Communicating with Nature: Disaster Resilience Practices among the Talaandig of Talakag, Bukidnon

Authors: Lorena Taglucop, Angelie Collera, Efren Mercado (University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines)
Speakers: Lorena Taglucop
Strand: Language, Community, Ethnicity
Session Type: General Session

Abstract

This is a documentation of the practices of the Talaandig tribe of Talakag, Bukidnon with regard to reading and interpreting the signs of nature before a disaster strikes. The tribe have early warning signs which were documented via observations, key informant interview, and focus group discussions. The Talaandig believe that human beings in the material realm coexist with deities in the spiritual realm and that there should always be a balance between the two. The warning signs of their deities in the spiritual realm greatly affect the material realm, and knowledge of these signs is deemed very important by the tribe for peaceful, abundant, healthy, and safe coexistence. Future research is needed for some findings, including their medicinal plants for healing and ritual, and animal behavior. Other findings are suggestive of policy implications, such as their methods for the conservation of resources and preventing landslides.

Keywords: Talaandig of Talakag, Bukidnon, Disaster Resilience