Immagined Communities Among the Sagada Igorots

IMAGINED COMMUNITIES AMONG THE SAGADA IGOROTS

An Undergraduate Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Cordilleras

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science

By:
FONSECA, JONATHAN
LONGID, JO ANN
MATIAS, JOHANNE
NADIASAN, NADINE

APRIL 2013

APROVAL SHEET

This undergraduate thesis entitled IMAGINED COMMUNITIES AMONG THE SAGADA IGOROTS prepared and submitted by JONATHAN FONSECA, JO ANN LONGID, JOHANNE MATIAS, and NADINE NADIASAN in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE, has been examined and is recommended for acceptance and approval for oral examination.

FERDINAND D. LAWAN, MAT Adviser

Thesis Committee

MACARIO T. LUMSIT, MAT SONIA G. MASAOAY, MAT
Member Member

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE.

MIRIAM A. JANEO, PH. D.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

THESIS ABSTRACT

Title: IMAGINED COMMUNITIES AMONG THE SAGADA IGOROTS
Total No. of Pages: 188
Text No. of Pages: 89
Researchers: JONATHAN FONSECA JO ANN LONGID JOHANNE MATIAS NADINE NADIASAN

Type of Document: Undergraduate Thesis
Type of Publication: Unpublished
Accrediting Institution: University of the Cordilleras
Funding Agency: Private
Keywords: National Identity, Ethnic Identity, Imagined Communities, Ethnic Pluralism, Civic Nationalism, Ethnic Nationalism, Social Dominance
Abstract:
Rationale/ Background
National Identity has been a continuing discourse in the Philippines since the colonization period. The many years of domination by the colonizers had created an ambiguity in the consciousness of Filipinos, At present globalization and international tourism are seen as challenges to the enrichment of ethnic and national identity. Sagada being a tourist destination both to international and local guests cannot stay isolated from the effects of globalization. This study intends to explore the current state of ethnic and national identity among the Sagada Igorots, particularly on the meanings they attach to the elements of ethnic and national identity.

Summary This thesis in entitled “Imagined Communities Among the Sagada Igorots”. Specifically, it sought answers to the following questions:
1. What are the meanings attached by the Sagada Igorots to the following elements of their ethnic identity, namely: food, clothing, dances, political institutions, music, and hero or role models?
2. What are the meanings attached by the Sagada Igorots to the following elements of their national identity, namely: food, clothing, dances, political institutions, music, and hero?
3. What is the level of acceptance of the respondents of their Filipino national identity as manifested in the given value orientations?
3.a. Identification with one’s own nation/national pride/ historical heritage;
3.b. Relations with other nations and other international entities;
3.c. Attachment to one’s own ethnic group and opinion on whether ethnic groups should preserve their own customs and traditions.
Findings
The following are the findings of this study:
1. Results reveal that generally, the respondents view the selected elements of ethnic identity namely, food, clothing, music, political institutions, dances, and hero/role models as cultural materials and symbols that represent their Igorot ethnic identity. These are materials that signify their belongingness to the Sagada Igorot ethnic group.
2. Based on the results, the respondents generally, view the following selected elements – food, clothing, political institution, music, dances, and hero/role models as materials of Filipino culture that mean or represent their national identity but of varying significance. In particular, Original Pilipino Music or OPMs (music), barong Tagalog as the national dress for men (dress), Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio as Filipino national heroes and role models are seen by the respondents as the elements that most significantly represent Filipino identity. The other elements, adobo and tinola as classical Filipino cuisine, baro’t saya as the national dress for women, and Carinosa as the national dance, are recognized as part of the elements of national identity but do not necessarily inspire meanings that are attributable to national identity.
3. Findings show that the respondents fairly accept their national identity as manifested by the over-all mean of 2.64 using the following value orientations; a) identification with one’s own nation/national pride/historical heritage, b) relations with other countries and international entities, and c) attachment to their own ethnic group and share in the opinion that ethnic groups should preserve their customs and traditions.

Conclusions Based on the findings, the following are the conclusions of this study:
1. All the identified elements of Igorot culture carry meanings that define the Sagada Igorot Ethnic Identity.
2. The following selected elements of Filipino culture - food, clothing, music, political institutions, dances and heroes/role models represent or signify Filipino national identity.
3. The respondents fairly accept their national identity.

Recommendations Based on the findings, the following are recommended:
1. Although all the identified elements of Igorot culture carry meanings that define the Sagada Igorot Ethnic Identity, the researchers still recommend that local governments and other concerned institutions should be more vigilant in strengthening the people’s ethnic identities by sponsoring more cultural events to inculcate among the people the importance of having strong and stable ethnic identities as numerous studies show that having such has many positive outcomes.
2. As schools are important in the formation of national identity in the Philippines, the researchers further recommend that the current educational curricula being implemented in schools should be re-evaluated by the concerned agencies (DEPED and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education) and enact necessary steps to further uplift the consciousness of people towards the achievement of a true Philippine national identity.
3. The national government should also help and promote the advancement of Filipino identity beyond the usual stereotypes, and also to contribute in identifying who Filipinos really are and, in turn, raise the level of honor of Filipinos to a higher notch because as can be seen in the results of this study, the respondents merely have a fair level of acceptance of their national identity. This can be done through community-supported mechanisms and tools, influencing people and their behavior so that it may create a society capable of facing challenges, and enjoying the most important and necessary foundations of social, behavioral and national tools which consist of religion, education, family education, leadership, media and arts.
4. a. One of the limitations of this study is that it does not explain why the respondents think and feel as they claim in relation to their level of acceptance of their Filipino national identity hence the researchers recommend further studies which would dwell on this area.
b. The researchers acknowledge that the sample was limited and that in order to draw more general conclusions with regards to Sagada Igorots, a study on the same subject should include a larger sample across barangays.
c. For a more comprehensive result, the researchers recommend the same study to be conducted across the various ethnic affiliations that make up the Igorot ethnic group (i.e Bontoc kankanaeys, Ibalois, Ifugaos).
d. The researchers further recommend a study that would dwell on the relationship of the level of acceptance of Filipino national identity with levels of participation to development goals.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers would like to thank the following who have been integral in the success of this study.

Mr. Macario Lumsit for laying the foundation of this research endeavor;

Mr. Ferdinand Lawan for the unfailing guidance and mentorship;

To all the Political Science instructors for all the wisdom and inspiration they shared;

To the Longid family for their warm welcome and for hosting and providing the researchers the most comfortable place to stay while in Sagada;

To the respondents- the elders headed by Emilia Capuyan and Mrs. Lagilayan Lingbanan Sawate; the professionals headed by Mrs. Esther Baniaga Toyokan and to the youth respondents who willingly gave their time to provide data for this research.

They would also like to thank their parents, families, relatives and friends who have financially and morally supported them in this endeavor.

Above all, the researchers thank God who has guided them throughout the course of this research.

Sagada, matagotago ka, kinpaintas, Kinabaknang mo mentultuloy ta waday wanden di sumulsaluno ay an-ak mo. Matogotago tako ami-n.

DEDICATION

To my family, ( Ma, Dad, Auntie Sayon and Uncle Er, Auntie Hilds and Uncle Manny, Mama Delia and Papa John, Mng. Marienelle, Alagon, Baded, Kimeu, Collin, Kudait and to all my relatives), you have been my constant source of inspiration and have always given me the drive and discipline to tackle any task with enthusiasm and determination. Thank you all so much and I love you all.

To my Lola Baded and Lola Iching~ Wherever you are, I know you both are proud of your little girl.

To Sir McL~ Thank you for reminding me that there are no gray areas in life. You will always be an inspiration.

To my fellow Isagadas~ Ipeyas tako nan gawis ya matago-tago tako am-in.”

And most of all to Yngan, Thank you for the love, support, encouragement and patience. Your faithful support during the final stages of this research is so appreciated. I love you.

~Wakina Longid

To my Parents, my brother, to my entire relatives and FONSECA FAMILY, after a long wait of waiting, finally I have reached the beginning of the end of school days and the beginning of a real life, maturity stage I call. I dedicate this achievement to you.

And so, this research would not be possible without the help of my fellow group mates, Johanne, Jo Ann, and Nadine, who by accepted me as theirs the moment I needed group mates. Thank you.

~ Jonathan Fonseca

To God my deepest gratitude;

Mr. and Mrs. Kathryn Kuennzli(USA)and Jessica Micael(Canada), My career has never been born without you guys. I was awakened, challenged, determined and inspired. Your steadfast - unwavering friendship, love, advices and support was my backbone to stand against all odds and was my rod and my ladder that leads to my achievement;

To my Parents, Brothers, sisters and in-laws, niece and nephews. Who could ever believe after 20 years across the Pacific Ocean the day I had dream comes true. Convinced for a better tomorrow … though the journey was tough filled with painful and bitter challenges but I took no chance of defeat.

The long awaited moment is finally here, and I am proud to say I made it. My overflowing joys to share this achievement,to all of you thank you and I love you all. “ Wasdin di men lamlamin”

~ Johanne Matias
To the people who have inspired me, helped me, and guided me through my life the most Thank You.
To Daddy Tonik for the knowledge and wisdom that he passed on to us, his grandchildren.
To my Papa who has always been there.
To my Mother’s support, encouragement and for loving me being a thousand miles away that sustained me throughout my life. Who has helped me make important decisions, given me great help and guided me to choose the right paths. For that I am thankful. My mom and I go through some rocky times, but I wouldn't trade her for another mother or anything.
To my brother Kevin, to Angela Marie, to Jess, to Juakina Sawil, to my Cousins, Aunties and Uncles, and to Kabunian. Thankyou.
~ Kudait Nadiasan TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . i
APPROVAL SHEET . . . . . . ii
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT . . . . . . vii
DEDICATION . . . . . . . viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . x
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . xii
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . xiii
CHAPTER
1. THE PROBLEM
Background of the Study . . . 1
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework . . 14
Research Paradigm . . . . . 28
Statement of the Problem . . . 30
2. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Research Design and Methodology . . 31
Population and Locale of the Study . 32
Data Gathering Tools . . . . 33
Data Gathering Procedure . . . 34
Treatment of Data . . . . . 35

3. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Meanings Attached by the Sagada Igorots to the Six Elements of Their
Ethnic Identity . . . . .
37
Meanings Attached by the Sagada Igorots to the Six Elements of Their
National Identity . . . . .
61
Level of Acceptance of National Identity on
Value Orientations a, b and c . . 75

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions . . . . . . 87
Recommendations . . . . . 87
REFERENCES . . . . . . . 90
APPENDICES
A. Letter of Request to Conduct a Research 94
B. Interview Guide . . . . . 95
C. Consent Letter . . . . . 98
D. Questionnaire . . . . . 99
E. Interview Transcript of Elders . . 101
F. Interview Transcript of Professionals 123
G. Interview Transcript of Youth . . 142
H. Work Sheet of the Questionnaire . 170
I. Research Documentation . . . 175
CURRICULUM VITAE . . . . . . 181

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Table Title PAGE
1 Meanings attached by the Sagada Igorots to the Six Elements of their
Ethnic Identity . . . .
38
2 Meanings Attached by the Sagada Igorots to the Elements of their
National Identity . . . . 62
3 Responses to Value Orientation a . 76
4 Responses to Value Orientation b . 81
5 Responses to Value Orientation c . 84

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure PAGE
1 Conceptual Paradigm of the Study . 29
2 Map Showing Area . . . . 33