivation each time I feel like giving up. Ma, your voice had

been so irritating but I now understand that it was just your way of making me feel your

unconditional love and care. May we all see the beauty of life in the wake of darkness.

My respondents, thank you may not be enough but I hope you could feel my

genuine appreciation for your cooperation. Ate Maricel, my thesis adviser, thanks for

your uncountable help. I will always remember your brilliant thoughts, which aided me in

finishing this study. Thank you also for bringing me whenever there are forums related

to my study. It is from those field exposures that I was able to gather important facts

related to my study. Sorry, too, for being a pasaway advisee. I was at times, a bit-

headed but you still assisted me in making things right.

Classmates, shall I say there is a price for every failure? Well, I guess so and we

are the living example, right? Hahaha. Weve failed to accomplish all the

responsibilities on our shoulders, yet here we are heading for success. Oftentimes, our
mistakes shield our appreciable character but I know someday the world itself would

uncover the useful stuffs in our brains. This isnt the beginning classmates weve just

surpassed one lifes test.

F-R-I-E-N-D-S, months have come to pass and youve been my comforting

zones in times I just want to leave at all the things undone. I was so blessed to share

my lifes downfall with you cause youve been brave to stand by my side and help me

realize the missing pieces I overlooked. Your presence was enough to direct this lost

soul. Big thanks for accepting my flaws and keeping the friendship unbroken.

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page

Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Approval Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1

Statement of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Objective of the Study . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Importance of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3

Scope and Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3

Review of Literature . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Kankanaey Tribe . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . 4

The Elders and their Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Definition of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Summary, Recommendation, and Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . 9

Recommendation . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Literature Cited . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

INTRODUCTION

Rationale
 Nowadays, some of the indigenous practices are at risk of becoming extinct

because of the modernization. The high technologies cause some changes in the

traditional practices. Even the social status of people in the rural areas is changing. The

traditional ways of communication among the people is also being affected due to this

emergence of communicating device. These changes should not totally degrade or

eradicate the traditional practices established by our ancestors when it teaches us

positive values. The indigenous people should know the importance of the practices

passed on to them by our ancestors for them to sustain and protect these practices.

Statement of the study

The study aimed to identify the process involved and the values gained from the
traditional practices of kankanaey.

1.) What are the processes involved in the traditional practices of the kankanaeys?

2.) What are the changes applied in the process of traditional practices of the

kankanaey?

3.) What are the perceived reasons behind the changes that happened to the

traditional practices of the kankanaey?

Objective of the study

The study aimed to determine the process involved and values gained from the

traditional practices of the kankanaeys.

1.) Determine the practices of kankanaey before and at the present time.

2.) Determine on which traditional practices/ traditional activities is often done by

tribe.

3.) Determine the dynamic change in the practices

Importance of the study

The findings of the study can provide insights to the future generation

especially to those who have tendency to ignore the cultural practices of Kankanaeys.

The results can also be used by students and researchers of Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial

National High School (AMPMNHS), in improving the communication process as used in

Development

Scope and limitation

The study will be focussing on the traditional roles and practices among

the kankanaey in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The kankanaey tribe

The term Kankanaey is a linguistic category which non-Cordillerans

popularized from the turn of the century until 1900s. Popular explanation points

out its etymological origin from the word kankanan ( as the saying goes or it

is said as mentioned before a narration or song ).

The Kankanaey tribe in Benguet dwells in the municipalities of Bakun,

Mankayan, Buguias, Kibungan, and some parts of Kapangan. They have settled
and remained in these places principally because of its agricultural potential.

Agricultural lands are the tribes main source of sustenance and the chief form of

wealth.

Kankanaey people are peace-loving, hardworking, generous, honest,

friendly, and self-reliant.

The Elders and Their Roles

Aube (2006) stated in her research that the elder are primarily the

resource of cultural knowledge. Their knowledge is one of the most valuable

sources in rural communities.

APHA (2004) explained that the identification of elders as culture-bearers

4
is not a simply a matter of age. Rather, it is a sign of respect given to individuals

who exemplify the values of the local culture and who possesses the wisdom
 and willingness to pass knowledge to the younger generations.

Study by the Benet of former Soviet Georgia in 1974 showed that elders

are valued because they maintain old traditions, customs, and kinship systems that are

imperative to the groups survival in a difficult region. They are also honored for their

extensive knowledge of the land and the usefulness of the local plant life.

Frisk (2000) said that the acceptable roles of the elders differ in each

society, some cultures utilize their elderly in many ways, while others just a few.

In most cultures, the elderly are responsible for passing down oral traditions and

teaching and instructing younger members through telling stories, myths,

legends, and singing songs.

Meanwhile, Fuglesang (1982), he described the critical roles of elders in

ensuring continuity between the knowledge and values of their forefathers and

the need of younger generations preparing for life in the future.

Aubel (2006) elaborated that grandmothers play an influential role in the

socialization, acculturation, and care of children as they grow and develop.

Other function of elders has something to do with indigenous healing.

They specifically address healing by talking to individuals regarding their health

complaints and addressing those complaints through ceremony, herbs, and other

remedies. 5
Definition of Terms
 Manbunong. These are individuals gifted with the ability to cure a certain

sickness through the aid of rituals such as bunong.

Mantulong. Akin to the manbunong, these are people who can also cure

certain sickness. They help cure he sick through prayers and hilot activities.

Rigat. These term refers to the times when he family is experiencing deep

turmoil like when a member passes away.

Ways of carrying out the role

ROLES ACTIVITIES DONE

Giving of advice trough telling/citing related

events,stories,myths, legends.

ARBITER Settling of conflicts by means of tongtong

Drinking of wine to seal off

misunderstanding.
Giving advice through telling/citing related

ADVISER events, stories, myths, legends.

Performing of certain rituals ( canao,

TEACHER agamid, lawit )

Giving advice trough telling/citing related

events, stories, myths, legends.

Performing of rituals (agamid)

TRADITIONAL Uttering of chants/native prayers

HEALER Giving advice through telling/citing related

events,stories,myths,legends.

Whenever a case involving any community member reaches the office of

the barangay captain, a council of learned elders will be gathered. The problem
will be solved through the consensus of tongtong. Together with the barangay

officials, relatives of contending parties and other community member present,

the problem will be worked out through the initiative of elders. In the conflict

settlement proper, both parties will be advised by the elders while trying to patch

up the misunderstanding.

Elders will give their advice trough citing related stories where involved

parties could reflect on their own mistakes. Traditionally, drinking of wine follows

after the decision is proclaimed. The conflicting parties will be asked to drink wine

as a way of totally resolving their conflict. In some instances, involved parties

who are rich could perform a canao as a merrier celebration.

According to Malanes, (2000), tongtong is an unwritten justice system,

handed down through generations. This system exist only in the memory of wise

elders who have been proven to be the best arbiters in the community. The

tongtong system covers all aspects of conflicts, misbehavior and crimesfrom

marital woes, land disputes, abuse and rape of women and murder to burning of

forests and poisoning of rivers.

For instance, the marital conflict of James and his wife was settled through

tongtong. The wife of James was discovered having an illegal affair with

someone in the neighborhood. Upon hearing the news, the concerned relatives

of James, who was working abroad, asked the barangay captain to schedule a

tongtong for the case to be settled. James was asked to come home quickly.
During the tongong, relatives of both parties gave their advice to the couple and

to the man whom the wife had an affair. Advices were given through accounts of

similar situations and the consequences. The advice was further reinforced with

the insights given by the elders and other community members present. In the

end, the wife was instructed to stop her unlawful act. The partner was also fined.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

The study was conducted to determine the community roles of elders and

processes among the kankana-ey in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. Specifically, it aimed

to characterize the elders in the community; Determine the practices of Kankanaey

 before and at the present time; Determine on which cultural activities or cultural

practices is often done by the tribe; and to determine the dynamic change in the culture.

The data were gathered through a survey questionnaire. Data gathered was

conducted on February-March 2017.

The main criteria used by the respondents for naming elders were age,

knowledge about the local culture, and respect in the community.

Elders are mostly needed in the community during discussions of proposed

community development projects and in settling disputesmartial. Land, and pretty

crimes such as theft, rape, etc.

In each situation they are called, elders act as adviser, mediator, listener,

traditional healer. As adviser, their ideas are either sought to affirm a decision being

made or give insights in deciding proper actions to do. As traditional judges, elders help

in settling conflicts arising in the community.

Recommendation

The following is recommended:

1. Findings of this study should be written in a monograph to be shared to community

development workers
 10

LITERATURE CITED

AUBEL, J. 2006. Grandmothers Promote Maternal and Child Health: The Role of

Indigenous Knowledge Systems Managers, Retrieve September 20, 2008, from

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTINDKNOWLEDGE/Resources/iknt89.pd.
FRISK, R. 2000. Roles of the Elderly. Retrieved December 20,2000, from

https://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/aging/roles.html.

FLUGLESANG, A. 1982. About Understanding: Ideas and Observations on

Cross-Cultural Understanding. Retrieve November 9, 2008, from

http://www.geocites.com/nutodorova/013.htm.

11

KANKANAEYS TAPIS
INSTRUMENTS
( GANGSA/GANSA )
SOLIBAO