Philippine E-Journals

LISTEN TO THE CRY FROM WITHIN: THE PLIGHT OF THE AGTA TRIBE AT NAGTIPUNAN, QUIRINO

Lauro S. Aspiras | Magdalena L. Guinumtad | Emma D. Aspiras | Christian S. Escario

Discipline: Social Research

 

Abstract:

Indigenous Peoples like the Agtas are typically assimilated and absorbed in the mainstream culture, but their plight for survival seems forgotten and their culture seems trapped in the recesses of the rich historical past we typically romanticize. Using ethnographic inquiry, this study aimed to provide a more eidetic portrait of the active involvement of the Agtas on their aspirations and plights about their environment and the individuals they are in contact with. A total of 8 members of the tribe were purposively selected to take part in an individual semi-structured and in-depth interview. It was noted that various themes emerged, such as racial discrimination, thirst for education, need for sustainable livelihood programs and crave for the Land Ancestral Domain Title (LADT). It also revealed that their ignorance is taken advantage by some selfish groups of individuals. Thus, the Quirino State University (QSU), Cabarroguis Campus initiated programs and activities to address their plights. Finally, the result of the inquiry could be a benchmark of the philanthropic organizations or agencies to come up with a sustainable program on poverty alleviation for the Agtas.