Adaptive strategies to environmental conditions at the Aeta resettlement in Dueg, San Clemente, Tarlac

Date

1995

Abstract

The study reveals that the settlers employed four basic adaptive strategies both in their former sites and the resettlement. They are diversification of resource areas, diversification of crops, diversification in income sources, and cultural adaptations. There are only two significant differences in the pre and post eruption conditions. One is that while the respondents enjoyed a certain degree of land abundance and exclusivity to their territory in their former sites, at the resettlement there is scarcity of land, and limitation in resource use due to increased competition with other groups in the area. Another is that while before the respondents had low political organization and mostly relied on kinship relations for social support, at the resettlement, there has been a considerable development of their political organization and a significant increase in dependence on external institutions for social support. The minor differences between the pre and post eruption strategies are the following : 1) reduction of resource areas in the resettlement; 2) introduction of new crops and new methods at the resettlement due to external influences; 3) a livelihood shift from gathering and selling of forest products to wage labor; and 4) increased social integration. These findings underline the basic necessity of providing sufficient land for the resettlers. The study also reeals that providing a wide array of agricultural systems and income-generating activities is highly needed, as the respondents employ diverse strategies simultaenously, with their choices of alternatives dependent on their perceived needs and capabilities. Lastly, the study shows how the resettlement has facilitated the process of acculturation for the Aetas, and how this is needed in integrating themselves successfully with maintstream society.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

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