Phenomenological Ethnographic Discourse on the Traditional Healing Practices, Rituals, and Beliefs Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Filipino Culture

Abstract

Cultural mapping of the traditional healing systems, rituals, and beliefs is essential in the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Capiz concerning nature and the universe. This study focuses on mapping these practices by employing a phenomenological ethnographic approach through a series of fieldwork, observations, and interviews with the key informants who were carefully chosen using the three-generation test of Manuel (1955) to triangulate the data gathered and based on inclusion criteria set by the researchers. The study reveals that Capisnon (people of Capiz) has different traditional healing systems, rituals, and beliefs that were handed down to the next generations and still exist today.  It was also found that these practices have historical, aesthetic, scientific, social, socio-economic, socio-political, and spiritual significance. Oral transmission and actual observation through non-formal education are the safeguarding measures taken to sustain these practices, which show the resiliency of the people at the community level. Also, identification, documentation, and research like this are essential for its preservation. However, this intangible cultural heritage that has been documented is either at risk or can be lost because the younger generations show less interest in adapting the knowledge and skills due to modernization and external influences. Proactive preservation efforts must be made by recommending the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the province of Capiz to create a comprehensive framework for the protection and inclusion of these practices in the textbooks that the teachers may utilize in teaching social science subjects and other related fields to ensure its sustainability and protection.