Changing ethnic identities: the case of the Aeta of Pastolan Village, Barangay Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Date

4-2010

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Girlie Nora A. Abrigo

Abstract

Using the theory of collective definition, the present definition of ethnic identity of the Aeta in Pastolan Village was analyzed. The economic and socio-cultural changes among the Aetas and the factors that brought these changes were explored through the use of narratives and key-informant interviews gathered from February 2010 to March 2010. Economically, the Aetas have retained planting as one of their economic activities while working in new jobs offered to them by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). They are now hired in Pastolan Forest Conservation Group (PFCG), Pamulaklakin Forest Trail and factories in SBMA. There are few Aetas who have concrete and bigger houses while still many have houses made of bamboo and cogon. Due to lack of funds to finish building concrete house, others own half-concrete and half- cogon and bamboo houses.

Also, the Aetas no longer rely on hunting and gathering as their main source of food. They only hunt animals and gather food in the forest to teach the younger Aetas their traditions but not as a way of living. Like the lowlanders, they also go to the market to buy food. They have replaced root crops with rice as their staple food. Moreover, they no longer cook food using only bamboo. Most of them use coal and wood while a few use Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cooking. Also, new leisure activities like drinking alcohol, gambling, videoke and watching television are already present among the Aetas. The socio-cultural changes are more visible among the Aeta children compared to their parents. Though its gradual loss, ethnic identity had been preserved more among the older generation of Aetas than the younger counterpart, as the latter has learned only a part of their tradition. The Aeta children were born at a period where the Aetas are already receiving assistance from SBMA. They have not lived relying solely on forest resources unlike the older Aeta generation. The Aetas in the past viewed themselves as ―inferior‖ and thus they had minimal interaction with the lowlanders. At present however, they do not want to remain isolated and instead they welcome changes for the betterment of their lives. This is evident in the positive outlook of the Aetas towards education. Furthermore, the Aetas now positively describe themselves as ̳civilized‘ and ̳modern‘ and they can cope with changes in society rather than feeling ―inferior.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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