ATTITUDE TOWARDS MODERNIZATION OF SELECTED DUMAGAT PEOPLE: BASIS FOR AWARENESS PLAN

Abstract

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) in the Philippines has faced significant criticism for its limited effectiveness in safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples, particularly the Dumagat tribe in Bulacan. Comprising 367 families and approximately 1,500 individuals, the Dumagat tribe is increasingly vulnerable to land grabbing and poverty, exacerbated by the government’s use of IPRA and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to facilitate mining and business ventures on their ancestral lands. Traditionally relying on hunting, fishing, and crop planting for their livelihood, the Dumagat face displacement, which threatens not only their economic well-being but also their cultural identity. This research seeks to investigate the profound cultural, economic, and emotional impacts of losing agricultural land on the Dumagat tribe, with the goal of addressing issues of land rights, indigenous rights, and environmental justice. The study aims to provide a comprehensive action plan that can empower this marginalized community, offering strategies for cultural preservation, economic recovery, and legal advocacy. This chapter outlines the research design, participants, sampling strategies, data collection methods, tool validation, instrument development, and the statistical analysis techniques used in the study. The research employs a descriptive research design to examine the Dumagat people's perceptions and emotional responses to the loss of their agricultural land. Thirty (30) Dumagat residents from Sitio Karahume, Barangay San Isidro, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, were selected as participants using purposive sampling.  Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, designed to collect information on the respondents’ demographics, the factors influencing their views, and the impact of losing agricultural land on their livelihoods, finances, and employment opportunities. The research tool was carefully developed and validated through expert feedback and pre-testing to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The data collected were then analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to draw meaningful conclusions about the Dumagat community’s experiences and challenges. The data reveals that most respondents are between the ages of thirty and forty, although there is a broad age range represented. The largest age group, 23.33% of respondents, falls between 41 and 45 years old. Meanwhile, 16.67% of the sample, or 30% of responses, are from individuals aged between sixteen and thirty-five. This age distribution may impact the interpretation of the survey results, especially when considering generational disparities or differing preferences across age groups. The study highlights the Dumagat people's mixed views on modernity, emphasizing the need to consider their perspectives and values in development efforts. It suggests focusing on initiatives that align with Dumagat goals, incorporate their traditional knowledge, and advocate for sustainable development practices that respect their culture and way of life.