Traditional Conservation Systems in the Philippines

Traditional Forest Conservation Technologies in the Cordillera, Northern Philippines

As an immigrant from the Philippines, I really wanted to make a blog post about some environmental conservation systems among the Philippines' indigenous inhabitants. Growing up, my parents told me and my siblings stories about native peoples living in the mountains. Though fascinating, I never really gave these people much thought until I learned more about indigenous people through Anthropology 210.

After much research, I stumbled upon the above site about traditional practices of some indigenous peoples in Cordillera in Northern Philippines.

First of all, 17-22% of Philippines' population consists of indigenous people. The people of the Cordillera consist of one of seven groupings of tribes. Cordillera is host to many indigenous cultures like the Isneg, Kaligna, Bontok, Kankasey, and Tinggula, to name a few. The Cordillera people, especially, continue to be the subject of many studies and investigations due to their knowledge systems for natural resource management. Along with other indigenous people, the people of Cordillera implement their beliefs, culture, and traditions to preserve their environment.

One of the tribes in the Cordillera region are the Ifugaos, whose ideal forest management is deeply ingrained in their culture. They implement a muyong system of tending forests. The muyong plays an important role in providing for firewood, construction materials, food, and medicine. It is a storehouse for flora and fauna since is provides a water supply for surrounding wildlife. The quality of terrace cultivation and condition of the entire watershed depend on the water coming from the muyong. Since the Ifugao see the intricate relationship between humans and nonhuman resources which have a connection to the spirit world, they are very careful in their resource consumption. Ifugao culture and laws revolve around their physical environment and proper treatment and use of resources are strictly observed. Overall, the Ifugaos attribute value to the forest on the basis of cultural practices and ways and as a result, has transformed woodlots into multiple-use centers without disturbing the pristine condition of the natural forest.

Other tribes that contribute to preservation of natural ecosystems are the Isneg and Tiggulan with their forest conservation system of lapats. The lapat system highlights the imposition of taboo within designated areas. Exploitation of these areas are strictly prohibited until a certain amount of time has passed. Implementation of this practice includes avoiding places where lumber is usually gathered, avoiding fishing sections of the river, and avoiding gathering fruit from certain trees. The lapat system enables the natural recovery of the forest by allowing plants, trees, and wildlife to reproduce.

As evident, indigenous tribes play a crucial role in the preservation of forests and wildlife in the Philippines. Muyongs and lapats results from indigenous peoples' sensitivity and awareness of the extent of availability of natural resources. Furthermore, such indigenous practices have made the jobs of the Philippine government much easier. Forest protection is not a problem and new laws have been enacted to further preserve indigenous practices. To date, approval must be received from indigenous communities to allow the introduction of modern day technologies. Clearly, the Philippine government commends indigenous knowledge and continues to promote traditional conservation systems. Perhaps other modern-day societies will be inspired to do the same.

-Sharmin Dingle