The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students

The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and

Kankanaey
Senior High School Students
Evangeline Angayen, Jenneth Banggawan, Rayo Bernabe,
Maricar Dalisay, Markjhon Gototos, and Sharie Padawil
University of the Cordilleras, Senior High School

Abstract
The Kankanaey and Ibaloi People give utmost respect to their cultural beliefs and traditions such as the
Cañao practice. However, in recent years, it was observed and some studies show that the practice of Cañao is
gradually declining over time. This research paper aims to know the reasons why the practice is declining through
the perceptions of the Kankanaey and Ibaloi Senior High students. With the declining of the practice, this research
will assess the viewpoints of the SHS students to understand the concepts underneath the fading of the prominent
practices like the Cañao and identify the possible motivations why it is declining today. Additionally, this paper
studies the benefits as well as the importance of the practice to the SHS students nowadays to further link the
findings to the decline of the practice. This paper both applies the quantitative and qualitative research designs.
The researchers have surveyed 40 respondents that belonged to the Kankanaey and Ibaloi that are currently
studying at the University of the Cordilleras. Furthermore, the 5 point Likert Scale is used to discern the level of
perception of the students, degree of importance of the practice and the factors that contributes to its decline. The
qualitative questions are collated and several themes were identified. Findings show that the students are
knowledgeable to some of the prominent elements of the practice but most are not aware of the rest of its
elements. Modernization in terms of technology, urbanization, working abroad, and the prominence of religious
beliefs are the identified factors that affects to the decline of the practice. The practice is absolutely beneficial in
terms of cultural, social and moral sense. In relation to the problem statements and findings, to let young people
engage to cultural activities is significant to prevent the continues decline of the practice.

Keywords: Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Cañao, declining, viewpoints, prominent, motivations, themes, elements,
modernization, religious, cultural, social, moral

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The Igorots are referred to as highlanders,
denoting “people from the mountains”, is a term that
collectively refers to the ethnolinguistic groups (tribes)
of the mountainous Cordillera Region located in the
northern part of Luzon in the Philippines (Botangen et
al., 2017). Igorots could accurately be referred to by the
names of six different ethnolinguistic groups: Isneg
(Apayao), Kalinga, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kankanay
(Kankanaey) and Ibaloi.
Historically, unlike other ethnic groups in the
Philippines, Igorots are different because of their strong
and successful resistance to colonization. Their
isolation and autonomy from centuries of Spanish
colonial rule was a catalyst to sustain their indigenous
customs, livelihoods, and access to communal lands
throughout time (Yu, 2017). Thus, they become deeply
rooted to their cultures.
Igorot tribes include Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao,
Kalanguya, Isneg, Itneg, Kalinga, and Kankanaey. The
two ethnic groups that reside in the majority of Baguio

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
City and the province of Benguet are Ibaloi and
Kankanaey. The Ibaloi people live in the southeastern
portion, occupying 8 of the province’s 13 towns. The
Kankanaey, meanwhile dominate the northeast areas of
Benguet. In this study, the researches will solely focus
on the two major ethnic groups namely the Ibaloi and
Kankanaey.
The name Ibaloi means “people who live in
houses.” The Ibalois are an ethnic group found in the
northern part of the Philippines specifically the
Benguet province. According to Ethnic Groups
Philippines (2017), the Ibalois inhabit the
municipalities of Kabayan, Bukod, Tuba, Itogon,
Tublay, Sablan, Atok, and La Trinidad. The origins of
the Ibalois is told in 2 ways one is told by their
mythology the other is told by researchers. It is also
said that Mt. Pulag is the place where their spirits go to
re-join their ancestors.
The Kankanaey is an ethic group found the
Cordillera Region. According to International Labour
Organizations (2006), the Kankanaey is an ethno-
linguistic indigenous people in the Cordillera Region
specifically in Sagada, Besao, Tadian, Sabangan, and
Bauko. They are identified by the language they speak,
and the province form they come from. The name of
the ethnic group came from the dialect that they speak
which is Kankanaey.
There are many similarities when it comes to
customs, rituals and practice of Ibaloi and Kankanaey.
One example is the marriage customs of the two ethnic
groups wherein a wedding is celebrated with big feasts
and many rituals done before and during the wedding
ceremony.
The Igorots have rich cultures which are still
being observed up until today and although these ethnic
groups differ in their language, they share common
traditions, beliefs and rituals (Tumilang, 2007). One of
the well-known practice of the Ibaloi and Kankanaey is
the Cañao practice.
Cañao or Kanyaw is a special feast that entails
community gathering not only for social purposes but
also for spiritual reasons (Colis, 2021). According to
the different authors of ‘Tanggawan,’ an Igorot Studies
Center Publication Series, Cañao is performed for a
bountiful harvest, for economic progress, and for
healing (Bolinto, 2013). It was perceived that the rituals
in Cañao are effective in healing sickness because they
are performed to appease the spirits that cause the
sickness of a person. Some of the types of Cañao
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
2
related to illness are Sagawsaw, Sepadakan, Nabao-it,
Awil, Sakup and Denet. Meanwhile, the Cañao for
good harvest includes Kenta, Lepas, Bun-ong, Begnas
and Pacde. The Cañao for progress are Baskang and
Emegan.
In performing a Cañao, the native priest
leading the ritual will look at the ‘apdo’ or the bile sac
of the butchered animal which is the crux of the
ceremony (Jessen, 2017). Some of the two major
components of this practice is the presence of a spiritual
priest and the culture of giving Watwat.
Mambunong is a native spiritual leader or
priest that presides over rituals and the one who offers
prayers before the butchering of animals. The
mambunong usually presides the Cañao but it can also
be possible than an elder in the community will be the
one in charge of the ritual. Watwat, literally, the term
means share-share and the practice is said to be
embedded with luck (Munson, 2016). Watwat is
commonly described as slice/slices of boiled pork that
is distributed or shared as part of the meal of an Igorot
feast (Dhel, 2018). This practice can be seen in large
family gatherings, festive occasions like weddings,
baptism, and birthdays, for good fortune.
Cañao offers opportunities for the family,
friends, neighbors, and other people to gather, talk,
sing, and dance. As mentioned by Tumilang (2007), it
is a good practice not just because it instills the native
culture among us Igorots, but the virtues that it
embodies. The practice of Cañao plays an important
role in the social life of the Ibalois and Kankanaey.
However, in doing Cañao there are also
disadvantages. First, it is not economically practical
because this is extremely expensive for it requires
animals like pigs, chickens, or cows which are pricey.
As mentioned by (Abaya et al., 2021), the practice is
nowadays perceived as impractical as it pushes
someone down to financial ruin, instead of pushing
someone up to financial independence. Second, there is
a growing gap between the young and old members of
a family or clan when it comes to cultural practices as
a result of modernization and the prominence of
religious denominations. With the presence of modern
technology, prominence of religion and with the idea of
practicality, the Cañao of the Ibaloi and Kankanaey are
slowly being neglected over time.
In line with these issues, the researchers want
to know more about the decline of such prominent
practice. In recent years, it was observed that the
practice is not commonly being observed and except
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
for some wealthy families, ritual feasts, and very
traditional families, the practice became irrelevant to
most Ibaloi and Kankanaey. Another is that there were
dilemmas concerning the presentation of this culture in
a contemporary setting which is far from the traditional
way. According to the study conducted by Russel
(2000), she observed that in the attempts to define
ethnically distinct traditions, it backlashed with the
difficulty on how to present it considering that it is very
flexibly religious and ritual complexed practice.
There are several studies that states that the
decline of such practices today can be also associated
with economic reasons because of the reason that only
the few can afford and today’s present generation
deduce themselves from family-history cases. The
generation feels or expresses a rather ‘impracticality’
of such practice in this time (Pungayan, 2007). Some
presented about prominent issues like the technological
impacts on culture and traditions. A study by Niroula
(2018) entitled “Impacts of Technology on Culture,
Tradition and Social Values” which describes that
technology affects all the components of culture and
determines the direction of cultural development. In a
sense, there is an existing friction between
technological advancements and the preservation of
cultures or traditions.
Significance of the Study
This study aims to further understand the
Cañao practice of the Kankanaey and Ibaloi ethnic
groups. The findings of this study is to discuss the
underlying factors affecting the decline of the Cañao.
The researchers want to assess the perception of
students from the ethnic groups Ibaloi and Kankanaey
to this practice and to know if the Cañao is still
significant to them. This research is an important
instrument to enlighten the readers about the Cañao.
The study is also a significant endeavor to be able to
provide on the following potentials:
Locals - the study is for the locals to be more aware of
their own culture and practices in order to instill the
tradition for the next coming generations.
Non-locals - the study is for the tourists or non-local
individuals to be educated about these certain practices
to avoid disrespect, ignorance and misunderstanding in
terms of these unique practices.
Community – the study is for the community to be
informed and knowledgeable about the practice and its
contribution to interrelationship within the community.
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
3
This research will be a way to bring back the
people especially the younger generation and be one
with the community through Cañao. It forges the
presence of cooperation, camaraderie, and support with
the community. It also brings out the acceptance and
having pride for the traditions and customs in the
community. It highlights the importance of
psychosocial relationship to others and it improves
one’s attitude.
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
The theories under the theoretical/conceptual
framework of this research study will introduce and
describe the different concepts to understand the
relations of these theories to the research study. Aside
from that, it will talk about why the problems under this
study exists. It will discuss and support the ideas and
perception of mambunong, tayaw, watwat, and the
decline of the Cañao practice.
MAMBUNONG
This study is anchored from the research study
of The Mambunong and the School Knowledge System
by Maria Mercedes Arzadon of the University of the
Philippines - this study analyzes and compares
mambunong and school knowledge systems in
Benguet; including their histories and emerging forms
based on conditions and processes in which they are
produced and reproduced; and it also describes their
knowers, their means and purposes as participants of
these knowledge systems. The rituals practiced by
indigenous communities are always facilitated by a
mambunong. The root word of mambunong is
"bunong" which means prayer. Mambunong is means a
prayer maker. There are numerous ritual feasts that
require the presence of a mambunong, 28 rituals for
healing alone. (Oblas, 2003); ethnologist Moss (1920)
described the mambunong as the priest in the village
who would lead various rituals; and when praying or
narrating the origin of sickness, the mambunong would
hold an object that symbolizes the cause or the cure of
sickness.
WATWAT AND TAYAW
This research was based on the study of
Preservation of Indigenous Culture among Indigenous
Migrants through Social by Khavee Augustus, Shahper
Vodanovich, and Jian Yu- compared to other Filipino
societies, there are only a few known traditional foods
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
with the Igorots, which include pinikpikan, etag,
watwat, and tapey. The performance of indigenous
dances is one of the most renowned ways to highlight
the Igorot identity. Displays a wide range of cultural
elements including traditional practices, rituals,
costumes, indigenous arts, and music; Each Igorot tribe
has its own-called dances, and one is tayaw performed
by people in a circular motion in a harmony with the
beat of gongs, has become the signature dance of
cordilleran identity; and numerous posts in this
category captured overseas Igorot communities
performing traditional dances.
DECLINE OF CANAO
This study is anchored on the research study of
Tradition vs. Modernity: The Continuing Dichotomy of
values in European Society by Olivier Galland and
Yannick Lemel- this study contributes to the factors
why some traditions in a certain culture are being
declined. T. Parsons (1951), D. Lerner (1958), S. N.
Eisenstadt (1966), A. Inkeles (1969), had cast the first
stone of a modernization theory on historical
development that distinguished two kinds of social
systems: a traditional and a modern one. Modernization
was an occidental process that could embrace only if
abandoning their traditional cultures. Many theorists
highlighted the persistence of traditional values despite
economic and political changes (Inglehart 2000;
DiMaggio, 19940.) - their studies now lead to think
convergence toward "modern values" is unlikely;
traditional values will keep on having a particular
influence on the cultural changes caused by economic
development; and emphasis is laid even more on the
preservation of strong cultural specificities, as testified
for instance by the debate on "the clash of civilizations"
(Huntington 1996) and (Chiozza, 2002).
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope of our study will discuss the history,
traditions, and the way of living of the ethnic groups in
the Cordillera Region. To explore the processes of
Cañao and the significance of the said practice to the
people and the community. This study comprises the
experiences, expectations, beliefs, and opinions of the
Senior High School students about the practice of
Cañao. The researchers are going to determine the point
of views of the Senior High School students. It
considers their insights and general knowledge to the
identified practice.
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
4
Research Objectives/Statement of the Problem
The purpose of the study is to know the
perception of the Ibaloi and Kankanaey senior high
school students to the practice of Cañao and to assess
their belief of this particular practice. The study
attempts to explain the following:
1. What is the level of perception of the
Senior High School Students to the Cañao
practice?
2. Among the following preconceived factors
such as working abroad, being career
oriented, financial aspects, religious
beliefs, urbanization and technological
advancements, which contributed the most
to the decline of Cañao?
3. What is the level of importance of Cañao
to the Senior High School Students in
today’s context?
4. How will the Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior
High School Students benefit from having
knowledge about traditional and
prominent cultures like the Cañao?
METHODOLOGY
Research Design and Methodology
We, the researchers will apply both
quantitative and qualitative research design in this
particular study. The researches will use mixed method
to effectively discern the level of understanding and
assess how it will affect or benefit the chosen
population. For the first, second and third statement of
the problem, the researches will use the quantitative
form while qualitative phenomenological approach
will be applied for the fourth statement of the problem.
Quantitative research design is relevant to the first to
third problem statements because this type involves
large sample sizes and will focus on the quantity of
responses needed for the study wherein the questions
are asking for the level of perception, importance and
which most likely contributes to the decline of the
practice. Creswell (2003) stated that in quantitative
research researchers uses post-positivist approach to
develop knowledge (i.e. cause and effect thinking, use
of measurement and observations, and test of theories),
employs strategies of inquiry such as experiments and
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
surveys, and collects data on predetermined
instruments that yield statistical data.
On the other hand, the qualitative research
design will be applied for the fourth problem statement
because it asks how it would benefit the target
population furthermore, it asks the experience or own
interpretation of the target population regarding the
practice. Phenomenology is concerned with the study
of experience from the perspective of the individual,
‘bracketing’ taken-for-granted assumptions and usual
ways of perceiving (Lester, 2000). Taking these into
consideration, the researchers will both utilize
quantitative and qualitative research design for this
research study.
Population and Locale of the Study
The sampling method that the researchers will
use in this study will be random sampling. Random
sampling is a subset if individuals randomly selected to
represent an entire group as whole. The researchers will
use random selection of participants from a population
to gather data as well as to estimate how closely the
sample represents the larger population from which the
sample will be drawn. This kind of approach of
gathering data for research provide the best chance of
putting together an unbiased sample that is a
representative of an entire group as a whole (Cherry,
2021).
The type of sampling method that will be
applied in the study will be stratified random sampling
wherein the population is divided into groups then a
random sample will be taken from each group. In this
study the researchers only focused on the students in
Humanities and Social Sciences. They will randomly
choose sections of Humanities and Social Sciences and
then gather 10 representatives from each respective
section.
The research study’s respondents will be the
Senior High School students specifically the Grade 12
students from the University of the Cordilleras in
Baguio City. The target respondents will be coming
from the Humanities and Social Sciences strand
respectively the Sections A, B, C, and D which is our
chosen clusters which represents the Senior High
School students of the University of the Cordilleras.
The age range of the respondents will be from 17-19
years old. The survey questionnaires will be
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
5
administered to each 10 students from every Section
with a total of 40 students.
The survey questionnaires will be carried out
through google forms for easier access. The time frame
will be 1 week for distributing the survey
questionnaires and 1 week for interpreting the data so
the researchers will do it within 2 weeks.
Data Gathering Instrument
The study will use questionnaires as the sole
and main instrument. The questionnaire is designed to
gather information about the viewpoints of the Senior
High School students of the University of the
Cordilleras about the practice of Cañao. The
questionnaire is composed of three parts: Part A is to
assess the level of perception of the Senior High School
students about the Cañao practice, Part B is to identify
which factors mostly contribute to the decline of
Cañao, Part C is for the level of significance of the
practice and lastly Part D which is to know how having
knowledge about Cañao will affect the Senior High
School Students.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers will make survey
questionnaires that will be used in gathering significant
data for the study. It will be by the use of google forms
so that it will be easily accessed by the respondents and
to avoid personal contacts for safety purposes. The
survey questionnaires will be proofread by the
researchers for correction and then it will be passed to
be checked and criticized by the research adviser for
revisions and other corrections.
Firstly, the research paper will be showed to
the research adviser for improvements. After the
research adviser approve the said survey
questionnaires, the researchers will write a letter to the
principal asking for permission to conduct the research
and administer the survey to the senior high school
students enrolled in the University of the Cordilleras.
Finally, the researchers will also make letters to the
advisers of each of the chosen section of the target
respondents for their approval in order for the
researchers to conduct the survey.
Upon the approval of all the letters, the
researchers will be sending the link of the google forms
containing the survey questionnaires to the
respondents. There will be only 10 Senior High School
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
6

students chosen to answer the survey from each Scale and Description
Section. The general instructions will be given before
the respondent will answer the survey and other To describe the Senior High School students’
instructions will be provided within the survey level of perception, to assess the factors and to know
questionnaire. The said survey will be conducted the level of importance of the practice, the researchers
during weekdays with the permission of the class used the scale and was responded as follows:
adviser in each Section. The researchers will gladly
Description Description Description Rating Scale
entertain queries from the respondents regarding the for Part A for Part B for Part C
survey questionnaires. The researchers will make sure Very Strongly Extremely 5 4.21 –
Knowledgeable Agree Important 5.00
that all information divulged within the questionnaire Knowledgeable Agree Very 4 3.41 –
will be kept confidential. Important 4.20
Somewhat Neither Agree Important 3 2.61 –
Treatment of Data Knowledgeable or Disagree 3.40
Slightly Disagree Somewhat 2 1.81 –
Knowledgeable Important 2.60
The research study will use a 5 point Likert No Knowledge Strongly Unimportant 1 1.00 –
Scale to determine the level of perception, the factors Disagree 1.80
that contribute the decline of the practice of Cañao, and
the level of importance of the practice to the Senior Table 2. Rating Scale and Descriptions
High School students. The Likert Scale is used in this
quantitative research study to produce better data
distributions. According to Sachdev & Verma (2004),
a five-point Likert scale ranging from 'strongly agree' PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND
to 'strongly disagree' was employed as it has been most INTERPRETATION OF DATA
recommended by the researchers that it would reduce
the frustration level of patient respondents and increase This chapter presents the research findings of
response rate and response quality. Responses to the the data collected. The main source of data is through
questionnaire by the respondents will be statistically the distributed survey questionnaire with use of the
analyzed with the data requirement of the study. Google Forms. The findings will be presented in
relation to the research objectives and the problem
Demographics of the Respondents statements stated in the study.

Out of 40 respondents from the 4 sections from Level of perception of the Senior High School
the Humanities and Social Sciences of the University Students to the Cañao practice
of the Cordilleras, 23 students were Kankanaey while
there were 17 Ibaloi students. There were 22 female CAÑAO AVERAGE INTERPRETATION
students and 18 male students who answered the given PRACTICES
surveys. All of the respondents were originally from the Mambunong 3.5 Knowledgeable
province of Benguet and resides within Baguio City Watwat 4.25 Very Knowledgeable
and Benguet. Tayaw 3.88 Knowledgeable
Sagawsaw 2.7 Somewhat
Knowledgeable
Respondents Number Age Gender Number Sepadakan 2.58 Slightly
Knowledgeable
Ibaloi 17 17 – Male 18
Kenta 2.38 Slightly
19
Knowledgeable
years
Lepas 2.43 Slightly
old
Knowledgeable
Kankanaey 23 17 – Female 22
Baskang 2.5 Slightly
19
Knowledgeable
years
Emegen 2.38 Slightly
old
Knowledgeable
Total 40 40

Table 1. Category of respondents Table 3. Average Scale of the Cañao Practices

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
7

The table shows the level of perception of the 8

SHS students to the Cañao practice. The top three 7
6
highest averages shown on the table are Watwat with
5
4.25 means very knowledgeable, Tayaw with 3.88, and 4
Mambunong with 3.5 wherein all these practices’ 3
interpretations fall under knowledgeable. The 2
respondents answered that they are somewhat 1
0
knowledgeable to Sagawsaw with 2.7. The general Urbaniza
interpretation is “Slightly Knowledgeable” for Working Career Financial Religious tion &
Abroad Oriented aspect Belief Technol
Sepadakan with 2.58, Lepas with 2.43, Kenta and ogy
Emegen with 2.38, and Baskang with 2.5 the lowest. Strongly Agree 3.2 1.6 2 4 6
The SHS student still shows cultural appreciation and
Agree 6.4 4.4 3.6 6.8 6.4
awareness of the Cañao practice because it is part of
Neither Agree 5.2 5.6 6.4 1.2 2.8
their culture and as young people, these practices and
Disagree 1.2 4.4 3.2 3.2 0.4
knowledge are passed by their elders.
Strongly Disagree 0 0 0.8 0.8 0.4

The respondents are very knowledgeable with

the practice of Watwat as it is the most common
practice among the mentioned practices. This practice
can be seen in large family gatherings, festive
occasions like weddings, baptism, birthdays, or good
fortune (Baguio and Beyond, 2017) making it a well-
known practice to the respondents making them very
knowledgeable as it is not only conducted during
Cañao. The Kenta and Emegan however are only
conducted when asking for bountiful harvest and
economic progress. According to the different authors
of ‘Tanggawan,’ an Igorot Studies Center Publication
Series, Cañao is performed for a bountiful harvest, for
economic progress, and for healing (Bolinto, 2013),
this practice is done mostly in province most of the
respondents didn't get the chance to witness the
practices conducted making them slightly
knowledgeable of the practices.
Factors that mostly contribute to the Decline of
the Cañao practice
In this study, the researchers have identified 5
preconceived factors that contributes to the decline of
the practice of Cañao. The preconceived factors
identified were working abroad, career, financial
aspect, religious belief and lastly urbanization and the
prominence of technology.
Table 4. Identified Factors and the total percentage of
the number of SHS students who answered that best
aligned with their views
The table shows the number of SHS students
who answered if they agree and disagree to the given
preconceived factors. Among 40 respondents, the first
factor which is working abroad there were 8 (3.2%)
who answered that they strongly disagreed, 16 (6.4%)
agreed, 13 (5.2%) students were undecided, 3 (1.2%)
disagreed and none strongly disagreed. The second
factor which is career 4 (1.6%) strongly agreed, 11
(4.4%) students agreed to this factor same through with
the ones who disagreed and there were 14 (5.6%)
students that said they neither agree or disagree to this
factor. In financial aspect, 5 or 2% out of 40 strongly
agreed, 9 (3.6%) agreed, 16 students were undecided,
there were 8 (3.2%) who disagreed while only 2 (0.8%)
strongly disagreed. For religious belief, 10 (4%)
strongly agreed to this factor while 17 (6.4%) students
agreed, only 3 students were undecided, 8 said that they
are undecided and 2 students strongly disagreed. The
last factor which is urbanization and technology there
were 15 (6%) students that strongly agreed, 16 who
agreed, there were 7 students that were neutral while
there were 2 students that have disagreed and strongly
disagreed to this factor.

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
8
FACTORS AVERAGE INTERPRETATION do not appreciate the necessity to perform the practice.
Working 3.75 Agree This can also be associated with the fact they are
Abroad influenced by the culture of the place that they went or
Career 3.2 Neither Agree or migrated into. Migration has contributed to the richness
Oriented Disagree in diversity of cultures, ethnicities and races (Bhugra
Financial 3.18 Neither Agree or and Becker, 2005).
Aspect Disagree
Religious 3.63 Agree
Belief The third factor is religious beliefs and it
Urbanization 4.08 Agree implies that religion greatly influenced the decline of
and the practice of Cañao. The prominence of Christianity
Technology and other religions made some of the Cordillerans to
not practice already the Cañao for they developed a
Table 5. Average Scale of the preconceived factors strong faith to the beliefs and teaching of their own
respective religions. They do not already believe to the
Basing from the data in Table 5, 3 factors stood ‘anitos’ or what we call the ancestral spirits. Cañao is
out as the major factors that contribute to the decline of believed to be a pagan religious feast and service that
the practice of Cañao. These are the factors: working involves the butchering of native pigs, chicken or
abroad, religious beliefs and urbanization and carabaos as forms of thanksgiving and offering (Jessen,
technology. The data gathered were treated using the 2017). Same too when it comes to sickness, a lot of
sum of the rates given by the respondents divided by 40 people already rely on medicines and the prayer from
to be able to get the average score. After that, using the the church or priests and pastors than performing the
scale for the 5 point Likert Scale we were able to Cañao.
interpret the given data. For instance, with the first
factor which is working abroad its average is 3.75 and Level of importance of Cañao to the Senior
it falls under the scale of 3.41 – 4.20 wherein the High School Students in today’s context
description is Agree. The same process was applied to
the following factors until the researchers arrived to the
three factors that mostly contributes to the decreasing NUMBER OF RESPONSES
of the practice of Cañao.
Extremly Important Very Important
The highest ranked preconceived factor was Important Somewhat Important
urbanization and technology. This shows that as the Unimportant
years goes by and modernization in terms of
technology as well as globalization advances the local
3%
traditions and cultures will eventually be neglected 15% 27%
over time. A lot of people especially the younger 20%
generation are all absorbed by the new technological
advancements. For instance, in this era where 35%
technology is at peak people nowadays greatly depends
to technology in terms of medicine, medication and
other health related purposes instead of seeking the
Numbers of
help of the elders to perform what we call the Cañao
responses
practice. With the presence of globalization, it greatly
Extremely Important 11
influences and introduces other cultures of other places. Very Important 14
Through the use of social media, the people of today Important 8
can easily and conveniently connect with each other Somewhat Important 6
digitally. Technology shapes different cultures and Unimportant 1
differentiates one from another (Epstein, 2018). TOTAL 40

Second factor is working abroad which is also Table 6. Number and Percentage of the Level of
quite possible for the reason that a lot of families are Importance of Cañao to SHS students
migrating to other countries or places because of work.
For this reason, the family members and relatives now

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
The researchers assessed the level of
importance of Cañao to the SHS students at present.
Amongst the 40 respondents, 11 (27%) students
answered that this practice is extremely important, 14
or about 35% answered very important while 8 (20%)
said it is important. There were 6 (15%) students that
said it is somewhat important and only 1 student
answered that the Cañao practice is unimportant
nowadays.
Average Interpretation
3.7 Very Important
Table 7. Average Scale of the Level of Importance
The computed average of the level of
importance is 3.7 and it falls under the description Very
Important basing from the scale. The data shows that
for the SHS students, doing the Cañao practice is still
prevalent and significant to them these days.
The younger generation of today might not be
knowledgeable and do not practice much the cultural
traditions in their own localities but they have a high
regard or respect to this practices. It is one of the trait
and innate values of the Cordillerans to give respect to
cultures that were practiced for a lot of years. Even with
the cultural gap and the presence of a more diverse
generation, the data shows that practices such as the
Cañao is still very important for them. Maentz (2013)
stated that the Igorot values and practices show the true
resolve of the people and how maintaining what is
theirs is of vital importance to them.
Benefits of the traditional and prominent
cultures to the SHS students
Several themes emerged during our qualitative
data analysis and research synthesis. The 3 major
themes that were identified about the benefits of having
ample knowledge about the cultures and traditions to
the Senior High School students include cultural
identity and relativity, social relativity and
moral/personal relativity. These themes stood out when
the researchers transcribed the data then day compared
the data provided and eventually through interpretation
the data were broken down into 3 ideas.
1. Cultural Identity and Relativity
The most prominent answer given by the
respondents is that having knowledge about the
cultures and traditions in the Cordillera is showing
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
9
respect and appreciation to the Cordilleran culture. The
respondents answered that having knowledge about
Cañao is very heart whelming and it benefits them in
terms of cultural identity and relativity. It is something
to be proud of and also to show off the culture that they
had practiced growing up. To summarize their views,
the respondents are aware and knowledgeable of their
culture. Even though this Cañao practice is already
fading, they did not fail to disregard or neglect it. It will
always remain in their lives as part of their culture. As
Generation Zoomers, it is surprising that the
respondents still have deeper understanding about the
Cañao practice and they deeply appreciate their culture.
As a student and an Igorot, the Cañao is already a part
of their identity. This cultural identity is important for
them for they develop a sense of self and improvements
on how they will relate to other people. According to a
social report conducted by the Ministry of Social
Development in New Zealand (2003), a strong cultural
identity can contribute to people’s overall wellbeing.
The respondents also expressed that the
practice and other traditions should be preserved
because by doing this, they could maintain their
essence of being an Igorot. The respondents believe
that they have a stronger connection to their cultural
beliefs if they are knowledgeable about certain
traditions like the Cañao. These values are strongly
influenced by traditional practices as well as unwritten
rules or what is usually called as norms. They want to
further continue the Cañao practice that their ancestors
have started. The respondents would want to participate
and give respect to their tradition because they believe
that it is there way of presenting and giving importance
to their roots. The respondents hope that the future
generation will be able to learn and understand the
Cañao practice, to be sensitive and not to be
disrespectful not just to the Cordilleran cultures but to
other cultures and traditions as well.
2. Social Relativity
The main point of the respondents about social
relativity is to learn on respecting one’s culture and
practices of different ethnic groups, also prevent racial
and ethnic divisions, and that be proud of your own
kind and culture. To have a deeper understanding about
the Cañao practice is essential in order to have more
cultural connections. Having a deeper understanding of
different cultures is beneficial in order to increase
social awareness, connections, and associations,
minimize stereotyping, and help overcome racial and
ethnic division (J.C, 2020). Cañao is a significant
tradition to their community, they believe that it is the
foundation of their community, and it makes them as
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
one, that this practice unites them. The Igorot people
lives by the values and follows the norms and beliefs
that were already present to them since childhood.
These values are strongly influenced by traditional
practices as well as unwritten rules or what is usually
called as norms. It hones the way people work and how
they view themselves and others. The standard of
culture for discerning what is good and just in a society
is through values. As stated by Salituro (2014) a
sociology teacher, culture shapes people’s attitudes
about others and because of this attitudes, it influences
how they see themselves.
Cañao practice is about thanksgiving and
sharing of blessings. There were numerous good traits
or benefits in terms of social relativity as stated by the
respondents. One of the most answers is sharing your
blessings and doing the practices that comes with the
cultures and traditions. No matter what culture they’re
into and no matter if both parties are not in good terms
is that there should be no one left behind during social
gatherings and occasions. The respondents would want
to share to other people the culture of the Cordillera and
build connections to other people. Having the ability to
understand and live by the values that such cultures
teach forges us to have deeper connection to ancestors
and family that are keen to the tradition. The
respondents also want Cañao practice to be part of the
school activities, academic papers and different
community activities. The respondents do not want to
abandon and forget their culture and it should be
preserved and taught for the future generations to come.
3. Personal and Moral Relativity
In summary of the respondents’ answers, Cañao
practice helps them gain confidence and to have proper
behavior. Cañao is initially a very social occasion that
it requires people to interact with each other while
performing the said practice. It improves a person’s
confidence through socially interacting to other people
in his/her community. Culture impacts the level of
confidence of a person because it contains aspects of
their lives like beliefs and their values. Louis (2014)
said that this social construct encompasses cultural
values and how society places importance on those
values. It reflects the dominant values in any given
individual’s culture (Becker, et. al 2016). They also
learn deeper lessons about love, care, and respect.
Respecting others culture, beliefs and customs is a must
in order to have a harmonious relationship to every
people we come across to. The respondents also believe
that having knowledge of the Cañao practice will be
useful in the future. It highlights the Cordilleran’s
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
10
kindness and hospitability. It also brings relaxation and
feeling of being at home or they feel comfortable in
their own comfort zone.
Conclusions
The SHS students have some knowledge about
the Cañao practice, however they also lack knowledge
about other parts of the practice which are determined
by their response to the statement of the problems. In
SOP 1, the SHS students are very knowledgeable about
Watwat, Tayaw, and Mabunong but they lack
knowledge about Sagawsaw, Sepadakan, Kenta, Lepas,
Baskang, and Emegen wherein the following are the
Cañao practices for illness, good harvest and progress
respectively.
In SOP 2 it explains the reasons as to why the
SHS students have lack of knowledge about some parts
of the Cañao practice. The respondents were able to
identify which among the preconceived factors that
greatly impacts the decline of Cañao. Factors such as
urbanization and technology, working aboard, and
religious beliefs play a huge role to why SHS students
lacks knowledge about the Cañao practice because it
creates a huge gap between the new generation and the
old generation that still believes in this practice.
However, in SOP 3 when the SHS students
were asked if the Cañao practice is still important in
today’s context surprisingly most of them have said
that it still important. Basing on their answers they all
believed that having knowledge would let them have a
stronger connection towards their heritage and culture
and also they believe that this is part of their cultural
identity which also preserves this culture that they are
proud of.
To respond to the problem statement 4, the
SHS students were asked about their viewpoints about
the benefits of being aware and educated about the
prominent cultures and traditions in the Cordilleras.
The most prominent answers given by the SHS students
is having knowledge about this practice is showing
appreciation, respect, help them gain confidence and
proper behavior toward this Cordilleran culture. Three
themes were identified wherein being knowledgeable is
beneficial to ourselves and to our society. The first one
is its benefits to cultural identity and relativity, next is
it is beneficial in terms of social relativity and last but
not the least is the personal and moral relativity.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
11

Recommendations

The findings for the first problem statement

revealed that the majority of students are somewhat
knowledgeable, but there is a lack of motivation among
them to engage in this type of activity. As a result, we
have proposed that every senior high school student
who are somewhat knowledgeable will join culture
organizations in school. The young people should have
the opportunity to engage with their culture. In line
with this, there is a need to organize and support
culture/cultural organizations starting from the school
environment. By doing such initiative, the participation
as well as the learning of the young people about their
own culture will be attained. Furthermore, they will be
exposed to attend, do and to be educated about the
certain cultures in the region.

The second statement of the problem shows the

cause of the decline of doing the practice. In an ideal
situation, the effectiveness to achieve the preservation
of the culture and to reach every individual will be
achieved by selling cultural clothing, music, and
cultural books.

The findings in the third statement of the

problem showed that most of the students answered
very important in this study. However, there are still
some students who do not value their culture. There
was also a dearth of student participation in the Cañao
practice. To maintain these positive findings, we urge
that all students become more involved and
knowledgeable about the practice.

In the fourth problem statement, the data

revealed that there are numerous benefits of Cañao
thus, we recommend that they utilize it wisely and
share it with others particularly those who are
unfamiliar with it.

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
REFERENCES
Becker, M. and et. al. (2014, February 12). Cultural
Bases for Self-Evaluation: Seeing Oneself
Positively in Different Cultural Contexts.
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. DOI:
10.1177/0146167214522836
Bhugra, D. and Becker, M. (2005, February).
Migration, Cultural Bereavement and Cultural
Identity. World Psychiatry, 4(1).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC
1414713/
Bolinto, R. (2013, July 17). Cañao: Heart of the
Cordillera Culture.
https://www.icbe.eu/articles/248-canao-heart-of-
the-cordilleran-culture
Botangen, K., Vodanovich, S., & Yu, J. (2017).
Preservation of Indigenous Culture through
Indegenous Migrants through Social Media: The
Igorot Peoples. Hawaii International Conference
in System Sciences.
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1802/1802.0968
5.pdf
C, J. (2020, March 4). 5 Benefits of Understanding
Different Cultures /Meeting New People.
https://outist.co/blog/benefits-of-understanding-
different-cultures-meeting-new-
people/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20open%20to
,enhanced%20creativity%20and%20memorable%
20experiences
Cherry, K. (2021, February 3). Random Samles in
Research Studies.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-
random-sample-2795803
Epstein, C. (2018, February 16). Technology Shapes
Cultures.
https://web.colby.edu/st112wa2018/2018/02/16
/technology-shapes-cultures/
Galland, O. & Lemel, Y. (2008, January 9). Tradition
vs. Modernity: The Continuing Dichotomy of
Values in European Society. Dans Revue française
de sociologie. https://doi.org/10.3917/rfs.495.0153
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
12
International Labour Organization. (2006, May).
Indigenous People’s Management of Change:
Experience of the Kankanaey Community in
Sagada, Mountain Province.
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---
asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-
manila/documents/publication/wcms_493926.pdf
Jessen, D. (2017, November 21). Our Sacred Cultural
Practice as Indigenous Peoples of the Northern
Philippines.
http://culturalencountersanddifferences.dk/canao-
our-sacred-cultural-practice-as-indigenous-
peoples-of-the-northern-philippines/
Lester, S. (2000). An introduction to phenomenological
research.
https://www.rgs.org/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?nod
eguid=7ad9b8d4-6a93-4269-94d2-
585983364b51&lang=en-GB
Louis, L. (2014, February 24). People of the Mountains
Igorots of the Cordilleras.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140224081
027.htm
Maentz, J. (2013, May 20). Culture Influences Young
People’s Self-esteem.
https://jacobimages.com/2013/05/igorots-
cordilleras
Ministry of Social Development. (2003). Cultural
Identity.
https://socialreport.msd.govt.nz/2003/cultural-
identity/cultural-identity.shtml
Munson, B. (2016, September 4). Watwat is what?
https://munsonmissions.org/2016/09/04/watwat-
is-what/
Niroula, A. (2018, March 21). Impacts of technology
on culture, tradition and social values.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impacts-
technology-culture-tradition-social-values-ashes-
niroula#:~:text=Implementation%20of%20technol
ogy%20influences%20the,lag%2C%20changes%
20in%20social%20institutions
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
13

Pungayan, M. (2007). Three ‘enduring’ S. Cordillera

Practices.
http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/anniv1
2_article.asp?mode=anniv12%2Fsupplements%2
Fpungayan.txt

Rahman, F. (2014, October 10). Does Culture Influence

our Beliefs?
https://www.statesmanshs.org/707/features/does-
culture-influence-our-beliefs/

Russel, S. (2000). The Grand Cañao: Ethnic and Ritual

Dilemmas in an Upland Philippine Tourist
Festival. Asian Folklore Studies, 48(2).
https://doi.org/10.2307/1177920

Tumilang, L. (2007). What’s on the menu? Cañao with

watwat and pinuneg. Baguio Midland Courier.
http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/anniv1
2_article.asp?mode=anniv12/supplements/tumilan
g.txt

Williams, C. (2007, March). Research Methods.

Journal of Business & Economic Research, 5(3).
https://clutejournals.com/index.php/JBER/article/do
wnload/2532/2578/10126

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
14

APPENDIX A: Questionnaire
Determining the level of perception of the Senior
High School Students of the University of the
Cordilleras about the Cañao practice.
INSTRUCTIONS: Part B: On a scale of 1-5, put a
(✓) mark on the level that corresponds your answer.
Each response on the option on the scale as in the
following:

Name (optional): _____________________________

Rating Description
Age: ________ Section/Block: ________________
5 Strongly Agree
Sex: _____
4 Agree
Ethnicity/Ethnic Group: _______________
3 Neither Agree or Disagree
INSTRUCTIONS: Part A: On a scale of 1-5, put a
(✓) mark based on the level of your perception. 2 Disagree
Each response on the option on the scale as in the
following: 1 Strongly Disagree

Rating Description

5 Very Knowledgeable Part B: Which among the following are the factors
that most contribute to the decline of the Cañao
4 Knowledgeable practice?

3 Somewhat Knowledgeable
Rating
2 Slightly Knowledgeable Preconceived Factors 5 4 3 2 1
1. Working abroad
1 No Knowledgeable 2. Career oriented
3. Financial aspect
Part A: What is the level of your perception to the
4. Religious belief
Cañao practice?
5. Urbanization and
Technology
Rating
Cañao Practice 5 4 3 2 1
INSTRUCTIONS: Part C: Put a (✓) mark on the
1. Mambunong
box provided that corresponds your answer.
2. Watwat
3. Tayaw Part C: What is the level of importance of Cañao to
Types of Cañao you in today’s context?
 Cañao for
Illness
4. Sagawsaw ▢ Extremely Important
5. Sepadakan
 Cañao for ▢ Very Important
Good Harvest
6. Kenta ▢ Important
7. Lepas
 Cañao for ▢ Somewhat Important
Progress
8. Baskang
9. Emegan
▢ Unimportant
Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
15

APPENDIX C: CAÑAO PRACTICES

INSTRUCTIONS: Part D: Please answer what is
being asked.
Cañao Practices
Part D: With your present knowledge about the
6
Cañao practice, how do you think of being aware
and knowledgeable about this practice will benefit 5
you as a student, as an Ibaloi or Kankanaey and as 4
a person living in the Cordillera Region? 3
2
___________________________________________
1
___________________________________________
___________________________________________ 0
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Very Knowledgeable Knowledgeable
___________________________________________
___________________________________________ Somewhat Knowledgeable Slightly Knowledgeable
___________________________________________
Table 1. SHS students’ Level of Perception and
its Descriptions
APPENDIX B: Letter for the Respondents
Legend:
1 No Knowledge
2 Slightly
Knowledgeable
3 Somewhat
Knowledgeable
4 Knowledgeable
5 Very Knowledgeable

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.
The Fading of Cañao: Viewpoints of Ibaloi and Kankanaey Senior High School Students
16

Group Profile

Name: Angayen, Evangeline P.

Age: 19
Birthday: October 17, 2002
Hobbies: Watching teleseryes

Name: Banggawan, Jenneth N.

Age: 18
Birthday: September 24, 2003
Hobbies: Playing volleyball and guitar, reading
books and playing mobile games

Name: Bernabe, Rayo L.

Age: 18
Birthday: November 18, 2003
Hobbies: Modelling, photography and driving

Name: Dalisay, Maricar Angel C.

Age: 18
Birthday: January 22, 2004
Hobbies: Playing guitar, reading fictional books
and watching movie series

Name: Gototos, Mark Jhon R.

Age: 17
Birthday: July 19, 2004
Hobbies: Playing basketball, watching anime,
reading manhwa, singing, playing drum/guitar

Name: Padawil, Sharie B.

Age: 19
Birthday: April 7
Hobbies: Reading, fashion, modelling

Prepared by: Evangeline A., Jenneth B., Rayo B., Maricar D., Markjhon G. and Sharie P.