Indigenous knowledge, beliefs, and practices in rice farming of people in Cuyo Island, Palawan

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the indigenous knowledge, beliefs, and practices in rice farming of people in Cuyo Island, Palawan. It also aims to find out the indigenous knowledge, beliefs and practices in planting, harvesting, storing, processing, and selling rice products. Both primary and secondary data are used in this study. Data collection was done using interview schedule. Two sets of respondents were interviewed to collect data - the farmers and some key informants such as the barangay captains, and the oldest people of the two (2) barangays. The study was conducted in the barangays of the Municipality of Magsaysay, Cuyo Island, Palawan. These barangays are Igabas, Emilod, and Balaguen. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results of the study show that Cuyunon farmers have many existing traditional practices related to planting, harvesting, storing, processing, and selling rice products. It also shows that Cuyunons practice traditional farming in the same way that upland rice farmers in some parts of the Philippines do. Based on the results the researchers recommend that the following aspects about the Cuyunon farmers should also be studied: (1) existing development programs implemented by the Government Agencies, and NGOs related to rice farming in the locality; (2) assessments of farmers attitude towards these programs; (3) accessibility of the technology introduced by these agencies; and (4) feasibility of establishment of a people’s organization among the farmers.