Thesis Title: A PROPOSED BAGOBO TAGABAWA INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: “A Study on Integrating Community-Based Tourism in Strengthening the Culture of Indigenous People Through Social Architecture”
Thesis Proponent: Carl Steven G. Alboroto
Thesis Adviser: Ar. John Paul M. Aloy, UAP
School: Ateneo De Davao University
Year of Defense: 2024 (Top 10 Thesis)
ABSTRACT
The Philippines is home to a vast number of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), many of whom reside in remote areas, particularly in mountainous regions that remained largely unaffected by colonization. This isolation enabled them to preserve and continuously practice their unique cultures and traditions. However, despite this historical preservation, Indigenous cultures are increasingly at risk of extinction due to the effects of globalization, modernization, and environmental challenges such as climate change.
This study focuses on the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur. It examines the role of community-based tourism (CBT) in strengthening and promoting the tribe’s cultural identity through the application of Social Architecture—an architectural approach that seeks to restore human connection and address the social disconnection brought about by modern society.
The research utilized a combination of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), community immersion, surveys, interviews, ocular inspections, and secondary data sources to gather relevant information. The collected data were systematically analyzed and used as the basis for formulating architectural guidelines. These guidelines provide design recommendations and planning parameters for a proposed development that supports cultural preservation through community-based tourism, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability and well-being of the Bagobo Tagabawa community.
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is home to numerous Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), many of whom reside in remote mountainous regions that remained largely unaffected by colonization. This isolation allowed them to preserve and continuously practice their distinct cultures and traditions. Among these groups is the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe, whose name translates to “southern people,” derived from the word “bawa,” meaning south. They are primarily located near the foothills of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, which they regard as sacred and central to their cultural heritage.
Despite their strong cultural foundation, the traditions and practices of the Bagobo Tagabawa and other Indigenous groups are increasingly threatened. One of the most significant factors contributing to this is modernization and globalization. These forces introduce new cultural influences that gradually alter traditional lifestyles. Research indicates that globalization often brings more negative effects than positive ones on Indigenous cultures, including changes in language, food preferences, religious beliefs, clothing styles, and even social practices such as marriage. These changes contribute to the gradual erosion of cultural identity.
Another major threat is climate change, which disproportionately affects Indigenous communities. Because many IPs rely heavily on their natural environment for sustenance and livelihood, environmental disruptions have severe consequences. Climate-related issues such as rising temperatures, crop damage, and natural disasters like typhoons directly impact their daily lives. Reports have shown that these conditions can lead to health problems, reduced agricultural productivity, and displacement. As a result, many Indigenous individuals are forced to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Migration further accelerates the loss of culture. When Indigenous communities relocate to cities, they are exposed to modern ways of living that differ significantly from their traditions. Younger generations, in particular, become more influenced by modern society and may begin to view traditional knowledge and practices as less relevant. This weakens the transmission of cultural heritage, increasing the risk of cultural extinction over time.
In response to these challenges, there is an urgent need for strategies that will help preserve Indigenous cultures while adapting to modern realities. One proposed approach is community-based tourism (CBT), which involves local communities in providing authentic cultural experiences to visitors. CBT promotes cultural awareness and offers economic benefits that can encourage Indigenous communities to continue practicing their traditions.
However, CBT also has potential drawbacks, including risks to the safety and security of both the community and their environment if not properly managed. Therefore, a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that tourism benefits do not come at the expense of cultural integrity and community well-being.
To address this, the study proposes the integration of Social Architecture in the development of community-based tourism. Social Architecture focuses on designing spaces that promote interaction, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding of human behavior. It emphasizes the relationship between people, their activities, and their environment. By applying this concept, the study aims to create meaningful connections between tourists and the Bagobo Tagabawa community. This approach allows the community to showcase their traditions while enabling visitors to experience authentic culture. Through this approach, the study aims to help provide a sustainable future for the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe which adheres to and conforms to the seventeen (17) sustainable development goals set out by the United Nations.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Modernization provides many benefits, particularly in improving quality of life and increasing convenience. However, it also poses a serious threat to the preservation of Indigenous cultures and traditions. Studies from various parts of the world demonstrate how Western influences have gradually replaced traditional practices. For example, Western religions have diminished Indigenous belief systems, and traditional naming practices have been replaced by modern ones. Similarly, globalization has altered key aspects of Indigenous culture, including language, food, clothing, and social customs.In addition to cultural changes, modernization contributes to environmental degradation, which intensifies the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization increase carbon emissions, leading to climate change. Indigenous Peoples, especially those living in mountainous areas, are among the most vulnerable to these environmental impacts because of their dependence on natural resources.Climate change affects their livelihoods through damaged crops, increased diseases, and the destruction of their lands due to natural disasters. These conditions often force Indigenous communities to adapt by abandoning traditional practices or migrating to urban areas. Migration further weakens cultural preservation, as individuals become more integrated into modern society.
The younger generation is particularly affected by this shift. As they grow up in urban environments or are exposed to modern influences, they may no longer see the value of traditional knowledge and skills. This results in a decline in cultural transmission from one generation to the next, increasing the likelihood of cultural extinction.
These findings present a very alarming issue regarding the current state of IPs’ cultures and traditions. If no actions are taken, cultural extinction is imminent. This is where the theory of Social Architecture will play a significant role in planning a community-based tourism to promote Indigenous cultures and traditions. Using these variables, this study will answer the following research questions:
1. What are the different tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur?
2. What is the current situation of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur?
3. What are the motivating factors that encourage tourists to visit a tourist destination, specifically a cultural heritage site?
4. How can the different tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in Binaton, Digos City, attract tourists?
5. How can Community-based tourism help in promoting the cultures and traditions of the Bagobo Tagabawa in Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur?
6. How can Social Architecture be applied in a community-based tourism development?
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The main goal of the study is to help preserve and promote the rich cultures and traditions of the Bagobo Tagabawa Indigenous Cultural Community in Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur, and to aid in preventing the looming threat of cultural extinction. By applying the principles of Social Architecture, this study also aims to promote sustainable development by enhancing their livelihood which will encourage them to continue practicing their customs and discourage migration. The study’s goals are also not only focused on the ICCs/IPs but also the tourists as well. Through community-based tourism, this study aims to provide a wonderful experience of authentic culture for tourists without compromising the safety and security of the tribe members. In order to achieve all of these, the objectives of the study include:
● Formulate design recommendations for a sustainable community for the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe.
● Aid in mitigating the threat of cultural extinction through engaging the tribe in Community-Based Tourism.
● Elevate the tribe’s economic wellbeing through designing income-generating facilities.
● Help provide an authentic cultural experience for tourists
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will lay out effective guidelines and design parameters through a community-based tourism approach in order to preserve and promote the culture of the Bagobo Tagabawa in Binaton, Digos City. These guidelines will help researchers in conducting related studies in the future and will also serve as an essential source and tool for future designers who also aim to promote Indigenous cultures not just in the Philippines but around the world. This study will also be helpful in properly conducting community-based tourism with the objective of boosting local tourism which will not only improve the conditions of the local ICCs/IPs but also improve the economy.
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