A Case Study of Ifugao Ethnic Group

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Ethics

Angue, Dianna Jy
De la Roca, Lady Carolyn A.
Panganiban, Amirah Katrina
BS ENTREP 2102

September 2023
 Ifugao Ethnic Group
Facts of the Case:

The Ifugao, also known as I-Pugao, call themselves the "inhabitants of the known earth.
or world". There are many other variations of their name, such as the Ifugaw, Ipugao, and Yfugao.
Ifugao comes from the word Ipugo, which means "from the hill". The Ifugao Indigenous people
are known for their sophistication in wet rice terracing and their intricate rituals and legal
organization, even though traditionally they have little or no inter-village political system. They
are untouched by the influences of Spanish colonialism; that's why they stick to their tradition.
culture and beliefs, and they value their culture, kinship, family ties, religious beliefs, and
tradition. Their group was ruled by a council made of elders from their tribe, which was less than their
society, a peaceful and prosperous plutocracy that developed one of the best agricultural techniques
in Asia at the precolonial time.

Anthropologists have regarded the Ifugao as possibly the oldest residents of the highlands;
their origin is attributed to Indonesian migration, dating back as early as 800-500 BC. The state has
existed for over 2000 years and has built massive rice terraces that will be a symbol of the province in
the future. The Ifugao culture inhabits an area of roughly 750 to 970 square miles in northern Luzon,
which is located in the Philippines. The culture resides in the most rugged and mountainous parts of
the Philippines, which are high in the Cordillera Central in northern Luzon. The Cordillera Central is
consumed by a wide variety of natural areas. The Cordillera Central of Northern Luzon has
mountainous peaks that rise from 1,000 to 5,000 meters and are drained by the waters of the Magat
River. Their neighbors to the north are the Bontco; to the east, Gaddang; to the west, Kankanay and
Ibaloy; and to the south, Ikalaham and Iwak. It is believed the Ifugao were likely inhabitants of the
nearby fertile plains, which is greatly opposite of their current dwelling. It is also believed that they
were driven out of these plains by Malaysians because of their superior weapons. This is why they
currently reside on the mountainside. The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago of
approximately 7,000 islands. The first people arrived about 100,000 years ago. These individuals
were hunters and gatherers who survived off of the land’s basic resources. Thousands of years later,
people arrived from Asia and brought with them agricultural skills and social structure. From this
cross-cultural intermingling, a culture was created, and the Philippines was born.

Their principal means of livelihood is agricultural terracing, along with farming. They are unique
among all the ethnic groups in the Cordillera because of their interesting customs and traditions also
for their narrative literature, such as hudhud. They are also known for their sheer beauty, colorful
blankets, and clothing woven on looms. Their houses were well-built and unique among other tribal
houses. Ifugao is very creative in many ways. We’ve learned that their attire is very traditional. Ifugao
was possibly the oldest residents of the highlands. Agricultural terracing is their principal means of
livelihood, along with farming. Their culture values kinship, family ties, and religious and cultural
beliefs. Another feature of the Ifugao is their woodcarving art, most notably the carved granary
guardians, Bului, and the prestige bench of the upper class, the Hagabi. They built their houses well,
characterized by a square with wooden floors and windowless walls and pyramidal thatch roofs. It is
elevated from the ground by four study tree trunks, and they feature their removable staircases that
were hoisted up at night to prevent the entry of their enemies and also wild animals. They are also
headhunters who are famous for their spectacular mountain-hugging rice. terraces. In the midst of
hunting, they were feared headhunters among other tribes in the highlands of the region in Northern
Luzon. Their men hunt rodents, small mammals, and wild pigs with spears, which come in three
varieties. One is used as a hunting stick; another has a magically shaped iron tip reserved for big
game; and another is used for ceremonial dances. Also, hunters use wild pig hide as a backpack to
carry rice and sweet potatoes.

I. TIME CONTEXT- 2013

II. VIEWPOINT - Gov. Jerry U. Dalipog
III. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM/S

1. How Ifugao’s will preserve their collective rights to lands, territories and natural
resources?
2. How can the scarcity on the resources due to population growth be minimize?

IV. STATEMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES

1. To preserve Ifugao’s collective rights to lands, territories and natural resources for them
to foster their culture, livelihood and access to their properties.
2. To minimize the scarcity of resources due to increasing population growth.

V. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION

A. STRENGTHS
1. The Ifugao province is well-known for its rice terraces that are inscribed in the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Ifugao culture value kinship, family ties, religious and culture beliefs.
3. Their Banaue Rice Terraces was declared by the Philippine Government as
Natural Cultural Treasure.

4. They are known

5. for their woodcarving
art.
B. WEAKNESSES
1. Land disputes and challenges related to the management of natural resources
can arise within Ifugao communities. These issues can strain community
cohesion and resource sustainability.
2. The Ifugao, together with other indigenous tribes in the Philippines, are at a state
of disadvantage due to the discrepancies between the rights that they receive
relative to the more urbanized areas of the country.
3. Situations of tenure insecurity are a driver of poverty and inequality worldwide,
affecting indigenous peoples as well as other local communities.
 4. Their battle to protect land and natural resources is at the same time the struggle
to preserve indigenous culture and traditions often inextricably linked to the land
itself.

C. OPPORTUNITIES
1. Rice Terraces serve as tourist attractions for both international and domestic
tourists which have brought large economic growth to rural communities in the
Ifugao.
2. They are known for their woodcarving art, sheer beauty, colorful blankets, and
clothing woven on looms.

D. THREATS
1. Knowledge systems are slowly disappearing due to the changing needs and
interests of the indigenous peoples as well as the proliferation of government
programmes to modernize farming technologies.
2. By tradition, the land being managed by the Ifugao’s do not have titles; hence,
the rights to use the land are community-based and passed on through
inheritance.
3. The traditional rice cultivation system of Ifugao is now threatened by natural and
anthropogenic factors.
4. An increasing human population led to increased demand for firewood and
timber products for housing and woodcarvings, causing deforestation and
affecting water supply from the muyong.
5. The desire to preserve the Ifugao culture and to become inclusive in delivering
equal rights and services create divided vantages that seem to present a rift and
dilemma deciding which ideology to promulgate.
6. The lack of formal State recognition of indigenous rights to their traditional
territories often results in a situation of unclear and overlapping claims to lands,
especially at a time when pressure on lands and resources is exacerbated by a
large increase in land investments, population growth, growing demand for
energy and food.

VI. ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION

A. How Ifugao’s will preserve their collective rights to lands, territories and natural
resources?

1. Seek Legal Recognition and Protection through government process

ADVANTAGES
1.) It provides a clear and formal acknowledgment of the community's rights to their
ancestral lands, territories, and natural resources. This security helps protect
these resources from encroachment and exploitation by external parties.
2.) Recognized indigenous communities often gain access to government support,
including financial assistance, infrastructure development, and social services.
This can improve the overall well-being and development of the community.
 3.) Legal recognition often comes with conditions that require indigenous
communities to engage in sustainable resource management practices. This
helps ensure the responsible use of resources for future generations.
4.) Indigenous communities often have strong cultural ties to their lands and
resources. Legal recognition can help protect these cultural heritage sites and
practices, preserving them for future generations.
5.) Aligns with international agreements and declarations, such as the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which
emphasizes the rights of indigenous communities to their lands and resources.
6.) Empowers indigenous communities by giving them a voice in decision-making
processes regarding their lands and resources.
7.) Attract responsible investments that support sustainable economic development
within the community. It may encourage eco-tourism, agroforestry, or other
ventures that benefit both the community and the environment.

DISADVANTAGES

1.) Process can be lengthy, complex, and bureaucratic, involving various

government agencies and multiple stages of approval. This can be time-
consuming and frustrating for indigenous communities.
2.) Requires hiring legal experts, surveyors, and other professionals, incurring
significant costs. Indigenous communities with limited resources may struggle
to cover these expenses.
3.) Does not always guarantee adequate protection of indigenous rights. The
enforcement of these rights may be weak, and governments may fail to
prevent encroachments or violations by external parties.
4.) Create a sense of dependence on external government authorities, potentially
undermining the self-governance and autonomy that many indigenous
communities value.

2. Collaborations and Alliances with local and international indigenous rights

organizations

ADVANTAGES
1.) Collaboration allows indigenous communities to join forces with other like-minded
groups, creating a collective and stronger voice to advocate for their rights.
2.) Indigenous rights organizations often have expertise in legal matters, advocacy,
and policy analysis.
3.) Enable the exchange of experiences and best practices among indigenous
communities facing similar challenges. This sharing of knowledge can lead to
more effective strategies for protecting rights and preserving culture.
4.) Can bring international attention to indigenous rights violations, which may lead
to diplomatic pressure on governments to respect those rights.
5.) Indigenous rights organizations may provide legal aid and representation, helping
communities pursue legal recourse when their rights are violated.

DISADVANTAGES
 1.) Communities may become overly dependent on external organizations for
funding, technical assistance, and advocacy. This dependency can weaken
their self-reliance and autonomy.
2.) Cultural differences between indigenous communities and external
organizations can lead to misunderstandings or insensitivity, potentially
undermining the effectiveness of collaborations.
3.) Create competition for limited resources, such as funding, among different
indigenous communities or organizations.
4.) Overreliance on external expertise may lead to the erosion of traditional
knowledge and practices within indigenous communities.
5.) Disputes or conflicts between indigenous communities and external
organizations can arise, and finding mutually acceptable resolutions can be
challenging.
6.) Collaborative projects may not always include long-term sustainability
planning, leaving communities without a clear path forward after the
collaboration ends.

3. Advocacy and Awareness

ADVANTAGES

1.) Increased recognition of indigenous land rights by governments and legal

authorities.
2.) Garner support from non-indigenous individuals, organizations, and allies who
may join the cause, provide resources, and advocate on behalf of indigenous
communities.
3.) Connect indigenous communities with global indigenous rights movements,
allowing them to benefit from international solidarity and support.
4.) Development of new legislation or the strengthening of existing laws to ensure
the preservation of these rights.
5.) Emphasize the cultural significance of indigenous lands and resources.

DISADVANTAGES

1.) Face resistance from governments, corporations, or individuals with vested

interests in exploiting indigenous lands and resources.
2.) Indigenous activists and advocates who speak out for land rights may face
threats, violence, or harassment, putting their safety and well-being at risk.
3.) Require financial and human resources.
4.) Advocacy campaigns must be culturally sensitive and respectful of the traditions
and values of indigenous communities
5.) Require a long-term commitment, and progress may be slow.
6.) Not all members of an indigenous community may be aligned in their views on
land rights and advocacy strategies.

B. How can the scarcity on the resources due to population growth be minimize?
1.) Promote Sustainable Agriculture

ADVANTAGES

1.) Conserve essential resources such as soil, water, and biodiversity. This ensures
the availability of these resources for future generations, even as the population
grows.
2.) Aligns with traditional farming practices, preserving indigenous knowledge and
cultural heritage that are central to the identity of the Ifugao people.
3.) Promotes diversified and resilient crop systems, reducing the risk of food
shortages and enhancing food security, especially important with a growing
population to feed.
4.) Provide a stable source of income for rural communities, contributing to
economic stability and reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations.
5.) Contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of natural
resources, such as soil and water, by minimizing the use of harmful pesticides
and fertilizers.

DISADVANTAGES

1.) Transitioning to sustainable agriculture practices often requires initial investments in

infrastructure, training, and resources. These costs can be a barrier for farmers,
especially those with limited financial means.
2.) The shift to sustainable agriculture practices may require a significant amount of
time for training, adaptation, and the development of new skills.
3.) Sustainable agricultural products may not always align with market demand or
command higher prices, potentially limiting the economic benefits for farmers.
4.) In regions with increasing population pressure, access to land, water, and other
resources needed for sustainable agriculture practices can become limited, making it
challenging to implement such practices effectively.
5.) Land tenure and property rights can be complex issues in some areas.
6.) With increasing population growth, there can be competition for limited resources
such as water, leading to potential conflicts between agricultural and domestic
needs.

2.) Reforestation and Forest Conservation

ADVANTAGES
1.) Protect native plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity conservation
in the region.
2.) Forests play a crucial role in regulating water flow, preventing erosion, and
maintaining the health of rivers and watersheds. This helps ensure a consistent
supply of clean water for communities, agriculture, and wildlife.
3.) Trees and forest vegetation help improve soil quality by preventing soil erosion,
increasing soil fertility, and reducing the risk of landslides.
4.) Supports sustainable resource management by ensuring a steady supply of
timber, non-timber forest products, and medicinal plants for local communities.
 5.) Reforested and conserved areas can attract eco-tourism, providing economic
opportunities for local communities and raising awareness about the importance
of forest conservation.
6.) Involving local communities in reforestation and forest conservation projects can
empower them economically and strengthen their connection to the land.

DISADVANTAGES
1.) Long-term endeavors that require significant time and effort.
2.) Land used for reforestation may not be available for other purposes, such as
agriculture or infrastructure development.
3.) Reforestation projects often require substantial initial investments in terms of
tree planting, maintenance, and monitoring.
4.) Typically do not provide immediate economic returns.
5.) Displacement of indigenous communities from their ancestral lands, causing
social and cultural disruptions.

3.) Population Stabilization

ADVANTAGES

1.) Ensure the sustainable use of natural resources within the Cordillera region.
2.) Preserve the cultural and traditional practices of the Ifugao community.
3.) Reduces the demand for these resources, helping to protect forest ecosystems
and biodiversity.

DISADVANTAGES

1.) Traditional cultural values and beliefs may influence some community members
to resist family planning initiatives.
2.) Result in an aging population, which can place a burden on the working-age
population to support the elderly.

VII. RECOMMENDATION

The best solutions to the problem are: alternative course of action number 1 for
the seek Legal Recognition and Protection through government process; and alternative
courses of action no. 3 for the minimization of scarce resource with Ifugao’s increasing
population growth.
Eventhough Reforestation and Forest Conservation require significant time and
effort, its outcome will be beneficial to the Ifugao’s who lives in there.

VIII. CONCLUSION

The legal recognition and protection of land rights are essential for the Ifugao’s because
they uphold their cultural identity, protect their livelihoods, ensure food security, conserve
the environment, promote self-determination, and safeguard their human rights. These
legal frameworks play a crucial role in addressing historical injustices and fostering a more
just and equitable society. This helps ensure the responsible use of resources for future
generations.

Also, Reforestation and Forest Conservation helps not only to supply the scarce
resource of increasing population of Ifugao’s, but it also offer a wide range of benefits for
both the environment and society as a whole. These initiatives are crucial for addressing
various environmental and social challenges. It can contribute to long-term economic
stability by ensuring the sustainability of forest resources.