Environmental and cultural changes and their implications in the practice of the I-Sagadas? Begnas ritual, Northern Philippines

Date

6-2017

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of environmental and culture change is crucial for addressing numerous issues plaguing our society. To contribute to this field of knowledge in environmental science, this study focused on the begnas ritual in Sagada, Northern Philippines by analyzing how various changes affected culture and environment relationships. The begnas is an indigenous ritual, associated with traditional agrarian calendars, performed several times a year in different villages of Sagada, Mt. Province. Using an interpretative qualitative research framework, it determined that the begnas is an ecosystem-based ritual composed of environmental and cultural elements, used for fulfilling three broad purposes: (1) for marking agricultural activities, (2) as a means of thanksgiving for the well-being of the community, and (3) as a means for cleansing misfortunes within the village. However, various changes stemming from American Episcopal missions, state-sponsored technologies and policies, and the media and tourism industry affected culture and environmental systems in Sagada. These changes resulted to various issues, highlighted through changes in the structure and components of the begnas. This study also illustrated how culture plays a major role in the manifestation and management of changes and its impacts in Sagada. Lastly, the impacts of such changes to any socio-ecological system were also analyzed.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Carmelita M. Rebancos

Committee Member

Carmelita M. Rebancos. Gloria Luz M. Nelson, Merlyne M. Paunlagui, Juan M. Pulhin

Language

English

LC Subject

Rites and ceremonies -- Philippines, Social life and customs -- Philippines, Rituals -- Philippines, Environmental Science School of Environmental Science and Management

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 2017 E8 A53

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