Stanzas Proof that the Theme for Each Stanza is also True

to Filipino Indigenous Communities

(Guardian of the Environment -

Indigenous People)

First An indigenous group in the Philippines is the T'boli,

who are also from Mindanao. The T'boli have a
complex system of beliefs and practices related to
the environment. They believe that all living things
have a spirit, and that the environment must be
respected and protected. The T'boli practice
sustainable agriculture and fishing, and have a
tradition of weaving intricate textiles using natural
dyes and materials.
Reference: https://aseanbiodiversity.org/case-
studies/indigenous-knowledge-and-practices-in-
the-tboli-community/
Second One example is the Tagbanua people, an indigenous
group from Palawan. The Tagbanua have a strong
sense of community and place a high value on
sharing and cooperation. They believe that the
natural world is interconnected, and that all living
things are part of a larger whole. This belief extends
to their social relationships, as they view
themselves as part of a larger community that must
work together for the common good.
Reference: Robinson, David W. "Community-Based
Forest Management and the Mangyan of Mindoro,
Philippines." Human Ecology 30, no. 3 (2002): 383-
404.

Third The Lumad people, an indigenous group from

Mindanao. The Lumad have a long history of
resistance to colonization and continue to face
challenges related to land rights, displacement, and
human rights abuses. The Lumad have developed
their own systems of education and governance,
which prioritize community decision-making and
the protection of their ancestral lands.
Reference: Salazar, Zeus A. "The Lumad: At the
Crossroads of History, Culture, and State."
Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic
Viewpoints 57, no. 1 (2009): 5-40.

Fourth Batak people, an indigenous group from Palawan.

The Batak have a deep understanding of the natural
 world and have developed unique practices for
sustainable resource management. For example,
they use a shifting cultivation system called
"kaingin" that involves clearing small areas of forest
and planting crops for a few years before allowing
the land to regenerate. They also have a complex
system of forest and water management, which
includes the protection of certain areas as sacred
sites.
Reference:
https://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/programs/ethno-
linguistic-communities/palawan/batak.

Reflection: Write your essay in not more than 150 words.

1. Based on your answers in the given table, do you consider Filipinos in general to be
guardians of the environment? Why or why not?

Based on the information provided in the table, it is difficult to make a definitive judgment
on whether Filipinos in general are guardians of the environment. While some suggest a
positive attitude towards environmental conservation, others indicate that there are
challenges and issues that need to be addressed in order to improve environmental
protection in the country. Overall, it can be said that many Filipinos have a strong
connection to the environment and recognize the importance of protecting natural
resources for future generations. However, there are also systemic and cultural factors
that contribute to environmental degradation, such as lack of enforcement of
environmental laws, unsustainable practices in the agricultural and fishing industries, and
a focus on economic development at the expense of environmental conservation.
Therefore, it is important to acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of
environmental attitudes and practices in the Philippines, and to work towards addressing
the underlying issues that contribute to environmental degradation in order to truly
become guardians of the environment.

2. What career are you aiming to pursue? Why? And what do you consider to be the
relevance of studying indigenous Filipino communities to your targeted career?

I am pursuing a career in business, because I want to have my own business. Studying

indigenous Filipino communities can be relevant to a business career in several ways.
Firstly, understanding the traditional practices and beliefs of indigenous communities can
provide insights into sustainable resource management, which can be useful in industries
such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Secondly, many indigenous communities have
unique handicrafts and products that can be marketed and sold to a wider audience,
providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses. Thirdly, engaging with
indigenous communities in a respectful and equitable manner can contribute to the
development of socially responsible and sustainable business practices. Overall, studying
indigenous Filipino communities can help business professionals gain a deeper
understanding of the cultural and environmental contexts in which they operate, leading
to more informed and responsible decision-making.