Philippine E-Journals

Dynamics of Urok Practice: Metaphor of Bagos’ Mutuality and Solidarity

Rudolf T. Vecaldo

Discipline: Social Science, Cultural and Ethnic Studies

 

Abstract:

The Bagos of Casigayan, Tabuk, Kalinga who are migrants from the upland Ilocos Region have maintained an indigenous practice vital in maintaining group solidarity and in ensuring good life among its members. This socio-cultural practice is known as Urok, a formalized assistance (tulong) reflective of a good relationship (pannakikaddua) that underscores the tenets of cooperation, benevolence, unity and collective conscience. The study generally elicited information on issues regarding the performance of Urok and its crucial influence to individual and community life of the Bagos. Ethnographic research methods such as fieldwork, interviews and case analysis were used. Major concepts were unraveled using the theoretical lens of functionalism. Furthermore, the study reveals that the practice of Urok forms an indispensable fabric of the Bagos’ social life. It depicts that the Bagos are not only living together as a household but as a community of reciprocal relationship anchored on interdependent and institutionalized desire and willingness to extend assistance and consolation especially during trying moments of life. Finally, the study proffers that investigating the Bagos’ social values as reflected in their Urok is a living testimony that today’s search for indigenous Filipino social values emphasizing solidarity and mutuality still exists amidst the influences of modernization.