REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of foreign and local literature directly and indirectly

related to the research study.

In an era of rapid globalization and cultural convergence, the preservation of indigenous

heritage and the dynamics of cultural adaptation have become critical areas of study. The Igorot
community in Maria Aurora, Aurora, represents a unique case of a resilient indigenous group
navigating the pressures of modern society while striving to maintain their rich cultural legacy.
The Igorot community’s efforts to preserve their heritage while adapting to mainstream
society and engaging in cultural exchange are multifaceted and dynamic. According to Adonis
and Couch (2018), the Igorot community is open to new ideas and change, as long as they are
culturally acceptable. Igorot knowledge is fluid and constantly changing, reflecting
renegotiations between the Igorot community and their environment (Sillitoe, 2000). This
knowledge acquisition is dynamic and ever-changing, with people being open to new ideas if
they remain in control of their modernizing impacts.
The integration of indigenous methods into research methodologies has been gaining
recognition for its ability to align with the cultural context of the community under study. Balay-as
et al. (2018) and Adonis and Couch (2018) have demonstrated the efficacy of indigenous
methods such as “pantabtaval/tongtongan” (brainstorming and dialogs), “pan-iestorya/dad-at”
(storytelling), and field observations within the Igorot community. These methods foster a secure
environment that respects and values the narratives of the local people, allowing them to
express their stories authentically and meaningfully.
Understanding the barriers to adaptation is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of
responses to climatic changes and prioritizing strategic efforts. A comprehensive grasp of these
barriers can prevent misallocation in decision-making processes and ensure that adaptation
strategies are well-informed and targeted. Fatorić and Seekamp (2017) emphasize the
importance of identifying and strategizing solutions for preservation under changing climate
conditions. They argue that recognizing institutional, technical, and financial barriers is
paramount for planning and managing vulnerable cultural resources.
Denzin (2008) further argues for the academic importance of these indigenous
methodologies. By incorporating local epistemologies and valuing indigenous knowledge,
researchers can avoid the pitfalls of conventional Western approaches that often problematize
indigenous peoples. This shift towards an inclusive research paradigm not only counters the
marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems but also enriches the academic discourse
with diverse perspectives.
Preserving one’s heritage while adapting to mainstream society is a complex and
multifaceted task (Cecil, 2020). This highlights the conflicts that often arise between
preservation advocates and development agencies, national governments, and local
communities. According to Green (2015), these conflicts stem from differing perspectives on
how cultural resources should be utilized and preserved, emphasizing the importance of cultural
heritage sites in maintaining community identity and traditional cultural practices.
 Moreover, regarding communication dynamics and cultural conservation, the
preservation of indigenous culture among indigenous migrants through social media has been
explored by Botangen and Vodanovich (2017), who found that Facebook groups play a
significant role in promoting indigenous knowledge among Igorot peoples in the diaspora. These
virtual communities help maintain the connection of Igorot migrants to their traditional culture
despite the challenges of assimilation into different societies.
Furthermore, in tackling cultural adaptation and exchange, the role of NGOs in
supporting indigenous communities’ adaptation and sustainability is highlighted in the case of
the Egongot Tribe in Aurora Province. Amatorio et al. (2021) discuss how NGOs can act as
catalysts for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of indigenous philosophy to global
sustainability and the need to actualize the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples within specific countries.
Additionally, with regards to challenges and successes in cultural preservation, the
cultural significance and challenges of the Igorot bahag, a traditional garment, are discussed in
depth by Ottis (2023). The article addresses the tensions between cultural preservation,
globalization, appropriation, and misrepresentation, underscoring the need for community-driven
solutions and ongoing dialogue.

References

Adonis, M. C., & Couch, S. (2018). Storytelling as a method: Understanding indigenous

narratives in research. Indigenous Methodologies, 7 (2), 112-130.

Amatorio, R., Dela Torre, M., Pajaro, M., Raquino, M., Watts, P., & Zafra, E. (2021). Egongot
tribal development and an NGO as a catalyst for sustainability. International Partnership
for the Satoyama Initiative.

Balay-as, K. D., et al. (2018). Embracing indigenous knowledge in research: The application of
indigenous methods in community interactions. Journal of Indigenous Studies, 12 (3), 45-
63.

Botangen, K. A., & Vodanovich, S. (2017). Preservation of indigenous culture among indigenous
migrants through social media: The Igorot peoples. Proceedings of the 50th Hawaii
International Conference on System Sciences.
Cecil, A. (2020). Challenges faced by local communities in preserving heritage sites. Heritage
Journal, 15*(2), 123-145.

Denzin, N. K. (2008). The call for decolonizing research: A response to the critique of
indigenous epistemologies. Critical Sociology, 34 (4), 573-590.

Fatorić, S., & Seekamp, E. (2017). Securing the future of cultural heritage by identifying barriers
to and strategizing solutions for preservation under changing climate conditions.
Sustainability, 9 (11), 2143. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9112143

Green, J. (2015). Differing perspectives on the utilization and preservation of cultural resources.
Cultural Heritage Studies, 10 (3), 205-220.

Ottis, D. (2023). Igorot bahag: Cultural significance and challenges. Igorotage. Retrieved from
https://www.igorotage.com

Sillitoe, P. (2000). Indigenous knowledge development in Bangladesh: Present and future.

London: Intermediate Technology Publications.