Abstract: The Province of Ifugao, which is the focus of this study, is the only declared Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) site in the Philippines and one of the first listed group of GIAHS in the world, with the inclusion of Ifugao as UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site. Notwithstanding, the province is also under constant threat of natural calamities owing to its mountainous terrain. During heavy rains and strong winds, it is very normal to experience the wrath of floods and landslides that normally cause havoc on life and property.
The constant suffering from natural calamities and disasters coupled by their limited capacity and technological advancement taught the Ifugao people to rely on each other’s support and assistance in surmounting catastrophes, from building houses after typhoons or calamities to tending their farms during planting and harvesting seasons. This practice is called “Bayanihan” from the Filipino term Bayani+han meaning heroism or doing heroic acts in times of somebody else needs. As anthropologist stressed, Bayahnihan is a practical response to both individual & community needs which, under certain circumstances would be difficult to achieve if people with meager means did not organize themselves and pull together their resource. The Ifugao people also have their versions of “bayanihan” displayed in everyday life and practiced throughout the ages. These bayanihan practices/ behavior comes out in various situations of need, surface in different terms and practiced in different ways, but all are geared towards helping one another surmount a certain calamity or challenge in life.
Title: Surmounting Calamities in the Philippine GIAHS Site
Author: Dr. Vicky C. Madangeng, Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon, Mrs Generose S. Ognayon
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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