Subanen Rituals on Communal Gatherings in Selected Communities of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Arniel M. Elmedulan Jr.1 and Haydee D. Villanueva2
Preservation of intangible cultural heritage such as rituals provides a tribe with
a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity.
Subanen is one of the tribal groups in Mindanao, Philippines which performs
different rituals. However, little is known about the rituals of Subanen living in
the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur and the
challenges encountered to sustain these practices that could become a barrier in
understanding the tribe's way of life and transmitting this tradition to the next
generation. The purpose of this study is to describe the Subanen rituals on
communal gatherings and occasions. This descriptive study utilized the
qualitative research survey method through face-to-face interview with 21
Subanen key informants. The findings of the study showed that the Subanen
tribe has various rituals in celebrating communal gatherings such as festivals
and meetings, and occasions such as birthdays, weddings, christening, wakes,
and internment. The Subanen people as a tribe are able to sustain their belief
system in respecting nature and all living creatures, especially to the spirits
which they also believe living among them. Although they have a strong belief
and knowledge in the ritual materials to prepare and executing the rituals, they
are having a hard time looking for Balians/Balyans to perform the rituals.
Aside from that, they also have a problem financially since performing rituals
are costly. The findings may enlighten other people about their way of life,
their customary beliefs, and how they are able to preserve their culture for the
next generation.